If someone told you there was a “secret weapon to glowing skin” that can “erase” wrinkles, and that you could drink at night and wake up with more glowing skin, you’d listen, right? Well, that’s just what Plastic Surgeon Dr. Anil Rajani has in store for us. “Beauty sleep isn’t just a saying, it’s actually a true science,” Rajani says he tells his patients. When we sleep, our skin cells regenerate, collagen production increases, and we wake up looking refreshed.
If you’re stressed or a restless mind is keeping you up, you are losing out on that major skin benefit you get with sleep. Rajani recommends a secret weapon: a drink called moon milk that you can make with ingredients you may already have in your fridge and pantry. Even if you’ve never heard of it before, it can be a game-changer when it comes to your sleep and skincare. Here’s what you need to know about moon milk, including how to whip it up yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own soothing, warm moon milk (which comes from Ayurvedic medicine), you’ll need to following seven ingredients:
1 - 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwaghanda powder (this can be purchased at a health store and can help relieve stress)
2 - 1 cup of milk (any kind)
3 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (great for circulation)
4 - 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (for inflammation)
5 - pinch of nutmeg
6 - coconut oil
7 - 1 teaspoon of honey (which has anti-bacterial properties)
How To Make Moon Milk
Heat your milk gently, but do not boil it. Whisk in the ashwagandha, ginger, and nutmeg. Let this simmer for five minute. Stir in coconut oil and honey. That’s it — you’re ready to sip your nighttime drink now.
Why Ashwagandha Helps
Even though Rajani lists ashwagandha as a nice-to-have ingredient in moon milk, but one that can also be skipped, he favors it for a few reasons backed by science. For starters, it is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can address skincare issues from stress, like puffiness. Ashwagandha also lowers cortisol levels, which can break down collagen. By keeping your cortisol in check, you can protect your skin from sagging and aging.
Reasons to Avoid Ashwagandha
If you’re taking thyroid, blood pressure, or blood sugar medication, Rajani recommends removing ashwaganda from your moon milk until you check in with your doctor.
