Warm water first thing in the morning is an excellent way to kickstart your metabolism and give yourself a head-start.
What if you can take your morning health ritual to the next level by adding certain natural ingredients to your glass of warm water!
A warm water infusion is the BEST thing you can drink after getting out of the bed. These infusions are easy to make and consume and have great medicinal properties.
How to Prepare a Warm Water Infusion
There are three main ways to prepare warm water infusions based on the ingredient type:
1) How to Prepare Spice Warm Water Infusion
- The spices are to be used in grounded form. It is best to freshly ground them so as to help in releasing their natural oils and optimal benefit.
- You can boil the grounded spice with water for 15 to 20 minutes, strain it, allow the boiling water to cool down slightly and then consume it warm on an empty stomach.
- Alternatively, you can add the grounded spice directly to hot water, stir the mixture, allow it to rest it for a while, strain it, and then drink it while it’s warm, just like you drink tea.
2) How to Prepare a Liquid + Warm Water Infusion
Liquids like Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey are to be added to warm water as it is and consumed right away.
3) How to Prepare and Consume Seeds or Dry Fruit + Warm Water Infusion
- Add the dry fruit (dates, golden or black raisins) in water overnight in 1/3 cup water. Add warm to moderately hot water to the soaked mixture and consume it. Drink the warm infusion and then chew the soaked fruit with a spoon.
- Likewise, freshly ground flaxseed or chia seeds in order to release their oils. Allow them to steep in warm water for half an hour and then consume the infusion.
- Psyllium husk needs to be soaked for 15 minutes in warm water before consuming it.
A Few Things to be Mindful of…
- Spices are hot in nature. 1/4th or 1/2 is enough dosage for a day. Don’t exceed the recommended amount.
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds are laxative in nature. If you take them in an ungrounded form or in excess, they may lead to tummy ache and diarrhea.
- Psyllium husk needs water to bulk up. Adding too little water may make it difficult to swallow. It can also cause intestinal blockage and severe constipation. On the other hand, if you add too much water to the husk, it can cause severe diarrhea.
- As with all natural remedies, just don’t go overboard , or else, there would be more harm than good.
Top 10 Beneficial Ingredients to Add to Your Warm Water
I have compiled together some powerful, personally tried and tested warm water infusion recipes for you. You can read about the benefits and the way to consume them underneath:
1) Apple Cider Vinegar + Lukewarm Water
Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm water and have it daily on an empty stomach. This tonic helps in reducing blood sugar levels and controlling high blood pressure in a natural way.
2) Lemon + Lukewarm Water
Lemon in lukewarm water is not only refreshing in taste but it has vitamin C and anti oxidative properties. This drink can help your body slow down the damage to cells caused by free radicals.
3) Cinnamon + Lukewarm Water
This fragrant spice helps in treating insulin resistance issues. Add 1/4th teaspoon of grounded cinnamon to lukewarm water and have it first thing in the morning.
4) Ginger + Lukewarm Water
Ginger is full of antioxidants. It also aids our liver to produce more bile, which improves digestion. Hence, ginger water in the morning can calm down an upset stomach, lessen flatulence, reduce nausea, and ease period pains.
5) Psyllium Husk + Lukewarm Water
Psyllium husk originates from a plant the seeds of which swell up when in coming in contact with water and become gelatinous. It is a form of natural fiber.
If you are suffering from an upset stomach and loose motions, having 1 to 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk in a little bit water can help you soothe the irritated stomach lining and bind and bulk up loose stools.
On the other hand, if you are suffering from constipation, adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk in a glass of water can moisten the intestines and help them get rid of the toxins and bowels easily, thereby relieving constipation.
6) Fenugreek + Lukewarm Water
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) is highly aromatic has high medicinal properties. Having half teaspoon of grounded fenugreek soaked in water restores hormonal imbalance and helps in managing diabetes.
7) Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds + Lukewarm Water
Flax seeds or Chia seeds are two kinds of seeds which are full of nutritional properties like magnesium, protein, calcium and selenium, iron, copper and omega-3 fatty acids.
Also, they are rich in fiber and have great antioxidant properties. Flaxseeds and Chia seeds help you get rid of toxins in your body, manage your weight, and strengthen your immunity.
In order to consume them, you need to grind them and then soak them for 15 minutes in hot water and then drink the warm concoction.
8) Honey + Lukewarm Water
Pure honey is a natural sweetener. It is also rich with antioxidants, enzymes and minerals. Consuming honey with warm water help you control acidity, cholesterol, absorb fat and manage weight loss.
9) Golden or Black Raisins + Lukewarm Water
Raisins are rich in calcium, phosphorus and iron. They are also a good source of fiber and energy. Soaking them overnight and consuming the water early morning helps you detoxify your digestive track, gain energy, improve the iron levels in your blood and phosphorus and calcium in your teeth and bones.
Just don’t forget to take the seeds out of the black raisins before consuming them.
10) Dates + Lukewarm Water
Dates are high on energy and full of antioxidant properties. Soaking them in water overnight, combining the mixture with some warm water and consuming it early morning gives the body a head-start. This remedy is highly beneficial for you are anemic, underweight, are suffering from constipation, acidity or high blood pressure.
Just don’t forget to take the pits out before consuming the dates.
The Takeaways
To conclude, natural ingredients like herbs, spices and dried fruits steeped in warm water is the best way to create natural and healthy tonics and infusions. This brew is the best thing you can drink when getting out of bed in order to give your body a healthy boost. When we wake up energized, we are more likely to sustain that energy throughout the day.
