In the hottest season it is essential to hydrate. Combine the refreshing taste with interesting therapeutic properties in these delicious drinks.
It is in summer when more liquids are consumed and also when they most desire. The body claims them almost constantly because it needs to hydrate.
The high temperatures, the greater insolation to which you are exposed and the tendency to greater physical activity cause the liquid requirements to increase significantly.
To quench thirst, you can resort to infusions with medicinal plants, which also provide therapeutic benefits. But for them to appeal as a refreshing drink their taste must be pleasant, which not all meet.
These selected plants can be prepared in cold infusions, with or without ice. They combine with berries and citrus juices.
HIBISCUS (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA)
Hibiscus can be taken alone or with other digestive plants such as herb and green anise.
The effectiveness of the infusion of hibiscus flowers as a refreshing drink is supported by the deep-rooted custom of drinking it in hot countries such as Egypt, Turkey or Lebanon.
Known among other names for karkadé tea, this reddish infusion is usually taken very sweet, both cold and hot.
WHEN TO TAKE IT
In addition to helping to quench thirst, it is very useful to relieve gastrointestinal indispositions with spasms and to combat heartburn and constipation.
PROPERTIES
- Vitamin
- Refreshing
- Mineralizing
- Digestive
- Laxative
- Antispasmodic
- Vasoprotector
- Tranquilizer.
HOW TO TAKE IT
In simple infusion, sugary, or with rosebush berries, lemon balm and herb.
CITRONELLA (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS)
Those who prefer a lemonier flavor, in addition to lemon balui or lemon balm, can try citronella or lemongrass.
Widely used in Thai and Indian cuisine, the leaves of this tropical grass are drunk in infusion to quench thirst.
WHEN TO TAKE IT
It is also very digestive and helps fight gas, abdominal bloating and bad taste in the mouth.
PROPERTIES
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Antiinflammatory
- Antirheumatic
- Febrifuge.
HOW TO TAKE IT
- In liquid extract and tincture.
- In single or combined infusion.
- The essential oil for external use.
MINT (MENTHA X PIPERITA)
A highly recommended infusion is mint. Its strong flavor is usually liked by almost everyone.
WHEN TO TAKE IT
Taken after meals, it helps digest food well and combat bad taste and bad breath.
It is very pleasant in the middle of the afternoon or as an aperitif on hot days to gain appetite and relieve the feeling of heavy head due to excessive sunstroke or migraine.
PROPERTIES
- Digestive
- Carminative
- Appetizer
- Antiseptic
- Analgesic
- Odontalgic
- Choleretic
- Mucolytic.
HOW TO TAKE IT
In simple infusion or combined with other plants; in syrup, fluid extract, tincture and capsules.
CALAFATE (BERBERÍS BUXIFOLIA)
A refreshing and digestive infusion, with a sweet and fruity flavor is offered by an emblematic plant of Argentine Patagonia, the calafate, related to our barberries.
It is usually taken with orange peel and honey.
WHEN TO TAKE CALAFATE INFUSION
Its root is indicated in case of diarrhea and as a purgative and anti-inflammatory.
PROPERTIES OF CALAFATE
- Digestive
- Appetizer
- Astringent
- Antidiarrheal
- Antiinflammatory
- Ophthalmic.
HOW TO TAKE CALAFATE
In simple infusion or with orange peel, strawberries, chamomile and blueberries.
With hibiscus, whose flower is not always red, karkadé is prepared, a popular drink in Egypt, Turkey or Lebanon. If you squeeze the heat, another refreshing infusion is mint.
