March 23, 2023
2 pinch - Cardamom
1 tsp - Honey
1c – Milk
1 pinch – Nutmeg
¾ tsp – Poppy seed.
PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE
1. Ground the poppy seeds in a coffee grinder or mash with a mortar and pestle.
2. Add to a small saucepan with 8-12 ounces of milk. Boil for twenty minutes and serve.
3. Add honey, ground cardamom and nutmeg, and serve.
Soothing Sleep Aid
Poppies really can be associated with sleep; indeed, the Latin botanical name of the flower, Papaver somniferum, translates as “sleep-bringing poppy.”
Poppy seeds are a natural sedative and can help to promote sleep. They are also an excellent source of magnesium, which is a mineral that is essential for good sleep. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and nervous system, and it also plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Because of the unique composition of poppy seed, it is an Ayurvedic remedy for insomnia on occasion as well as on a consistent basis. You will get a cozy feeling as soon as you begin drinking this tea because each element has been carefully chosen. Thus Sleepytime Poppy Seed Tea is an effective remedy for occasional and chronic insomnia. Poppy seeds contain small amounts of opium alkaloids, while opium is derived from the milky sap of unripe poppy flower pods. The seeds contain much less of the narcotic alkaloids but are calming none the less. At such small doses, poppy seeds are a safe sedative that actually strengthen and calm your nerves, and were historically recommended tonics for pregnant women, nursing women, and children. When combined with nutmeg, another mild sedative, Sleepytime Poppy Seed Tea becomes the ideal sleep aid for sleepless nights.
Poppy seeds are known for their ability to relieve anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system and have a relaxing and calming effect on the mind and body. Also, they are extremely rich in minerals and oils, and are known to restore the body. Steeping your poppy seeds in nourishing milk increases this tea's tonifying abilities - called a "rasayana" in Ayurveda. An effective nourishing tonic such as this tea will relax your central nervous system, putting your body in "rest and digest" mode, so your body can use its energy to rebuild strength and resilience.
The added warmth of honey and cardamom helps those with weak digestion to enjoy all the comfort offered by this soothing tea. If Sleepytime Tea still feels too heavy, add a pinch of ginger, or pippali (long pepper) to heat things up. Alternatively, use almond milk instead of cow's milk to lighten this drink.
Poppy seeds are also known as a mild painkiller and muscle relaxant. Mildly sedative and analgesic, poppy seeds and nutmeg soften the harsh edge of chronic pain so you can relax enough to finally sleep. They are anti-spasmodic, meaning that poppy seeds have a special ability to allow muscles to relax. In fact, pain relief is the main use of poppy seeds in Chinese medicine.