Quench Summertime Thirst

Healthy EO Enhanced Water: Use YL ONLY

Here are some quick, refreshing options for enhancing water to quench thirst and refresh people on hot days.  The first are suggestions for additions to water alone.    The second is a healthy alternative for replenishing electrolytes lost to sweating during exercise or prolonged outdoor excursions.  Enjoy!

1.   Peppermint Water: To quart or 1/2 gallon of cold ice water, add a toothpick dipped in YL peppermint EO.  Adding a full drop can prove to be too strong--go slow to start, so a toothpick is perfect.  Use a fresh toothpick to dip into EO each time.
2. Lemon Water:  Lemon EO is less strong so you can add a whole drop to 2 cups of cold water if desired.  Enhance with fresh lemon slice if desired.
3. Orange Spearmint Water:  To quart or 1/2 gallon of water, add 1 drop of Orange EO (you can add up to 3 or 4 drops for larger quantities if desired--taste as you go).  As with peppermint above (1), use a toothpick to add a little bit of spearmint at a time.  All mints can overwhelm flavoring, so go slow! 
4. Cut fresh cucumber and put into a large jar with water.  Set in refrigerator a couple hours at least.  Before serving add a toothpick of peppermint (go slow with this--you are aiming for a hint of peppermint).  The cucumbers are AMAZING, and water is so refreshing!  One of my favorites!

Making a Healthy Sports Drink to Replenish Electrolytes:

• To any of the above, Per 2 cup glass: add 1-2 tablespoon of grade B (dark) maple syrup or raw honey, a 2 finger pinch of sea salt (not table salt!). If you are sweating a lot you may want to add an extra pinch of salt.  You should taste a hint of salt but it should not be like the ocean. :) Enjoy! 
• Note--unless you are sweating heavily from prolonged strenuous exercise or time in heat, electrolyte drinks are not generally needed, so salt is often not critical to include here.  In situations where you are sweating a lot (like being out on a boat in the sun all day) adding maple syrup and pinch of salt (unless you are eating foods that include these things) becomes more important.  No need for Gatorade.  Be healthy and enjoy EO enhanced refreshment!