We know you’ve heard a million times the health benefits of water. In fact, you’ve heard it from us! But sometimes we want something a little more flavorful, and nothing quenches our thirst on a hot summer day like an icy cold, homemade, herbal water. And believe us, you’ll never miss those sugar filled drinks you buy at the store. Making your own herbal water means that your drink is full of vitamins and minerals, not preservatives, synthetic vitamins, minerals and sweeteners. And it’s just as tasty. Not to mention, easier on your wallet and the environment.

1. Start with purified water. We love our Pur filter or you can distill water at home. Fill a beautiful ceramic or glass container. A special decanter can help turn any drink into a luxurious, spa experience.

2. Choose your favorite herbs. Herbs are a rich, whole food source of vitamins and minerals. Your body is able to most effectively recognize and absorb nutrients from food sources. We source fresh, dried herbs from Local Harvest. Choose one herb, like peppermint, or blend a few for a unique flavor. Have fun creating different flavors until you find the one that is just perfect for you.

Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried herbs per quart of water. Place your choice of fresh, dried herbs into a cotton muslin bag or stainless steel tea ball and place into the pitcher of pure, clean water.

Photo by Tiavir via flickr.

One Love Organics Ooh You Look Great and Smell So Sweet herbal blend:
In equal amounts mix fresh, dried oat straw, hibiscus, rosehips and spearmint .

Hibiscus
Calms and relaxes, relieves stomach problems and sweetens the breath! This tart little flower is also reported by herbalists to help lower blood pressure and reduce appetite.

Oatstraw
An excellent toner for your body, oat straw is rich in calcium, magnesium and the “beauty” mineral, silica. It also contains B-complex vitamins, flavones, saponins, and Vitamin A. This is a great way to add calcium to your diet for strong bones. And the silica content helps to strengthen and add shine to hair, nails and skin.

Roships
The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is actually the fruit of the rose. One of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C available, rose hips also contain various flavonoids that have potent antioxidant action, helping to protect the body from the effects of stress, aging and the environment. Rose hips are also an excellent source of iron.

Spearmint
A great breath enhancer, spearmint is also known for its ability to whiten teeth. Spearmint helps to relieve indigestion and is an anti-inflammatory and a diuretic which means bye-bye bloating. The aroma of fresh mint will perk you up and the flavor instantly refreshes.

3. Leave the pitcher in your refrigerator overnight. And Viola! Fresh, cold herbal water that sweetens your breath, reduces puffiness, contributes to the strength and beauty of your hair, skin and nails, and provides a whole food source of a dazzling array of vitamin and minerals. You won’t want to pay for fancy bottled waters again! We like to add ice, lemons, limes or cucumbers too, for a little extra zing. Your homemade herbal water will stay fresh and tasty for about 48 hours. So drink up!