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.

When doctors give you a tiny pill, saying it will provide instant relief. You swallow it, and in a matter of minutes, the pain starts to fade. What if that pill was just sugar? Welcome to the intriguing realm of the placebo effect—where faith can create physical healing. But what if a medical system—such as Ayurveda—is routinely criticized as being placebo-based? Can traditional remedies hold their own against modern science?

In a wellness-driven world, more people are turning to alternative healing systems like Ayurveda, seeking natural remedies that promise holistic health without side effects but one lingering question remains—do these remedies truly work, or are they merely benefiting from the placebo effect?

To answer this, we spoke to Dr. Rohit Sane, an Ayurvedic physician—a healthcare organization committed to merging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical scrutiny. Their studies, particularly in cardiovascular health, are not just challenging the placebo narrative—they’re redefining how we look at holistic healing.

What is a Placebo Effect?

Placebo, by its nature, is treatment with zero therapeutic effect. Yet patients feel improved after ingestion of placebos because they assume that they have received actual medication. The body responds to anticipation—releases endorphins, alters perception, and even modifies pain. The effect is so powerful that today's pharmaceutical company drug tests incorporate a control or placebo arm so that efficacy may be validated and measured objectively.

As Dr. Sane points out, "The placebo effect is evidence that our minds play a huge influence over our body health. But to use placebo alone as a treatment is risky—particularly with chronic or potentially fatal diseases. That's where Ayurveda comes into the conversation with actual real-world results."

Challenge of Testing Ayurveda the Western Way

In contemporary medicine, therapy is frequently centered on isolated molecules—a single active ingredient attacking a single symptom. Ayurveda, by contrast, is holistic in nature. It combines herbal mixtures, dietary regimens, individualized therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Challenging this whole ecosystem with a classical placebo model creates a methodological challenge.

"Ayurvedic medicine isn't a pill. It's a protocol—a way of living," says Dr. Sane. "You can't isolate one variable and expect to understand the whole system."

That makes randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs)—the gold standard of scientific acceptance—challenging to design for Ayurvedic regimens. But difficult doesn't equal impossible.

One persuasive reference point is the ORBITA trial—a landmark study that looked at whether angioplasty works for people with stable angina. Patients who had what they thought was a real procedure (when actually it was just a simulation) had outcomes as good as those who had the actual procedure. The outcome? A major heart procedure, when compared to placebo, didn't have the strong benefit many had anticipated.

This highlights the significance of not brushing off Ayurvedic treatments as placebo. Contrary to ORBITA's results, trials have shown quantifiable, long-term gains without surgery.

Aside from heart health, studies indicate Ayurvedic treatments favorably impacting parameters such as:

• Regulation of blood pressure
• Cholesterol control
• Increased metabolic efficiency
• Long-term weight loss
• Increased cardiac output

Dr. Sane comments, "These are not merely patient perceptions—they are objective measures, monitored and recorded under medical supervision."

This real-world applicability gives Ayurveda an edge in managing chronic disease where pharmaceuticals often treat symptoms not the underlying cause.

Clinical evidence mounts that Ayurveda, rather than being a retro system or a placebo-based wellness fad, can be used alongside contemporary medicine. Its greatest value is in prevention, lifestyle modification, and sustained health.

Scientists are now calling for methodological pluralism—a strategy that permits the scientific assessment of holistic systems such as Ayurveda through measures other than those applied in conventional pharmaceutical trials.

As Dr. Sane summarizes, "Ayurveda isn't competing with modern science. It's a complementary model—based on centuries of knowledge, but now entering the world of evidence-based care."

So, does Ayurveda function outside of the placebo effect? Although its multifaceted nature makes it difficult to fit into standard research protocols, recent studies—show real-world effectiveness. With increased scientific scrutiny and improved study design, Ayurvedic treatments are losing their "alternative" status to be accepted as legitimate, complementary healing methods.

If you're considering Ayurvedic treatments, always consult qualified practitioners and seek interventions that are part of evidence-backed protocols because healing shouldn’t rely on belief alone it should be grounded in results.

Dr Rohit Madhav Sane is a Ayurvedic doctor and founder of Madhavbaug in India

You’re eating clean, barely touch alcohol, and still feeling bloated, irritable, or constantly fatigued. Your liver panels are slightly off, but nothing seems to explain why. Now, what if the answer wasn’t in your plate or your glass—but in your pent-up rage or that unresolved tension you brush under the rug?

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, has long warned us about something modern science is just beginning to catch up with—that your emotional landscape, particularly unchecked anger and stress, can be just as damaging to your liver as any toxin. Yes, your emotions might be silently inflaming your liver, disturbing digestion, and setting off a chain reaction that messes with everything from hormones to metabolism.

Anger isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a heat that fuels inflammation, stagnation and long-term organ dysfunction. Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Ayurvedic doctor and Naturopathy expert, reveals how our modern “go-go-go” lifestyle—laden with cortisol, quick fixes, and bottled-up emotions—throws our doshas off balance and overburdens the liver, the body’s chief detox organ.

When we think about liver damage, alcohol is often the usual suspect. While it's true that excessive alcohol consumption takes a significant toll on liver health, emerging insights from Ayurveda—the ancient Indian system of medicine—suggest there’s more to the story. Emotional factors like anger, stress, and anxiety may be silently impacting liver function too.

Dr. Kutteri emphasizes that the liver is not only a metabolic powerhouse but also a seat of emotion and energetic balance. “Whether it’s long-term anger, stress, alcohol consumption, or digestive issues, the root often leads us back to the liver—and more importantly, to our doshas and Agni,” he says.

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body—second only to the heart and lungs. It performs over 500 essential functions including detoxification, digestion, hormone regulation, and energy metabolism. From filtering the blood to breaking down old red blood cells, the liver is constantly at work.

What’s often overlooked is that liver diseases are “silent” in their progression. Symptoms typically appear only when significant damage has occurred. This makes proactive liver care—not just reactive treatment—crucial.

Do Your Liver Reflect Your Emotions?

In Ayurveda, the liver is not merely a physical organ—it is energetically and emotionally linked to overall well-being. It's considered the seat of Pitta dosha, the dosha associated with heat, transformation, and metabolism. Dr. Kutteri explains, “Pitta governs digestion and blood quality. When it gets imbalanced due to anger, alcohol, spicy food, or stress, the liver is the first to suffer.”

This view helps explain why some individuals with minimal alcohol exposure still develop liver dysfunction. Their inner emotional and metabolic environment may be fuelling silent inflammation.

Effect of Tri-Dosha on Liver Health

Ayurveda recognizes three primary forces—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—known as doshas. Each governs different bodily and emotional functions. When imbalanced, these doshas can impair liver health in distinct ways:

Pitta imbalance: Leads to excessive heat, inflammation, bile disruption, and can exacerbate emotional outbursts like anger.

Kapha imbalance: Causes sluggish metabolism, fatty deposits in the liver, and toxin accumulation.

Vata imbalance: Disrupts circulation and nervous system communication, resulting in erratic digestion and poor detoxification.

According to Dr. Kutteri, “A disturbed doshic balance doesn’t just reflect in liver enzymes or fat buildup. It shows up as mood swings, sugar cravings, skin breakouts, fatigue—subtle signs your liver is crying for help.”

How Anger Contributes to Diseases?

Western medicine is increasingly acknowledging the gut-brain-liver axis. Ayurveda, thousands of years ago, already made the link between emotions and liver health. Anger, in particular, is seen as a potent disruptor.

“Chronic anger or suppressed frustration creates heat in the body and disturbs bile flow,” says Dr. Kutteri. This not only upsets digestion but also leads to inflammatory responses—fueling gut issues, skin conditions, and metabolic imbalances.

In practical terms, if you’re someone who gets easily irritated, holds grudges, or experiences frequent emotional burnout, your liver may be silently bearing the burden.

What Ayurveda Says About Alcohol?

Yes, alcohol is still a villain—but Ayurveda explains why it affects people differently. For those with Pitta dominance, alcohol intensifies inner heat, disrupts digestion, and congests the liver. Kapha types may experience fat buildup and sluggish detoxification, while Vata types can suffer from dryness, anxiety, and erratic metabolism with long-term use.

“Ayurveda doesn’t just say avoid alcohol—it teaches you how your body constitution interacts with it,” says Dr. Kutteri.

Role of Agni in Digestive Fire

A central concept in Ayurveda is Agni, or digestive fire. When Agni is strong, the liver thrives. When weak, it leads to Ama (toxins), which accumulate in the liver and bloodstream. There are four types of Agni:

Sama Agni – Balanced digestion, indicating optimal liver health

Vishama Agni – Irregular digestion, seen in Vata imbalance

Tikshna Agni – Overactive digestion, associated with Pitta dominance

Manda Agni – Sluggish digestion, common in Kapha types

To maintain liver health, it’s essential to support Agni through mindful eating, herbal detox therapies, seasonal routines, and balanced emotions.

In Ayurveda, practices like pranayama (breathing), yoga, meditation, chanting, journaling, and chakra healing are not optional—they’re essential. These rituals help balance the doshas, release suppressed emotions, and support liver regeneration.

“In a world driven by productivity, we’ve ignored how emotional stress silently disrupts our organs. The liver is particularly vulnerable,” Dr. Kutteri stresses.

If your goal is to prevent chronic diseases like insulin resistance, diabetes, PCOS, or cardiovascular conditions—or even if you just want clearer skin, better sleep, and a calmer mind—start with your liver. It’s not just alcohol that burdens this mighty organ. Your anger, stress, lifestyle habits, and even your thought patterns play a role. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers us a holistic, practical, and deeply intuitive roadmap to heal from within.

So the next time you clench your jaw in traffic or hold back that outburst at work, remember: your liver might be absorbing more than just your diet—it’s absorbing your emotional leftovers too.

Dr. Manoj Kutteri is a wellness expert with specialization in Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Yoga and Physical culture at the Atmantan Wellness Centre in India

Ayurveda has been a part of Indian culture for a millennia, in fact, it is history itself, as we learn about what medicines and remedies were used before modern medicine came into being. Derived from nature itself, Ayurveda is the science of life that allows you to heal naturally as well as live an organic and healthy life! Ayurveda enhances your body’s natural defense system. There are a lot of ayurvedic remedies you find on the internet, but not every remedy can be used. There are many basic ayurveda health tips that do not require all the paraphernalia.

Most of the medicines in Ayurveda comes from the things around us, here are some daily healthy habits given by the Ministry of AYUSH, you can adopt in your daily life to improve overall health and well-being. These care tips come from ‘Dinacharya’ which are daily regimes and ‘Ritucharya’ which are seasonal regimes that you should follow for a healthy life. These measures were recommended by Vaidyas across the country and the advisory suggested these to be followed at the individual's convenience.

Warm Water

Drink warm water throughout the day. Many studies have shown that warm water promotes digestion, increases circulation as well as relieves you from cold!

Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation

Practice Yogasana, Pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation for at least 30 minutes daily. Yoga is an all body exercise that allows you to unlock your healthy self, whether it is through muscle health, flexibility or many other benefits like heart, and mental health

Spices in Cooking

Use spices like Haldi (turmeric), Jeera (cumin), Dhaniya (coriander), and Lahsun (garlic) in your cooking. These spices are known for having many health benefits like Haldi for inflammation, jeera for digestion, Dhaniya for blood pressure control and Lahsun for boosting immune system.

Chyavanprash

Start your day with a teaspoon (10 grams) of Chyavanprash to boost your immunity. This traditional Ayurvedic jam is rich in antioxidants. For those managing diabetes, opt for the sugar-free version to maintain blood sugar levels.

Herbal Tea (Kadha)

Drink a tea made with Tulsi (basil), Dalchini (cinnamon), Kalimirch (black pepper), Shunthi (dry ginger), and Munakka (raisins) once or twice a day. You can add jaggery (natural sugar) or lemon juice for flavor. Enjoy this Kadha once or twice daily to enhance respiratory health. Add jaggery or lemon for taste and added benefits.

Clove and Honey

For cough or throat irritation, mix clove powder with natural sugar or honey. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a day to alleviate symptoms. Clove's natural properties can provide relief.

Golden Milk

Prepare Golden Milk by mixing half a teaspoon of Haldi (turmeric) powder into 150 ml of warm milk. Consume this soothing drink once or twice daily to reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system. It's warm, comforting nature is ideal.

Other Immunity System Boosting Practices You Can Try

Nasal Oil Application (Pratimarsh Nasya)

Apply a few drops of sesame oil, coconut oil, or ghee into your nostrils, morning and evening. This practice, known as Pratimarsh Nasya, helps moisturize nasal passages and improve respiratory health.

Oil Pulling

Practice oil pulling by swishing a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 2-3 minutes. Follow with a warm water rinse. This oral hygiene technique helps detoxify and promotes healthy gums.

Steam Inhalation

Relieve congestion and soothe your throat with steam inhalation. Add fresh mint leaves or caraway seeds to the water for added therapeutic benefits. Practice this once daily to ease respiratory discomfort.