Ginger Cinnamon Vanilla & Maca Moon Milk

? 2 cups almond milk
? 1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter
? 1/2 teaspoon of maca powder
? 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
? 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
? 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
? Pinch of pink salt

I’m sure all of you have had insomnia and hate it just as much as I do. I have been having episodes for the past week for the first time in a while. My trigger is anxiety, whether it is for a upcoming event or past events that I can’t get out of my head, or because my job is stressing me out… and that little voice then slowly takes over my mind just before bed to the point where I cannot sleep because I’m too busy re-living events or imagining every possible outcome to whatever is causing this anxiety.  Sometimes meditation, sports or cooking just dosen’t calm my nerves and it happens.

I’m not going to tell you that I have the solution for insomnia, usually it ends in me finally falling asleep after a few days of exhaustion, but one can try right?!

So welcome to the dreamy world of Moon milk 🙂 . What is it ? Moon milk is based on a Ayurvedic medicinal tradition that consists of drinking warm milk mixed with spices and adaptogens to help your body relax for a good night’s sleep and balance itself from a stress-caused day.
An adaptogen is a herbal supplement that is dense in nutrients. They have been shown to aid in the body’s natural process of lowering blood sugar and boosting the immune system. The idea is to use spices and adaptogens that are good for their calming, relaxing and nurturing properties.
Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or black pepper are commonly used spices, and Ashwagandha, Tumeric or Maca are known adaptogens for relieving stress, soothes restless minds and can also improve mental clarity.
Typically one would avoid adding cacao to this beverage as it tends to have an exciting effect on the body. But everyone reacts differently so you do you!

There are many variations of Moon milks out there such as Golden Milk (made with tumeric spice) or Pink Moon Milk (made with tart cherry juice) but you can make it with whatever calming spices and adaptogens you have on hand or prefer.

Today I chose to make mine with ground ginger, cinnamon, maca, vanilla and coconut butter. I mixed all of these spices and adaptogens with warm Almond milk but it can also work with coconut milk, any kind of nut milk or cow’s milk according to your needs.

Maca is a Peruvian root, member of the cruciferous family, like cabbage and broccoli, but is considered as one of the most natural superfoods due to its many health benefits. It’s also considered an adaptogen because it can help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job or illness.

The top 5 benefits of Maca Powder are:

1. Rich in Antioxidants
2. Enhances Energy, Mood and Memory
3. Improves Female Sexual Health
4. Balances Estrogen Levels
5. Boosts Male Fertility

I really like mixing maca with milky flavours, or chocolate and banana because it adapts well with it’s nutty taste. It can also work in some morning coffee 😉 .