moon milk

Traditionally absent but distinctly modern, CBD works through the body’s endocannabinoid system - a network involved in regulating stress, mood, sleep, pain perception and overall nervous-system balance.

Rather than acting like a conventional sedative, CBD influences cannabinoid signalling and other pathways involved in how the body responds to stress and settles into rest. In this formula, it complements the traditional sleep herbs by helping create a calmer internal state, reducing the sense of mental and physical overactivity that can keep you awake at night.

Formulated with hemp-derived CBD containing <0.2% THC, compliant with UK limits.

Active Compounds

Cannabidiol - modulates serotonin, GABA, and endocannabinoid tone.

Anti-inflammatory pathways - reduce discomfort that interrupts sleep.

Anxiolytic actions - calm the mind without sedation.

Tea ceremonies relied on theanine-rich leaves (chi) to induce a state of calm clarity - relaxed yet aware, the kind of peace that allows sleep to unfold naturally. Monks valued it for quiet-focus during long night practice.

Modern research shows L-theanine increases alpha brain waves, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality. It creates a calm, drift-ready mental state, helping the mind drift off.

Active Compounds

L-theanine – increases alpha waves; supports relaxation and dream clarity.

GABA/glutamate modulation – balances neural activity.

Neurotransmitter support – stabilises mood.

In traditional Chinese medicine, magnolia bark was used for deep emotional rest, tension release, and “midnight calm.” It was the herb for those who woke in the night with a racing mind or tight chest.

Modern findings show magnolia reduces cortisol spikes, boosts GABA activity, and improves sleep continuity. It helps prevent middle-of-the-night awakenings and stabilises the whole sleep cycle.

Active Compounds

Honokiol & magnolol - potent anxiolytic compounds that reduce neural excitation.

Lignans - stabilise stress hormones.

Aromatics - deepen nighttime relaxation.

Historically, passionflower was used for nervous tension, restlessness, and sleepless nights – especially when the mind felt too active to settle.

Modern research suggests it works partly through the brain’s GABA system, the main inhibitory pathway responsible for slowing excessive neural activity. Studies have found passionflower to reduce anxiety and improve subjective sleep quality, helping the body shift from alertness into a calmer state before bed.

In Moon Milk, it acts as one of the main nervous-system calming herbs, helping quiet mental noise and prepare the body for sleep.

Active Compounds

Harmala alkaloids – increase GABA; reduce anxiety and agitation.

Flavonoids (chrysin, vitexin) – anxiolytic; ease nervous tension.

GABA-modulating compounds – support relaxation and sleep stability.

Aromatics – soothe overstimulated nerves.

Traditionally used as a nervine for restless, overactive minds, skullcap was taken to ease nervous tension and create a sense of mental quiet before bed. Herbalists used it when stress, agitation, or a mind that simply wouldn’t switch off stood in the way of sleep.

Studies suggest it reduces anxiety and supports a calmer mood without causing pronounced sedation. In Moon Milk, it acts as a grounding herb - helping settle mental overactivity and prepare the nervous system for rest.

Active Compounds

Baicalin & baicalein - anxiolytic flavones that increase GABA.

Scutellarin - stabilises mood and reduces neural overstimulation.

Aromatic terpenes - deepen relaxation.

Traditionally used as a gentle night herb, chamomile was taken to ease nervous tension, relax the body, and prepare the mind for restorative sleep. Rather than sedating heavily, it softens the edges of stress - allowing sleep to arrive naturally and without resistance.

Modern research shows chamomile supports relaxation and sleep quality, helping reduce mild anxiety and nighttime restlessness. In Moon Milk, it acts as a calming foundation - quieting physical tension and creating a warm, settled state that supports deeper, more restorative rest.

Active Compounds

Apigenin - a flavonoid that binds to GABA receptors, promoting calm and sleep readiness.

Bisabolol - a soothing terpene that reduces inflammation and supports relaxation.

Chamazulene - contributes to chamomile’s calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

Traditionally, lemon balm was the “calmer” – used for centuries to settle nervousness, restlessness, and the kind of racing mind that makes sleep difficult. Herbalists often prepared it as an evening tea to relax the body and quiet mental tension before bed.

Modern research supports this. Lemon balm contains compounds that interact with the GABA system, one of the brain’s main calming pathways, and small human studies suggest it may reduce anxiety and improve sleep-related symptoms. In Moon Milk, it helps soften nervous tension and ease the transition into rest without acting like a heavy sedative.

Active Compounds

Iron & vitamin K – support healthy bleeding patterns; restore energy.

Rosmarinic acid - supports relaxation by modulating stress pathways and calming neural activity.

Volatile oils (citral, citronellal) - mild anxiolytic effects; help quiet nervous tension and promote ease before sleep.

Flavonoids - antioxidant and neuroprotective; support overall nervous system balance.

Polyphenols - help reduce stress-related inflammation and support calm cognitive function.