This week’s health tip: Water
Water, water, every where, and all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink.The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Water. The stuff of life.
Over the course of our lives, the water in our bodies makes up anywhere from about 50-75% of our body composition. You know how ingredient lists are written in order from the greatest amount to least? Our body composition, if written out this way, would have water at the top of the list.
Considering its prevalence in our body, one would think it is pretty important, right? Among some of water’s vital functions in our body are: carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells, lubricating our joints, regulating body temperature, carrying waste products from our body and protecting organs and tissues.
Yet despite its importance, many of us seem to struggle with getting enough water on a daily basis or have the motto “Coffee has water in it, right??” (Feel free to insert your vice. No shaming here.)
Let’s face it. Water is just, well….water; tasteless, colorless, but oh-so-good-for-us. Now, if water just tasted like coffee. Oh wait, that is coffee….
But that’s the key! Taste! Give that water some flavor and you’ll be chugging it by the gallon. (And, not to mention, keeping your kidneys happy and healthy).
Did you know there are some essential oils you can use to add flavor to your water? And what better way to make your body healthy and functioning optimally by giving it water and the benefits of 100% pure and therapeutic essential oils. Below is a list of oils that are generally recognized as safe for internal use and is pared down to those that will make you want to drink your water, because let’s face it, no one wants to drink water that smells like Eucalyptus. 😉
Try throwing in some fresh fruits or yes, even some veggies, like cucumber, for the perfect trifecta.
**See safety warning below**
- Angelica
- Bergamot
- Chamomile, Roman
- Chamomile, German
- Cinnamon Bark
- Clary Sage
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Melissa (lemonbalm)
- Marjoram
- Nutmeg
- Orange
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Rose
- Spearmint
- Tarragon
- Tangerine
- Thyme
- Valerian (for bedtime drinks, as it will induce sleepiness)
**Safety note: As always, this excludes pregnant women and children. You should always check with your doctor to make sure there are no possible adverse reactions with medications you’ve been prescribed. Internal usage of oils should generally not exceed 1-2 drops and the oils used should be interchanged intermittently to avoid hypersensitivity reactions. **
