Healing Waters

Most are familiar with taking herbs in their leaf, powder, and pill forms, but did you know that you can steep herbs and spices to make healing tonics? In Ayurvedic medicine it’s done all of the time. This method ensures ultimate potency of the herb and quick transportation directly into the body's systems. Try these recipes soon, and experience the healing effects. You can drink these just as you would regular water (even put them into your reusable bottle and carry with you to sip throughout the day). *I first saw these a while back in Yoga Journal (my favorite mag) so look there for more if you have a subscription.

Dried Ginger Water - *Good for relief from nausea.

Grind 1 teaspoon of dried ginger
Add it to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil
Boil for 3 minutes
Strain and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cumin Water - *Aids digestion and flushes toxins from the system. (Cumin is just generally amazing. Please get familiar if you're not already).

Dry roast ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds in a heated pot until their color darkens slightly (about 10 seconds).
Add 1 quart of water and bring to a boil
Boil about 3 minutes.
Strain and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cinnamon Water – **Good for lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar levels. (I’m allergic to cinnamon, so I can’t say that I’ve had this, but I’m told that it's tasty).

Crunch a whole cinnamon stick with a rolling pin
Add the broken chips to 1 quart of water and simmer for 10 minutes
Strain
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tulsi Water - *Tulsi is considered a spiritual herb, used to balance the body’s whole system. It’s especially good for decongesting the lungs, so try this if you're feeling stuffy. (You can grow tulsi yourself or get its sister plant, Thai basil, from an Asian market if you have a hard time finding it).

Drop a sprig of tulsi (“holy basil”) into a glass of room temperature water
Place in the sun for an hour
Drink!

Choose wellness.