Pure water is a clear, colorless liquid made up of oxygen and hydrogen. Water is the most common substance on the Earth’s surface, covering more than 70 percent of the planet. It is also present in the atmosphere as a gas (water vapor or steam). Water is essential to life on Earth and constitutes a large part of most living things. Human beings are comprised of about 75 percent water.
Water is necessary for maintaining the correct osmotic pressure in cells, and is needed for many other body processes, such as transporting nutrients and waste products around the body in the blood (blood is about 80 percent water). Water that has been cooled or heated to form ice, hot water, or steam can be used to treat minor complaints.
USES
• Drink plenty of fresh water if you suffer from edema.
• Drink water to counter the effects of a hangover, and during illness to encourage the expulsion of toxins. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee, or who smoke, should drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
• It can help to prevent tooth decay when sufficient fluoride is present.
• Water acts as a diuretic and a mild laxative—it adds water to stools and may stimulate muscle contraction in the digestive tract.
• Hard water may play a role in preventing hypertension and heart disease.
• Ice reduces swellings and is particularly beneficial for sprains. Ice packs help to relieve backache.
• Cold compresses placed around the throat may ease an attack of croup.
• Children suffering from croup will get relief when placed in a steamy bathroom. This is best achieved by running the hot water faucet or the shower.
• Swallowing cracked ice may be beneficial in relieving morning sickness and motion sickness.
• A hot compress can help to reduce skin inflammations caused by infection. Dip a face cloth or other thick cloth in hot water and wring out before applying.
• Bathing in warm water can encourage relaxation. Hot baths may help to soothe muscular aches and pains. A cool bath can be soothing for sufferers of prickly heat.
PROPERTIES
• Essential for life
• Dilutes toxins in the body, and expels them
• A natural diuretic
• Salt water is antiseptic
• Aids kidney action
• Prevents constipation
• May contain some naturally occurring fluoride
• Prevents dehydration
CAUTION
Water should be filtered before it is drunk if it contains impurities. Bottled mineral waters may be high in sodium.
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
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