The Science Behind Drinking a Hot Milky Drink Before Bed:

A Spicy Saffron Milk Ayurveda Winter Recipe by Nandini Natasha Austin

In a world that is moving too fast, the quest for a good night's sleep is indeed a common pursuit. From sleep meditations to using white noise, people are always on the hunt for ways to improve their sleep quality. Ayurveda offers a more mindful way to approach sleep that does not include using too much tech at night which can often keep you awake. One age-old remedy that Ayurveda suggests is drinking a hot milky drink before bed. This hack has gained popularity across cultures and mother and her mother ( my late Nani ) were big fans of a spiced milk before bed. Yet while enjoying a hot night cap may seem like a simple habit, its roots delve deep into both scientific and ancient medicinal practices like Ayurveda.

The Science of Sleep and Milk:

The tradition of drinking warm milk is not just an old wives tale, it's actually backed by science. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood while melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming warm milk is known to potentially enhance the body's natural sleep-inducing mechanisms. Moreover, ever noticed how you feel calmer as you sip a hot beverage at night? Well its because the warmth of the milk has a soothing effect on the body. Similarly to taking a warm bath or snuggling under a soft heavy blanket, a warm drink ritual even can help relax muscles and more importantly signal to the body that it's time to wind down for the night.

Ayurveda and Sleep Rituals: ( Check my Six Sleep Hacks Blog here)

Ayurveda, places great importance on well-being, including getting enough sleep and suggests that the body's natural rhythms, or doshas, must be balanced in order to maintain optimal health. Sleep is considered crucial for balancing these doshas.

Rituals and Routine :

Beyond the physiological effects, the act of preparing and consuming a warm milky drink can also serve as a calming bedtime ritual. In today's hectic world, establishing a bedtime routine is crucial as it can help signal to the body that it's time to transition from wakefulness to rest. Whether it's brewing a cup of herbal tea or sipping on warm milk, incorporating rituals into bedtime can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

So if you are struggling to sleep, then why not try this deliciously soothing night cap, where warm milk is infused with herbs and spices like turmeric, and saffron, which are known to have calming and digestive properties. These ingredients not only add flavor but also enhance the drink's therapeutic benefits.

This milky drink combines so many wonderful nourishing spices .Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon may help stabilize blood sugar levels.

The Cocktail Arhcitect Syrup

It's made from fresh spices and whole ingredients, there is no nasty stuff, additives, or preservatives. It contains :

Black Cardamom which when combined with milk helps in relieve stress, anxiety and in inducing sleep. It also helps in boosting libido and improves the metabolic rate during sleep

 Star anise : stimulates the release of certain neurotransmitters that induce relaxation and sleep. It is extremely beneficial for people who have insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. Its also great for us ladies for menopausal discomfort and can be taken as a tea.

I also few pinches of Saffron to the milk, which is known to brings warmth, relaxation and promotes deep restful sleep. A sprinkle of Turmeric offers relaxation and anti-inflammatory properties gives it a golden hue and that give you a golden glow on the inside. All these spices combined with warm milk offer a combination of nourishing spices that support both Vata and Kapha and so are ideal in Winter.

Start Anis on our table

I stopped drinking cows milk a long time ago so in my recipe below I use Almond milk, but choose whatever you prefer. And sometimes I like to sweeten it up using this delicious Cardamom and Star Anise Artisan Syrup  pictured above. It goes well in all kinds of beverages from cocktails to mocktails and teas and its so versatile that you can use it in baking pour it over on oatmeal. Its made by my husband Yusef Austin from the Cocktail Architect so and we use during at our classes. Im lucky to have a few bottles in the house but if you need to buy them they are available in three flavors @ Adams Kingston, Mother Earth Kingston, High Falls Co op, Sunflower Market Woodstock, and you can find them here

our cocktail classes and catering at private events online today.

Almond Milk brand I use

ncorporating a hot milky drink into your bedtime routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance sleep quality. While science sheds light on the physiological mechanisms behind this tradition, ancient practices like Ayurveda offer additional insights into holistic well-being. By understanding the intersection of science and tradition, we can unlock new avenues for promoting better sleep and overall health. So, the next time you find yourself tossing and turning, consider reaching for a warm mug of milk – your body and mind might just thank you for it. try this feel-good winter drink that is made with love. It's sure to warm you up on these cold chilly nights.

Cheers Nandini and Enjpy

Spicy Saffron Milk Recipe

Ingredients

5-6 threads of saffron

0.5 oz of Cardamom and Star Anise Syrups

Pinch of Powered Tumeric

1 cup of almond milk

Directions

 Heat milk on stove, over a medium flame,

 Stir in in Tumeric powder

 Simmer for 3 minutes.

Turn off the heat

Add the cardamom + Star Anise Syrup syrup to the mixture. *

Sprinkle with saffron and enjoy

*Where to buy our Syrups. 

Now available in three flavors @ Adams Kingston, Mother Earth Kingston, High Falls Co op, Sunflower Market Woodstock, and the Emerson Resort and Spa and online