In summer, autumn or winter, it is easy for the body and tissues to feel dehydrated. Dry skin, dry tongue and dry lips, constipation, reduced urination, dark urine, dry hair, dry nails, feeling tired, feeling dizzy, insomnia, loss of appetite, bloating, irritabiltiy, confusion, pain and craking in the joints, tightness and weakness in the muscles are some of the symptoms that are associated with dehydratation of the bodily tissues.
Ayurveda recommends several herbal remedies, diet & lifestyle practices to re-hydrate the bodily tissues and balance tha vata dosha (air/space elements which are in excess in the body).
One efficient way is to practice daily oleation (known as abhyanga) with sesame oil for instance, or one could include naturally sweet foods into their diet as they include more of the water elements such as sweet vegetables and fruits especially sweet oranges and watermelons. Drinking plenty of fluids in the form of soups and herbal teas and infusions also help maintaining enough fluids in the body. And of course avoiding any drying or heating food items (as they further cause dryness of the body). *
Coriander infusion is a great way to re-hydrate the body* *especially in the summer.
De-hydratation also means loss of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Coconut water is one of the best source of electrolytes and is ideal to re-hydrate the body. But it is not readily available in the west. So here is delicious and easy alternative ayurvedic drink to hydrate your body
Ingredients
For 500 ml
- Boiled water – 500ml
- Lime – 60ml about 1/2 – 1 lime
- Salt (hymalayan) – a pinch
- Maple syrup – 1/2 tsp optional
- Fresh mint – a small bunch optional
Recipe
- Boil the water
- Pour into a container
- Add salt and fresh mint
- Leave to cool
- Add maple syrup, then freshly squeezed lime
- Enjoy throughout the day away from meals, to avoid diluting your digestive juices.
Enjoy this ayurveda hydrating drink until you feel your symptoms have improved.
*Dietary and lifestyle changes may also be necessary. Please consult a qualified ayurveda physician for customised ayurveda diet and lifestyle recommendations which will suit your constitution and symptoms.
* * Please note that this recipe does not consitute a treatment. Proportion and method of preparation may vary according to constitution, nature of the imbalance and season.
