Moon milk is the solution for sleepless nights that’s going viral

Struggling to get enough shut-eye? Moon milk is the latest wellness trend on the block (read: Internet), promising to help you get a blissful night’s sleep.   

Currently trending on Pinterest, moon milk has had an 85 per cent increase in saves over the last 12 months in Australia – and we’re anticipating that it’s about to become one of the biggest new wellness trends.

So, what exactly is this pastel-hued drink coined with a celestial moniker? Thankfully it’s actually not as weird as it sounds. Think: the cup of pre-bedtime hot milk of your childhood mixed with sleep-promoting adaptogenic herbs, spices and sweetener of your choice.

Right now you may be thinking, “And adaptogenic herbs mean…?” So we got celebrity chef and nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin to break it down for you.

According to Bingley-Pullin,“Adaptogens are herbs that are believed to have a positive effect on the way we respond to stress and make our body more resilient to stress. It’s practically impossible to remove all stress from our lives, so instead it makes sense to help the body be able to better respond to stress,” she says. “This in turn helps reduce the negative impacts stress has on the body, including poor sleep.”

“Adaptogens specifically promote sleep by helping to regulate cortisol secretion – cortisol is our stress hormone and when raised at night time it can interfere with melatonin production and therefore impact sleep. Some adaptogens are also know to have a sedative effect and therefore used for insomnia.”

And besides the fact that adaptogenic can help combat insomnia, Bingley-Pullin says that overall they can help improve overall health and balance hormones.

There are a heap of different types of adaptogens on the market, each targeting different purposes for overall health and wellbeing. Bingley-Pullin says the five most common adaptogens to look out for are: Siberian ginseng (used for physical and mental performance), Korean ginseng (used for vitality and energy), Rhodiola (used to reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety and improve concentration in times of stress), Schisandra (used to help the body deal with stress and also reduce anxiety), and Withania (used for stress, improving stamina, reducing anxiety and mental performance).

We’ll take one of each, thanks.

“Each herb usually comes in liquid or tablet form or in powdered form and used in teas, smoothies or warm drinks such as the moon milk. The amount needed will vary depending on the individual, so it’s always best to consult with a health professional to get specific advice.”

So, choose your adaptogenic herbs, grab some milk and your favourite mug and you’re good to go!

Not up for a DIY sleep remedy? We recommend trying The Beauty Chef Sleep Inner Beauty Powder, Vida Glow Beauty Sleep or Your Tea Sleep Tea.

If you’re looking for more solutions to help you get a blissful night’s sleep, check out our review on Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion.

What do you think of the moon milk trend? Would you try it? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: @mirandakerr