With the days being so hot, be sure you stay hydrated! Just as important is what you drink to stay hydrated! While of course pure cold water is refreshing, if you are very active and sweating a lot it may not be enough. Be sure to drink beverages that will replace the minerals that are lost when you sweat. These electrolytes are include potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium, (among others). These minerals are responsible for vital bodily functions including fluid balance, nerve and muscle function and more. Magnesium relaxes muscles and promotes healthy cellular absorption. Potassium assists with nerve and muscle function and balancing vital minerals in the body. Sodium ensures a proper fluid balance. But you need not look only to sugary sweet commercially prepared energy drinks you can make your own electrolyte rich beverages with simple herbs that might even be growing in your garden!
There are so many wonderful herbs to support your hydration and health, but in my recipe I'm going to use chamomile, spearmint, raspberry leaf, elder flower and yarrow. They can be gathered fresh or you can use dried herbs.
CHAMOMILE: Chamomile is like the smile of the summer sun. It is an electrolyte herb because it is rich in potassium and magnesium. It is anti inflammatory and also controls blood sugar.
YARROW: Yarrow is such a helpful herb. It has a mild taste and is rich in Vitamins A, C and iron, magnesium and potassium. It reduces inflammation and reduces heat without draining your other vital nutrients.
SPEARMINT: Mint helps regulate temperature while also cooling and refreshing your body. It contains sodium and potassium.
RASPBERRY LEAF: Rich in magnesium and potassium, raspberry leaf eases inflammation and increases cell absorption of liquids.
ELDER FLOWER: Elder Flower is like having a "grandmother" figure care for you when you are unwell. It works to cool you when you're overheated and if you've gotten too much sun. It is also a magical herb that is the symbol of the archetypal crone, whose knowledge has been passed down from one grandmother to the next for centuries. Elder flower just "knows" how to make things right...
AGAVE: The cactus knows just how to regulate its hydration through the blistering heat. Agave has anti-inflammatory benefits and hydrates the cells. It is a low glycemic so it regulates sugar levels and is rich in nutrients.
Iced Herbal Hydrating Sun Brew
Items Needed:
A Great Big Glass Jug (Gallon sized)
1 cup of fresh mint leaves (1/2 cup dried)
1 cup of fresh raspberry leaves (1/2 cup dried)
1/2 cup of fresh elder flower petals (3 tablespoons dried)
1/2 cup yarrow flowers and leaves (3 tablespoons dried)
1 tsp. Himalayan Salt
Place all herbs in the jar and allow to steep in the sun for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, place all herbs in the jar and pour over water just under boiling, and steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain out herbs and pour liquid 1 cup liquid into a measuring cup. To this, sweeten with agave syrup (1-3 tablespoons to taste) When dissolved, add back to the full batch and chill. (Honey or maple syrup can be used for sweetener, if desired, or sweetener can be omitted.)
Drink throughout the day to stay refreshed and hydrated.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Always check with a medical professional before ingesting any herbs, especially if pregnant or on medications.