It is vitally important to keep hydrated during your Day Spa at Home (or at any other time for that matter) to ensure that toxins are flushed out of your body. Water helps to regulate body temperature, aid in digestion and keep skin clear and hydrated. Water also aids in the transport of nutrients around the body while also keeping our organs, other body tissues lubricated. We need to drink about at least 8 glasses of water every day for our body to function at their best. However, this amount may vary depending of such factors as body size, energy expenditure, and the climate in which you live.
Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks are not considered part of the daily-recommended water intake. In fact these drinks actually dehydrate our bodies due to their diuretic effects (increased urine output) resulting in the need for an even higher water intake. So make sure you do not consume these drinks during your Day Spa at Home or Wellness program. Dehydration impacts negatively on your physical and mental performance. Without replenishing your water intake, you can experience headaches, digestive problems, low blood pressure, lower back pain, constipation, premature ageing and more. You may even feel hungry if you don’t drink enough water. Yes, that’s right! It has been found that what some people experience as hunger is actually the result of inadequate intake of water.
If you really find it difficult to drink plain water, try making up some delicious infusions with your favorite fruits, herbs and spices. Here are some mouth watering infusion recipes to try that will make getting your quota of hydration so deliciously enjoyable and such a treat.
Lavender Lemon Ginger Mint Infusion
This is a delightfully soothing and gently warming infusion which helps to enhance the day spa and total wellness experience.
- 4 cups water
- 2 Tblsp. dried lavender (or 4 sprigs fresh lavender)
- 2 lemons, juiced and peels set aside
- 1/2 chopped lemongrass stalk
- 1 Tblsp. maple syrup (optional)
- 1-inch knob ginger, peeled and chopped
- Small handful fresh mint
Combine the lemongrass, lemon peels and maple syrup in a large jug or beautiful clay or ceramic teapot if you have one, add water that has been boiled and allowed to cool slightly. Mix the ingredients well and then add ginger, mint and lavender. Allow the infusion to steep for about half an hour and then stir well. If you have use a jug strain through a fine sieve. You may not need to use a sieve if you have made the infusion in a teapot, which is why I have a beautiful teapot especially for my Day Spa at Home infusions. This infusion is delicious served hot or chilled.
Cinnamon Strawberry Infusion
This is a delicious fruity infusion which will delight your taste buds while you hydrate your body.
- ½ cup. fresh strawberries
- 4 cups. water
- 1 pinch cinnamon powder
- 1 Tblsp. maple syrup (optional)
- Small handful peppermint leaves
Puree strawberries in a blender until smooth. Pour the puree into a jug or a large teapot and mix with slightly cooled boiling water, cinnamon, peppermint leaves and maple syrup. Steep for one hour. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain. Serve chilled with ice if desired.
Jasmine, Mint and Orange Infusion
Jasmine is a beautifully relaxing tea with such a wonderful and delicate aroma. It soothes the mind and the body with its mild sedative properties while delivering a boost of antioxidants. It is also thought to aid weight loss with its metabolism boosting catechins. Combined with freshly squeezed orange juice and peppermint leaves, this infusion is perfect for a day devoted to wellness.
- 2 Tblsp. jasmine tea leaves
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 Tblsp. maple syrup (optional)
- Small handful peppermint leaves
Pour the boiling water over the tea and peppermint leaves placed in a heatproof jug or a large teapot and allow to infuse for 5 minutes. Strain and add the orange juice and maple syrup, stirring well. Set aside and allow to cool. Serve over ice.
Remember to avoid drinking large quantities of water with your meal, as it may dilute your digestive juices and may lead to bloating. If you feel you need to drink water with your meal, just take small sips and wait at last 20 minutes before and after your meal to have a whole glass of water. Head to our Detox pages for more great infusion recipes or go to Mother Earth News.
