Dr. Candice Todd ND shares her Wellness Water Boosters
The average person at a minimum, should consume approximately half their body weight in ounces of water per day. We know, its hard to do sometimes! Lack of ample hydration can lead to low energy, muscle spasms and cramps, constipation and dry, dull skin.
"If you’re like me, sometimes plain old water needs a makeover. If you’re yearning to take your water up a notch, herbs are a great addition and they are so accessible and easy to grow in your home garden. Not only do they amplify the flavor profile of your water, they have health benefits as well! Here are my favorites. These herbal infusions can be enjoyed hot or cold."
- Dr. Candice Todd ND
Thyme
Flavor profile: Earthy, Floral, Herbaceous.
Pairs well with: Grapefruit, Blueberry
Health Benefits: Thyme is a great carminative herb, meaning it is great for relieving gas, bloating and sluggish digestion. The oil extracted from thyme is also quite antiseptic which makes it a good treatment for respiratory and digestive infections.
Basil
Flavor profile: Floral, Sweet, Peppery
Pairs well with: Strawberry, Lemon
Health Benefits: Basil is a nutritive herb, meaning it is rich in vitamins and minerals, in particular vitamin A, manganese, iron, vitamin K and vitamin C. Basil also has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants effects, making it good for overall health and wellness.
Mint
Flavor profile: Sweet, Cooling, Clean
Pairs well with: Watermelon, Lime (hello – mojito!)
Health Benefits: Mint is an excellent carminative herb due to its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive system, thus it is great for relieving gas and flatulence. It also has nervine effects which essentially means that it helps calm anxiety and tension. Inhaling the aroma of mint can also help to clear congestion in the sinuses.
Ginger
Flavor profile: Warming, Pungent, Spicy
Pairs well with: Lime, Blackberry
Health Benefits: Ginger is awesome for the treatment of digestive complaints, notably nausea. Not only is ginger packed with flavor, this wondrous herb is also an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and an anti-inflammatory. It helps to stimulate blood circulation and also helps to lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
Rosemary
Flavor profile: Herbaceous, Piney, Woody
Pairs well with: Lemon, Grapefruit
Health Benefits: Rosemary is probably best known for its ability to protect the brain and other neurological tissue. It helps to improve cognition, memory and mood and may protect against degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Lavender
Flavor profile: Woody, Floral, Bitter
Pairs well with: Lemon, Blueberry
Health Benefits: Lavender is a beautiful herb with culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses. It helps to promote natural sleep, relieves stress headaches and is used as a gentle nervous system tonic to treat states of nervous debility and exhaustion.
Sage
Flavor profile: Sweet , Piney, Bitter
Pairs well with: Blackberry, Grapefruit
Health Benefits: Sage is cooling herb by nature and as such has anti-inflammatory effects when used topically and orally. Orally it is also used to decrease sweating and hot flashes. I also love using cold sage tea sprayed as a mist on hot days to keep cool!
Pro Tips:
- Hot infusions, like tea, can extract more of the beneficial active constituents from herbs in a shorter amount of time.
- Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals in plastics and drink your herb/water infusion from a glass container.
- Take your water from day to evening by switching from still to sparkling
Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your healthcare routine.
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