Nature-Aid; A Simple Hydration Formula with Plant Medicine Allies

Its Thyme for some good SelfCare!

In leading medical & sanctuary support spaces I learned early-on the importance of ensuring that people have adequate hydration, and NOT JUST in the form of water. (It ALSO being tasty really helps people to WANT to come get some - and thus welcoming their own SelfCare (I also see less of them sick in my Emergency Holistic Medicine tent!)

After a period of time in extreme conditions: (heat, excessive sweating, energy exertion, sleep deprivation, ext) the body becomes so 'out of wack' in its concentration levels of necessary minerals, acids and vitamins that it has a hard time absorbing water into the system, rather it just gets 'peed out' and lost.

This can lead to a dehydration that could be remedied simply by adding a few things to your water.
AND... support a particular aspect of the body or mind, and give yourself a tasty treat simply adding in various plants that are growing around you. Use Nature's Allies to support (Aid) yourself!

Remember... Sugars, Salts and Sours help the body absorb hydration when it is already depleted.

Here's how I like to make it:
I take a big container, boil water and make my herb tea, then I add my Hydration powders and juices to the tea and add cold water and or ice. (I tend to make a large 3-5 gal container that lasts (in the shade) for 2 days (though it rarely lasts that long!)

Below is a basic formula for the Hydration Support part of Nature Aid. The chart below give you the ratios for 20-30 oz water bottles, 1 gal size and 5 gallon size. So you can make it for yourself, your work day, or for a large group event! SELFCARE IS SEXY

Basic Hydration Formula:

Water	20-30 oz (Water bottle)	1 Gallon	5 gallons
Sugars - Raw Sugar or Honey	1 tsp	1 tbsp	1/3 c
Salts -Himalayan Salt	Tiny pinch (1/16 tsp)	1/4 tsp	1 tsp
Sours-Lemon or Lime Juice	1 tbsp	1/3c 1	1/2 c

[Some other amazing additives if you want to go all out: Ascorbic Acid powder (one of the base components in Vitamin C), Bromelain powder (made from pineapples!) Anti-inflammatory support for those crazy summer work days. Magnesium (crushed high absorbency capsules) an essential electrolyte that helps the body hold on to potassium, Potassium is necessary for your heart to beat normally and for your muscles to contract and expand appropriately. (this is why in dehydration you often see an irregular pulse and muscle cramps - often due to a depletion of Potassium. A good B Vitamin complex: I like to add a good B vit to the blend to help support turning your food into energy, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. ]

Potential Herbs to to add to Nature Aid (this is where the ART comes in
Thyme: When I think of Thyme, I think of it in my Nature Aid... Sooo yummy. Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Grounding. Boosts your moods and your immune system; with a minty spicy taste that blends Well with lemon juice.
Yarrow: Whole system tonic, strengthens your energy field, and lends a quieting to over active "hot" energy.
Pine Needles: Yields a lovely gentle taste to the blend, while also being high in minerals.
Plantain: Aids the skin and balances the fluids in the body; with an earthy salty taste.
Red clover: High in minerals, offering a calm and steady presence; with a lovely sweetly grounding flavor.
Peppermint: Cooling, soothing, energizing, rich in minerals; with a notorious flavor known for summer time.
Chamomile: Relaxing to the uptight mind, enlivening to your energy, containing around 20 mg of potassium; with a slight bittersweet taste.

All of the above are frequently wildcraftable (gathered growing in nature) in many places. (ask permission if able... more on wildcrafting etiquette at a later date.)

Be mindful of Where you harvest - that the area is not contaminated by high road traffic, pesticide sprays or contaminated water run-offs.

Enjoy Taking Care of Yourself and Others this Summer! <3

With Deep Love from The Mountain at Nemeton ~Raine
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This post was inspired by the #NaturalMedicine Group's challenge, to create content regarding Thyme.
Link to Challenge