Bedtime Treat That Helps You Sleep

Delicious and easy to make, this potent bedtime tonic (known as ojas rasayana) is revered in Ayurveda for nurturing deep and restorative sleep. The recipe makes about two servings and can be diluted with water if it’s too thick for your liking.

• 10 almonds, soaked for 8 hours

• 1 cup whole milk (dairy, almond, or rice)

• 2 teaspoons ghee

• 4–5 dates, preferably Medjool

• 8 black peppercorns

• ½ teaspoon cardamom

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 pinch of cumin

• 1 pinch of turmeric

• 1 pinch of nutmeg

Liquefy all the ingredients in a blender until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency; then pour into a pot on the stovetop. Set the burner to medium heat, and bring the mixture to a very gentle boil. Stir and serve.

If you haven’t pre-soaked the almonds, you can simply blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and run the almonds under cold water, then remove and discard their skins.

For a delicious dessert, stir in 1 cup of natural yogurt after removing mixture from heat, spoon into small bowls, and drizzle maple syrup over each serving.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

Nighty Night Cap

For those who suffer from insomnia, a cup of warm spiced milk at bedtime is a gentle, effective alternative to a sleeping pill or a glass of wine. The traditional recipe for this Ayurvedic sleep aid uses raw cow’s milk, but almond milk is a suitable a replacement for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk sensitivities. The cardamom in the recipe helps counteract the tendency of the milk to promote mucus formation. Sip this soothing night cap just before turning in, and you’ll fall easily and deeply asleep in no time. You can also add cumin and coriander for a more cooling effect. If pitta is irritated, use maple syrup or Sucanat instead of honey for sweetening. Add a pinch of fresh vanilla bean to enhance the drink’s flavor and grounding effect. 

½–1 cup whole milk
½ tsp ghee
½–1 tsp cardamom powder
½–1 tsp cinnamon powder
1–2 tsp honey
pinch fresh ground nutmeg

Warm the milk and ghee with the cardamom and cinnamon. Place honey in bottom of drinking cup. Add the warm milk mixture to it. Do not use the same amount of honey and ghee by volume as this ratio of ingredients disturbs digestion. Add fresh ground nutmeg (its sedative quality supports peaceful sleep).

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. 

Yogi Tea

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When Yogi Bhajan was a military commander in India there was an epidemic among the troops. He ordered all of his men to fill their canteens with yogi tea and drink nothing else, not even water. His battalion was the only unit that didn’t get sick! Yogi tea purifies the blood, lungs, and circulatory system. It cleans the liver and has many more unseen benefits. It’s good to drink this tea every day.

• 1 gallon water

• 30 cloves

• 30 whole green cardamom pods

• 30 whole black peppercorns

• 1 finger of fresh ginger, thinly sliced

• 5 sticks cinnamon

• 1 teabag, black tea

• *Milk and honey to taste (*optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring water to boil.

2. Add all spices (but leave out the black tea bag). Boil 30–45 min. Longer is stronger.

3. Finally, add black tea bag and boil another 5 minutes. The black tea is added last because it amalgamates the spices and seals in their flavor. Also the tannins make it easier for the body to assimilate the spices.

4. If adding milk and honey, do so after adding the tea bag and letting it steep—or add milk and honey to individual cup or a small batch. That way you can store the raw tea in the fridge and prepare with milk and honey as you go.

5. If you go cup by cup, you can leave the raw tea on the stove on the lowest flame to enjoy all day.

Milk helps to ease the shock of the spiciness on the stomach and intestines, so drink with milk if you’re prone to digestive upsets. You use rice or almond milk if you’re sensitive to dairy. 

Note: For a stronger tea you can let the spices sit and sink to the bottom. If the tea gets really strong, you can add milk or dilute it with a little water.