Day 4: Keep Sipping

Sip on those warm teas and herbal waters aaaalllllll day. Hot water strengthens the digestive fire, or agni, in the stomach and the digestive enzymes in the liver. This allows for a more efficient breakdown and assimilation of nutrients and the removal of toxin build up (ama).

Ama is the accumulation of food particles that weren’t properly digested due to weak agni, an overactive mind, etc. Ama finds its way into tissues through the circulatory system and irritates, inflames, and weakens the function of the intestinal lining, which is an important protective barrier.

Enter hot water. (clap) Hot water vasodilates the channels, supporting better circulation and the removal of cellular ama.

Ayurveda suggests boiling water for at least 10 minutes, as this changes the properties of the water making it easier for the body to assimilate.

Drinking hot or warm water is beneficial in any season but is particulary good in the winter and spring to help balance vata and kapha. The heat balances the cold qualities of vata and the heavy and congestive qualities of kapha, while cold water is aggravating. Hot water even in the summer surprisingly helps to balance pitta by increasing the vasodilation of the tissues and supporting dissipation of heat.