Water - the Elixir of Life
Water - the Elixir of Life
75% of earth’s area is covered by water. Water is the major
component of all living beings and it is the major constituent of
human cells. Ayurveda considers water (aap or jala) as one of
panchamahabhutas. ( Panchamahabhutas constitute human body). Water
provides a good medium for most of the biological processes that
happen in living beings. Dehydration or loss of water from body
causes dry skin,
lowered energy,
muscle
cramps, reduced alertness and affects vital organs.
Potable water:
Water which is not harmful to health and has all qualities to serve
as drinking water is called as potable water. The potable water must
be free from heavy metals, suspended particles and pathogens like
bacteria.
Ayurveda recommends rain water which is devoid of impurities,
microbes as pure potable water. This is called as “Gangambu”. Such
rain water is healthy, refreshing, cools body, increases alertness
and satiates taste buds. The properties of pure Gangambu or rain
water are narrated as follows.
“Jeevanam tarpanam hridyam hlaadi
buddhiprabhodhanam |
Tanvavyaktarasam mrushtam sheetam laghvamrutopamam||”
In present environmental scenario the polluted sky, dusty winds,
chemicals spewed from industries get dissolved with rain water
causing acid rains. It is not advisable to drink such rain water.
Even in ayurveda it has been mentioned that rain water has to be
used after analyzing its purity.
The water contaminated with mud, weeds, algae and microbes is
referred as “Dushtajala” in ayurveda. Dushtajala or contaminated
water should not be used for any purpose as it is harmful to living
beings.
Benefits of cold and warm water an -
ayurvedic view
Ayurveda explains properties of cold water as follows
“Sheetam
madaatyayaglaanimoorchaachardishramabhramaan ||
Trushnadaahapittasravishanyambu niyacchati ||”
Cold water reduces intoxication of alcohol. It relieves fatigue,
giddiness, vomiting sensation and quenches thirst. It alleviates
symptoms of increased pitta,
rakta
and poison.
Hot water :
Deepanam paachanam kantyam laghushnam
basthi shodhanam ||
Hidmaadmaanaanilashleshmasadyahashuddhinavajware |
Kaasaampinasashwaasapaarshwarukshu cha shasyate |
Hot water kindles hunger, helps in good digestion, sooths throat,
cleanses bladder, reduces hiccups, and alleviates increased
vata and
kapha. Hot water is recommended during
panchakarma therapy. It eases symptoms of cold, cough, fevers
and breathlessness. It removes and flushes ama, the metabolic toxin
of body.
Persons who drink plenty of water regularly enjoy the following benefits.
- Healthy glowing skin: A well hydrated skin prevents dry skin and formation of wrinkles. Increased water intake moisturizes the skin from inside. It maintains the elasticity of skin and gives young looks. Water acts as a fountain of youth.
- Keeps Cardio Vascular system healthy: Researches have revealed that, drinking water regularly reduces the risk of heart diseases. The scientists say that dehydration increases the viscosity of blood and plasma which are risk factors of heart disease.
- Good Digestion: Water is very essential for digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Well hydrated body cells function normally and efficiently. Water helps in expelling waste products produce during metabolism.
- No Constipation: Inadequate consumption of water and lack of fiber in diet cause constipation. Drinking 14 glasses of water per day along with good fiber diet ease bowel movement and relieve constipation.
- Alert mind: Dehydration can affect mental alertness. Frequent ingestion of water keeps the mind alert and prevents dizziness which occur due to dehydration..
- Regular Detoxification: In resent years our environment is full of toxins like pesticides, industrial wastes, vehicle exhausts etc. These toxins enter human body and get collected in tissues. Drinking lot of water help to eliminate these toxins from body. Hence drinking clean and pure water regularly in large quantities help to flush these toxins and prevent diseases which arise from accumulation of these toxins.
- Apart from the benefits mentioned above , water regulates body temperature and boosts the immunity of body. Sports persons are always advised to drink plain water instead of aerated drinks.
Home remedies using water
- Drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water per day flushes the toxins from body, hydrates the skin well and reduces acne and pimples.
- Spraying water frequently on face and body helps to keep dry skin soft and smooth.
- Drinking a glass of water before every meal helps in weight reduction.
- Drinking plenty of water help to reduce dark circles.Good water intake keeps headaches at bay.
- Warm water consumption eases discomforts caused due to bronchitis and arthritis.
- Drinking ½ glass of warm water once in 2 hours helps in indigestion.
- Consuming water in between meals help in good digestion.
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com/a>
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