Blog

17 Mar

Boiled Water – Ayurveda’s Natural Elixir by Leah Collmer

Water is the foundation for all living things. Ancient Ayurvedic texts speak about the importance of this life saving element, and its foundation in our daily health. Without water life would perish, but it is with the wisdom of Ayurveda that we can specifically learn the benefits of drinking boiled water for our well-being.

Boiled water has many benefits for the body, absorbing quicker and easier into our systems than non-boiled water. When water gets boiled and ignited with heat it becomes more piercing in nature, creating a more therapeutic effect on the body. According to Ayurveda regular water assimilates into our system in 6 hours, and boiled water only 3 hours! Boiled water requires less time and energy to hydrate our organs and tissues, helping our body function at maximum capacity and with optimal health.

We all drink water, but yet many of our health problems still persist. So what is the secret? Ayurveda states that sipping hot water throughout the day is the foundation for purifying the body. It’s easy and simple. Everyone can do it and yet the results are profound. The key is in repeatedly sipping small quantities of hot water throughout the day, versus drinking large quantities infrequently. In fact, according to Ayurvedic principles, drinking large quantities of water at a time actually impairs the digestion because it extinguishes the body’s much needed digestive fire (called agni).

This repetition of imbibing small amounts of hot water during the day is like a tonic for the body. Let’s look at some of the benefits that sipping hot water can bring.

It clears out toxins (called ama) from the body and rejuvenates all bodily systems.
It helps in weight reduction.
It boosts digestion.
It helps alleviate constipation.
It purifies and strengthens the gastrointestinal tract.
It flushes the lymphatic system.
It softens hardened tissues.
It dilates micro channels (called srotas) and deeply hydrates the body.
It relieves congestion.
It improves blood circulation and blood flow to the tissues.
It aids in reducing food cravings between meals.
It improves your skin condition.

It is crucial to bring the water to a full boil, and if possible for a minute or two. If you work in an office with only a hot water dispenser this can suffice, however boiling water at home and then bringing it to work in a thermos would be of greater value. No microwaves, please.

Lastly, sipping boiled water first thing in the morning is of extreme benefit. So all coffee connoisseurs, tea lovers and chai devotees, if you can hold out and get some pure, heated water into your system before downing your caffeine fix, your body and mind will thank you!

Written by: LEAH COLLMER

Leah Collmer is a certified Wellness Educator, Yoga Teacher, Laughter Yoga Teacher & Trainer and Aroma Therapist. She loves all things Ayurveda, and has a passion for working with children, cooking, ethnic food, and foreign culture. Leah has been writing for over 25 years and has had the great fortune of writing for heads of state, ambassadors, award-winning photo journalists, and non-profits committed to changing the world. Since 2015, she has been in India exploring the depths of the body/mind connection through Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation. Leah offers practical and productive Life and Wellness Coaching to anyone who is on a path. Love, balance and embracing life is the key for her. Leah’s favorite holiday is Holi Festival and she is deeply grateful to all her teachers who have helped her on her path.

If you are interested in Ayurvedic treatment, learning about Indian traditional medicine or becoming a certified trainer, contact Greens Ayurveda right now. Courses include ayurvedic nutrition courses, Kerala ayurvedic massages, yoga training and much more.