Mermaid milk, also known as moon milk or butterfly pea milk, is a beautiful beverage ideal for bedtime with heaps of healing health benefits and is absolutely delicious too! The butterfly pea flower is a gorgeous flower native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic healing medicine for its health benefits. It is regarded in Ayurveda as an 'intellect promoter' and considered a sacred plant, associated with the crown chakra. In Ayurveda, the butterfly pea flower is deemed beneficial for balancing all three doshas, especially Kapha and Pitta.
The Science?
The key ingredient is, of course, the butterfly pea flowers which are what give this drink such a pretty hue of blue. These flowers are rich in antioxidants, protecting against free radical damage, reducing the effects of inflammation, signs of ageing and reducing risk of disease. The flowers contain multiple bioactive compounds which have positive results in lowering cardiovascular and diabetic health concerns, being anti-cancer, highly anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-arthritic. The flowers contain an array of healthy compounds, particularly phenolic compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, ternatin and myriceti, which are known for their anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-profilerative properties. For this reason, butterfly pea is regarded as beneficial for brain health, its antimicrobial properties, maintaining good eye health, blood sugar control and for treating infections. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content is also the reason why this plant is so wonderful for the health of the skin and hair. The ultimate beauty beverage!
What better way to enjoy this beverage than as a soul-hugging, warm drink before bed? Drinking warm milk at night is an age-old bedtime ritual which is proven to support sleep quality and relaxation and is something my grandma firmly implemented in her household. Nothing soothed us and got us ready to get into bed more than a lovely, warming cup of warm milk at night!
Recipe:
- 1 Cup of Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy- it's up to you)
- 1 tsp Butterfly Pea Tea
Optional:
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of crushed cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg
Directions:
- Add the milk and tea (and any extra seasoning) to a pan and gently warm until the flowers have steeped and the milk has turned a soft blue.
- Pour into your cup (add the sweetener if you desire) and enjoy!
Just like making a regular cup of butterfly pea tea, this is a super easy recipe that is warming, nutritious and packed full of healing goodness that will help you to sleep while taking care of your body on the inside and out.
Remember: As with any recipe, be sure to check whether you are allergic to any herbal teas before consuming! Enjoy!
References:
Singh R, Yu C-C, Chen G-W, Chen C-H, Sinaki NY, Lin J, Koksel F. Butterfly Pea Flower as a Novel Ingredient to Produce Antioxidant-Enriched Yellow Pea-Based Breakfast Cereals. Foods. 2022; 11(21):3447. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213447