Moon milk is a stress-busting beverage derived from traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which is one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. It is known for its rich blend of herbs and adaptogens, such as ashwagandha. Notably, adaptogens are herbs and plants that are thought to help the human body manage physical and mental stressors.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asian and African territories. It contains certain chemicals that might help release stress, calm the brain, lower blood pressure and bolster immunity. Some of the conditions it is used for include insomnia, ageing, anxiety and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Moon Milk Recipe

Ingredients for moon milk recipe

- 1 cup milk of choice (whole, almond, or coconut)

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ashwagandha powder

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

- A pinch of ground nutmeg

- 1 teaspoon coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

How To Make Moon Milk?

1. Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a low simmer over medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil.

2. Add Spices: Once the milk is warm, whisk in the ashwagandha powder, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture gently simmer for about five minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

4. Incorporate Coconut Oil: Stir in the coconut oil until fully melted and combined.

5. Serve: Pour the moon milk into a cup. If desired, sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.

6. Enjoy: Sip your calming moon milk before bedtime for a soothing treat.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Moon Milk?

Moon milk, which often contains ashwagandha, may not be suitable for everyone. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, while ashwagandha is generally safe for short-term use (up to three months), certain individuals should avoid it. Specifically, those taking medications for thyroid issues, blood pressure, or blood sugar should exercise caution.

Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, should refrain from consuming products with ashwagandha. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating moon milk or ashwagandha into your diet, especially if you fall into any of these categories. This ensures that your health and safety are prioritized while enjoying potential wellness benefits.

What if your morning tea could do more than just shake off sleep? What if, instead of a quick caffeine fix, it became a ritual—one that aligns your body with nature’s rhythm, fuels your energy, and nurtures your mind?

Ayurveda dictates, mornings aren't simply about waking up; they're about laying the groundwork for the day to come. And what you introduce into your body first matters. Your tea isn't merely a beverage—it's a chance to align your doshas, support your digestion, and welcome clarity into your mind. So, before you grab that sugar-coated, milky mug, let's rethink what your morning tea should actually be doing for you.

As per Ayurveda, dinacharya or daily routine is essential for keeping the body, mind, and spirit in health. Having morning routines not only synchronizes us with nature's rhythm but also helps maintain overall well-being. An Ayurvedic morning routine grounds us for the day ahead, bringing equilibrium between the body's doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Dr. Rohit Sane, an expert in Ayurveda, underscores, "The early morning hours are sacred.". The mind is peaceful, the environment is calm, and the body is spontaneously preparing for the upcoming day. Ayurveda believes that this period, which is called Brahma Muhurta, is an opportunity to harmonize with nature's rhythm." Among the most important Ayurvedic traditions at this moment is beginning the day with a well-selected herbal tea, created to cultivate the body rather than merely waking it up.

In Ayurveda, the various periods of the day are dominated by three doshas:

Vata (2 a.m. - 6 a.m.) – Dominated by air and ether, Vata's energy encourages lightness, creativity, and movement. This is the best time to wake up, cleanse, and practice grounding activities such as meditation and deep breathing.

Kapha (6 a.m. - 10 a.m.) – Earth and water elements predominate, inducing heaviness and lethargy. Waking up after this time can cause drowsiness during the day.

Pitta (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) – Governed by fire and water, this time increases concentration and productivity, making it the best time for work and solving problems.

Identification of these shifts in energy aids in the organization of a morning regimen that acts harmoniously with the body, not against it.

Why Your Morning Tea Needs To Be More Than Just Caffeine?

While most use customary caffeinated tea and coffee as a starting point for their day, Ayurveda suggests herb teas individualized to the unique dosha. These teas wake up the senses, light up Agni (digestive fire), and revive balance in the body's energies.

Dr. Sane continues, "In contrast to usual tea filled with milk, sugar, and caffeine, Ayurvedic teas employ targeted herbs to balance doshic disarray. The proper tea has the ability to boost digestion, stimulate clarity, and maintain energy without the collapse."

Herbal Tea Blends for Each Dosha

1. Teas for Kapha Dominance

Morning, being Kapha-dominant, has heavy, cool, and slow properties. When unbalanced, these can manifest as sluggishness and lethargy. Ayurvedic teas neutralize this by using warming and stimulating spices.

Best Ingredients:

• Dry ginger
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon
• Tulsi (Holy Basil)

These herbs assist in energizing the body, stimulating digestion, and offering sustained energy levels throughout the day.

2. Teas for Vata Imbalance

Individuals with dominant Vata energy tend to wake up cold, scattered, or anxious. To counteract this, warming and stabilizing herbs are employed.

Best Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha
• Nutmeg
• Licorice
• Cardamom

These herbs create warmth, alleviate stress, and ensure that there is constant energy without overstimulation.

3. Teas for Pitta Dominance

Individuals with a dominant Pitta dosha tend to wake up with a clear mind but can be overheated or cranky. Cooling teas balance excessive heat and avoid mood changes.

Best Ingredients:

• Fennel
• Rose petals
• Mint
• Coriander

These are calm-inducing herbs, easing digestion while cooling the body and clarifying the mind.

Ayurvedic Sutra: Food and Beverages as Medicine

Ayurveda firmly adheres to the principle "Ahara hi param aushadham" or food and drink are the most powerful medicine. A carefully prepared herbal tea, appropriate for one's dosha and season, is not merely a beverage—it's an exercise in self-healing. It boosts ojas (life energy), balances emotions, and aids digestion.

Dr. Sane repeats, "A cup of herbal tea in the morning, selected based on your dosha, is an ancient but effective way to begin the day. It provides clarity, enhances metabolism, and keeps energy levels stable."

How to Add Ayurvedic Teas to Your Lifestyle?

Find Out Your Dosha: Knowing if you are more Vata, Pitta, or Kapha helps in choosing the tea.

Brew with Consciousness: Ayurveda stresses being conscious in every move. Make your morning tea slowly, aware of its medicinal virtues.

Combine with Other Ayurvedic Habits: Follow up your tea with oil pulling, tongue scraping, and breathing exercises for an overall healthy morning routine.

Be Seasonal: Tailor your tea ingredients according to the change in seasons. For instance, winter warming spices and summer cooling herbs.

Morning tea can do more than merely wake you up—it can feed your body, mind, and spirit. The Ayurvedic approach isn't about deprivation but about conscious nourishment, making sure each sip of tea adds to your well-being. So tomorrow morning, ditch the sugar-filled, caffeine-rich brew and try a herbal blend that's specific to you. Your body—and your mind—will thank you for it.

Did you know why thousands of basil trees were planted around the Taj Mahal? You might not be aware of the reason. Since ancient times, basil has been called the "Queen of Herbs." In India, almost every household used to have a basil plant in their courtyard.

Basil trees were planted around the Taj Mahal to help control pollution. They release oxygen for up to 20 hours a day and protect the ozone layer within just four hours. Additionally, basil can purify the air within a 100-square-foot radius.

Shah Jahan had the iconic tulsi trees planted around the monument. Tulsi is known for its medicinal properties—it can help counteract the side effects of paracetamol and anti-TB medicines. It also reduces DNA damage, inhibits tumor growth, and is beneficial for conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Here's What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Tulsi Leaves Everyday?

When consumed first thing in the morning, tulsi leaves can provide several health advantages.

• Immunity Booster: Tulsi is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and eugenol. These compounds help fight free radicals and support the immune system. Daily intake may help the body resist infections and improve overall resilience.
• Detoxification Powerhouse: Tulsi’s natural diuretic qualities help eliminate toxins and excess water. This cleansing effect can support kidney function, purify the blood, and result in clearer skin.
• Digestive Aid: Eating tulsi leaves on an empty stomach may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. This boosts nutrient absorption and eases digestion, while its anti-inflammatory traits soothe the gut lining and reduce bloating.
• Stress Relief and Mood Enhancement: Tulsi is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress by regulating cortisol levels. This may lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm.
• Respiratory Support: Used traditionally for coughs, colds, and asthma, tulsi’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects support respiratory health and relieve airway discomfort.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies indicate that tulsi can help manage blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially aiding those with diabetes or prediabetes.

Indian hair care has a long history of using natural methods taken from Ayurveda. Most South Asian mothers and grandmothers use oily, herbal massages on their children's heads, followed by washing with natural cleansers like reetha, which comes from soapnuts. These practices are based on Ayurveda and stories from Hindu mythology, which focus on keeping hair healthy with natural remedies. Old texts even suggest that gods and goddesses with balanced personalities had beautiful hair, showing a connection between inner peace and outer beauty.

Practices like adding turmeric and medicinal roots like ginger to our diet, using herbal remedies to build our immunity like eating Tulsi etc.

These practices and learning may seem daunting at first, but you should not worry. Start slow and build your health from there. Flipping your daily routine on its head to practice healthier choices may seem like the best option, but it is better to ease into these practices.

Ayurvedic Tips To Improve Hair Health

While Ayurveda focuses on natural healing and healthy practices, it is always a good practice to do safety checks before you add anything new to your care routine. Patch test before using any new herbal product. One should also beware of potential allergies and side effects. Herbal remedies should be used as a part of a wider healthy lifestyle, make sure you focus on taking care of overall health.

Holistic Approach

Ayurvedic hair care looks at your whole self, not just your hair. It believes your mind, feelings, and food all play a role. It tries to fix the real reasons behind hair trouble, instead of just covering up the symptoms. This way, your hair gets better from the inside out.

Mental and Emotional Health

Feeling stressed or upset can change your hormones, and this can affect your hair. Keeping your mind calm and happy is very important for healthy hair. When you manage stress, your body works better, and your hair grows stronger.

Nutrition

Eating the right foods helps your hair grow. Ayurveda suggests eating fruits and vegetables that fit your body type. Adding healthy fats, like nuts, is good too. Spices like cumin and ginger help your body use food better. Herbal pills like Triphala can balance your body.

Hair Oiling and Washing

Putting oil on your hair feeds your hair roots and scalp. Different oils, like almond, coconut, or olive, work best for different people. Washing your hair with gentle, natural shampoos keeps it clean without drying it out. This makes your hair stronger and healthier.

Scalp Massage

Rubbing your scalp helps blood flow to your hair roots, which makes your hair grow. Warm oil massages are especially good. They make your scalp feel good and help the oil soak in. This keeps your hair and scalp healthy.

Herbal Hair Care

Natural cleansers from plants, like reetha and shikakai, clean your hair gently. Using masks, rinses, and teas with herbs like amla, neem, and hibiscus can help your hair grow and stay healthy. Smelling good oils can also help you relax, which is good for your hair.