Morning ‘Steamers’

My mug

Fresh and clean. These steamers are the perfect way to get the body hydrated and feeling vibrant in the morning and are easier than making a cup of tea.

There must be something in the ether because two friends, Julie and Gwen, have sent me their style of ‘steamer’ through today.  I felt prompted to share.

A steamer is basically an infusion of anything with hot water.  I regularly used ginger, mint, lemon, rosemary (a little), add a little honey if you’re a sweet one.  I would not drink them very hot, let them cool a little, be gentle with your poor old body, especially in the morning.

There is not much to this.

The bits

Your favourite mug that brings you the most happiness.

Choose from:

– A couple of teaspoons of sliced ginger (no need to peel, just wash)

– A nice wedge of lemon (squeezed into water and plopped in)

– A small handful of torn mint leaves.

– A classic.  Teaspoon of honey, squeezed wedge of lemon, teaspoon of sliced ginger.

Or

Julie’s  Steamer

Add one stick of bashed lemongrass

Gwen’s Steamer

Add one stick of peel liquorice root and a small handful of mint leaves.

Do It

Drop in bits and leave to steam for a few minutes.  Then aaaaahhhhhhhenjoy.

We Love It

As Gwen rightly put it, a fresh steamer will beat any tea bag, any day, forever.  Viva steamers!

Foodie Fact

There are many health benefits to drinking warm water when you first rise, especially with a slice of lemon in (see the post ‘Magic Morning Lemon Water’).  Warm water will flush out the kidneys and prepare the stomach for food by stimulate the glands on its walls, helping the bowels move regularly (hoorah!).

Warm water can be used easier by the body,  it’s not such a shock to the system, because it doesn’t need to be warmed up.  Drinking water at mealtimes can dilute gastric juices and slow digestion.  It’s a good idea to drink water half an hour before eating.  Drinking water is different from getting water via food or juice, clear water helps to cleanse the body internally.

The ‘Steamer’ variations are many.  Have a play and let me know of your favourites……star anise, sticks of cinnamon, grapefruit juice etcetcetc……….How do you like yours?

I truly believe that after a good stretch, they are the best way to start the day.

If you like this kind of thing, Gwen has a great vegan and freegan blog, have a wee look:  http://peasandloveblog.blogspot.com/