Hydration

We all think hydration is simple, right? Just drink plenty of water. But staying well hydrated also means our bodies need to actually ABSORB all the water we’re drinking. Imagine a dry, cracked piece of earth in the desert. When it rains, that earth is so parched and hard that it cannot absorb any water. It all runs off the surface.

Our bodies are the same. If we don’t “prepare our soil” properly, all the water we drink just runs right through, and our tissues are still parched and dry. In TCM, we use yin tonics- herbs that are moistening and demulcent, in order to help moisten the body on a deep level and help it to “hold” the water. On a cellular level, yin tonics increase the capacity of our cells to properly absorb water, and are a key component of true hydration.

They don’t need to be taken in large doses for this effect- most everyone can benefit from the extra moistening properties these herbs provide during the dry, hot California summer. Here’s a wonderful beverage for summer hydration:

2 tablespoons Tian Men Dong (Chinese Asparagus Root)
2 tablespoons Marshmallow Root
1 tablespoon Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry)
1 ½ tablespoons Go Ji Zi (Goji Berry)

Combine herbs in a quart mason jar and fill with cool water. Cover and place outside in a sunny location for 3-4 hours. Strain the herbs and enjoy!

Blog content created and contributed by AIMC’s Herbal Pharmacy Director, Athene Eisenhardt LA.c.