Do hold the drink

Western studies rubbish the claim of drinking eight glasses of water, Ayurveda emphasises on its goodness

For years, experts claimed that water, when consumed regularly — eight glasses everyday — was that elixir which could contribute to an individual’s overall wellness quotient.

New research, however, makes contrary claims. British Nutrition Foundation, in one of its research reports, recently concluded that there was very little scientific evidence relating to the effects of water consumption on skin hydration. “One really doesn’t know whether drinking more or less water actually has any impact on skin appearance,” the report mentioned.

While global research continues to debate whether water even contributes to overall health, Ayurveda, which is based on the five primary elements of space, air, fire, water and earth, regards water as a powerful element. In ancient Ayurvedic texts, water’s powerful properties are said to offer prevention therapies for cleansing and replenishing the body.

The skin, according to Ayurveda, is structured in six layers and the first layer udakdhara, is the layer that holds water. It’s also referred to as awabhasini, which according to the ancient science reflects inner radiance and for this layer moisture, which is provided by consumption of water, is important. That’s why Ayurveda emphasises on the daily habit of drinking water to clean the inner channels of the body and flush out toxins.

Ayurveda, however, emphasises on the correct way of drinking water. Room temperature water is not always adequate for purging toxins and rehydrating the skin. The body, especially after the age of 40, slows down considerably, and the toxins also tend to accumulate in the fine microcirculatory channels.

While drinking extra water isn’t the solution, boiling drinking water for five minutes and sipping it slowly can hydrate the skin well and keep the toxins under control too. This water can be consumed during and after meals but never on an empty stomach.

Boiled water can be drunk throughout the day, but should not be saved overnight since its therapeutic properties expire.

Ayurveda also recommends drinking boiled water mixed with specific herbs. For people who are in the kapha category, boiled water mixed with thin slices of fresh ginger root, basil leaves, whole cloves and cumin seeds is considered good. Those in the pitta category should ideally mix cumin seeds, fennel seeds and coriander seeds with water and sip throughout the day. Vata types should mix cumin seeds, whole coriander seeds, fennel seeds, ashwagandha root powder in water and drink warm.

Let’s drink to the goodness of water.