Tart Cherry Melatonin Sleep Gummies
Remember those hyperactive gummy candies from childhood filled with petroleum based artificial colours, additives, and other strange ingredients that really shouldn’t be near a small human? These tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies are a million times better, much more gentle and actually support the body, enjoyable to eat, and really easy to make. Plus, they’re fitting for Valentine’s Day.
Revitalizing the gut, digestive tract, bones and joints, hair and nails, a great source of natural glycine that detoxifies Glyphosate, good for the heart and liver, rich in amino acids, increased melatonin from the tart cherry… these homemade tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies have it all.
They’re made with nothing other than nourishing tart cherry juice, grass fed gelatin, raw local honey, and sea salt. Which makes them easier than ever to throw together. And if you’re into it, a few drops of blue lotus tincture and/or dissolved magnesium chloride flakes can help supercharge a sleep pattern of any quality and promote vivid dreaming.
Ingredients you’ll need for these tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies
Tart cherry juice – Naturally rich in tryptophan, anthocyanins and melatonin, the sleep hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. When consumed before bed, it can enhance natural sleep quality. Recent research indicates that tart cherry juice may help adults fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer for optimal cellular repair. To reap the benefits, ensure you only use tart cherry juice and not any other kind of cherry.
Grass fed pasture raised gelatin (bovine) – A detoxifying superfood rich in amino acids, minerals and protein, and an excellent source of proline and glycine that can help with sleep quality and length. Grass fed gelatin has many benefits and nearly everyone would do well to include it in their life as part of a diverse, nose-to-tail and animal fat- rich diet. Ensure the gelatin is grass fed, pasture raised, and unprocessed without additives. Gelatin is a sister to collagen as they have a nearly identical amino acid profile and I enjoy both, but don’t use collagen for this recipe as it will not help the gummies form properly. Due to the protein, both gelatin and collagen can help balance blood sugar and avoid crashes when paired with simple carbs and sugars (so no juices on a fasted stomach, no all-fruit smoothies, and always add a fat and protein if having a fruit smoothie, such as grass fed yogurt and collagen).
- Strengthens skin, bones, hair and nail health
- Contains 18 amino acids essential to cell growth and maintenance
- Heals and protects gut lining for increased absorption
- Aids in muscle repair and maintenance
Raw local honey – Raw honey contains many medicinal properties, especially if sourced locally. I recommend honey by Food and Shelter Goods for those who live near me. Raw honey has been filtered only once, allowing pollens and other healthy natural elements to remain. Raw honey appears more cloudy, indicating that it’s tasty, pure, and healthy. Raw honey naturally crystallizes in the jar. The vitamins and living enzymes will die if pasteurized, so it is best to gently heat the mixture with the honey until it melts in this recipe. The typical honey found in grocery stores is made by feeding the bees high fructose corn syrup and crops covered in pesticides, which likely contributes to colony collapse disorder where bee hives suddenly die for no reason.
Sea salt – honey and salt work together to help balance cortisol levels and blood sugar at night.
Blue lotus tincture – Blue lotus is a well known herb known for its euphoric, anti-addictive, antihistaminic and aphrodisiac properties. In ancient Egyptian culture, it has been used in ceremony as they believed it united the lower and upper worlds. It is considered the flower of intuition due to its effect on the pineal gland. Many cultures around the world believe it enhances their connection to the spirit realm and use it to assist deep meditative practices. I used the blue lotus tincture by Wild Bloom Botanicals and find that it enhances vivid dreams and helps me transcend old patterns, increasing a sense of reenchantment in waking life.
Magnesium chloride flakes – use as much or as little as you prefer. It has a strong taste, so if you’re new to it I recommend just 1/4 or 1/2 tsp dissolved in the mixture. Avoid magnesium glycinate or it’ll interact with the tart cherry colour and turn it grey/blue. Click here for my magnesium article.
High quality sleep habits – after all, this is what these gummies are made for! Click here for my 17 Tips for the Best Sleep of Your Life article. Sleep is sacred and cleansing, best to treat it so.
Relaxation vibes – make these gummies when you’re naturally in a relaxed mood, as the essence of relaxation, peace, bliss, etc. will translate into your creations and improve the energy and effects of the gummies. Try dancing or playing some relaxing music while making these. Trust me on this.
How to make these tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies
Simply “bloom” the gelatin by mixing it with the tart cherry juice then gently warm all ingredients up in a saucepan over low heat until it melts, stirring to combine with a spoon. Transfer the syrupy mixture into silicone (heat safe) moulds using the spoon, and cool them for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Pop the gummies out of the moulds and store in a glass container, refrigerated for up to two weeks.
If you don’t have food-safe silicone moulds, you can easily pour the mixture into a coconut oil greased glass or ceramic pan, then cut into squares with a knife once formed. That’s right—sort of like Jello, but way better.
Other recipes you might like
Schisandra carob beet velvet slice with probiotic mac nut frosting
If you tried these tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies or any other recipe on this blog, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment below. Be sure to follow along for more inspiration at Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Tart cherry melatonin sleep gummies
Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic tart cherry juice must be tart cherry
- 1/2 cup grass fed gelatin powder not collagen, as it won't form properly
- 1/4 cup raw local honey
- 1/8 tsp sea salt with more to garnish, as needed
- 5-10 drops organic/wildcrafted blue lotus tincture optional
- 1/4-1/2 tsp magnesium chloride flakes optional
Instructions
- Pour the tart cherry juice into the saucepan. Using a measuring cup, add in the grass fed gelatin powder. Stir and wait a few minutes while the gelatin "blooms".
- Add the honey, salt, and the blue lotus tincture and magnesium chloride, if using. Over low heat, stir the mixture until it begins to warm, about 2-3 minutes, or until the gelatin and honey has dissolved and the mixture is homogenous.
- Pour the syrupy mixture into silicone moulds or a coconut oil greased glass/ceramic dish. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to harden. Remove and pop the gummies out from the moulds, or slice into cubes. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container for 1 week.
Notes
- Store the gummies in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (I find that they go mouldy quickly).
- Use your discernment and common sense when it comes to feeding smaller gummy shaped treats to younger children. To make larger and safer pieces, chill the mixture in a shallow tray instead of moulds and slice them into larger squares if your little one may have issues with chewing, or wait until they gain the skills and have them for yourself 😉
- Do not give raw honey to babies under 1 year old.
- Generally, these melatonin sleep gummies are great for all ages. One gummy per night is a good amount for kids. I usually like 2.
- Magnesium chloride is probably one of the best kinds of magnesium for this recipe, if using. When I tried this recipe out with magnesium glycinate, it made the mixture turn grey/blue, so I don’t recommend it!
- As always, check for interactions with herbal medicines and omit/replace any ingredients if needed.
