Try These Ayurvedic Herbal Water Recipes to Boost Your Immunity

Ayurveda says certain herb-infused waters have an ability to rejuvenate you & keep ailments at bay.

Infusing water with herbs, vegetables and fruits is a common Ayurvedic practice. 

(Photo: iStockphoto)

We live in an age of instant gratification. Popping a pill is the best solution to most health issues. Ayurveda on, the other hand allows one to use readily available ingredients at home to feel better. Infused waters is one of the recommended ways to cure ailments, boost immunity levels and keep yourself hydrated.

With summer settling in gradually, you may just want to look up these quick infused water recipes that can be made from herbs easily available at your home.

Infusing water with herbs, vegetables and fruits is a common Ayurvedic practice. It is said that when certain herbs are infused with water, they have an ability to rejuvenate you and keep ailments at bay.

When you infuse the water with certain herbs, vegetables or fruits, you are extracting the medicinal properties of the plant, thus enhancing the healing power of water.

Just one tip would be to opt for naturally grown or organic herbs to ensure you are consuming a 100% chemical-free infused water.

Triphala Water

Ayurveda considers triphala as a superfood because of its ability to balance the three doshas.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Triphala is a combination of three fruits or herbs - Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki; hence the name ‘Triphala’. The three herbs are sun-dried and are ground to make a fine powder. This is one of the herbs that does not need to steep too much in water. It is mostly available in a powdered form.

You need to mix one teaspoon of triphala churnam in a glass of warm water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You can consume this water at any time of the day.

How Does Drinking Triphala Water Help?

Ayurveda considers triphala as a superfood because of its ability to balance the three doshas.

• It also helps to enhance the process of digestion and elimination of waste.
• It aids in cleansing the bowel movement and flushing out the toxins from the digestive tract.
• When consumed regularly, triphala helps purify the blood and cleanse the gall-bladder, liver and kidneys.
• Need a boost to your immunity levels? Drink a glass of triphala water!

Fenugreek /Methi Water

Fenugreek seeds help keep the blood sugar levels at bay.(Photo: iStockphoto)

There is more use of fenugreek seeds than just tempering a dal tadka or using it in pickles.

These small yellow seeds with a slight bitter taste are a powerhouse of medicinal benefits packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Since methi seeds generate heat, start with smaller quantities first and gradually move to the recommended intake. One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds is what Ayurveda recommends for daily consumption.

Soak the seeds in slightly warm water overnight and drink the water it in the morning.

How Does Drinking Infused Methi Water Help?

From preventing bloating, reducing weight, flushing out toxins to keeping water retention at bay; these are just some of the benefits of methi water.

Fenugreek water has amino acid compounds that promote the secretion of insulin in pancreas.

It helps to keep the blood sugar levels at bay.

Pathimugam (Indian Redwood) Water

Apart from being a thirst quencher, the bark of the Indian redwood tree is loaded with medicinal properties. (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia Commons)

I was introduced to Pathimugam infused water when I was in Kerala for a month. Pathimugam or Indian redwood is an infused drink that is consumed at most homes in Kerala.

Indian Redwood water helps to not just quench the thirst, but also prevent dehydration.

The bark of the tree is chopped into small pieces and boiled in water for less than 5 minutes. The water is ready to consume when it gets a light pink tinge. The water is strained and consumed either with meals or anytime of the day.

How Does Drinking Infused Pathimugam Water Help?

Apart from being a thirst quencher, the bark of the Indian redwood tree is loaded with medicinal properties. The water is known to purify blood and flush out toxins. It promotes healthy skin, keeps cholesterol levels under control and keeps sugar levels in check.

Tulsi Water

Drinking tulsi water is known to build up immunity levels and keep the flu away.(Photo: iStockphoto)

This is one plant that you’ll find in every Indian home. Tulsi or Holy Basil works wonders for your skin and hair as well. There was a reason why our mothers vouched for the crushed tulsi and neem face packs before the packaged masks stormed into the market!

Take a handful of tulsi leaves and add them to a jug of water. Let it steep overnight.

How Does Drinking Infused Tulsi Water Help?

• Apart from promoting great skin and hair, tulsi with its medicinal properties is known for its antibiotic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties as well.
• Drinking tulsi water is known to build up immunity levels and keep the flu away.
• It also helps to reduce the uric acid levels and detox the kidneys.

As with any new thing that you want to incorporate in your lifestyle, it is better to be doubly sure if these infused waters will suit you.

Check with your general physician, especially if you have any health issues before you want to consume these infused waters.

And when you are ready, just take a sip towards good health.

(Pratibha spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. When she's not rooting for eco-living or whipping up some DIY recipes to share with her readers, Pratibha is creating magic with social media. You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)

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