Staying hydrated is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Water is not just to hydrate your body—it can also be turned into a natural remedy when combined with herbs you might have at home or in your garden.
Ayurveda experts recommend water-based concoctions for some common illnesses. “To make an infusion, the herb is immersed in water, usually kept overnight, filtered, and used,” says Dr Ahana Nambiar, ayurvedic expert from Kerala. For herbal teas and decoctions, the herb is boiled in water until the water is reduced to half, she adds.
These herbal elixirs hold the potential to enhance immunity and help with various common issues like colds, coughs, digestive discomfort, headaches, throat irritation, aches and joint discomfort. Their effects are determined by the properties of the infused botanicals.