OPSKRIFTER

Infused water

Optimise your water

In this article, we’ve compiled our best recipes for how you can drink your way to a more hydrated body with water that’s much more than just water: vitamin water, flavoured water, infused water, sassy water, iced tea… Yes, whatever you want to call it. Increased hydration boosts cell function, energy and mental health.

 

That’s why we write “Stay hydrated – DRINK WATER” on all Karmameju products. It’s not a message you usually see on skincare products, but for Karmameju, a well-hydrated body is the number one rule of skincare. So, cheers – to water.

For all the recipes below, you can choose to use coconut water instead of plain water to add more fluid-retaining electrolytes.

 

Chia water

Water with crushed chia seeds

Are you familiar with the gel-like substance that forms around chia seeds when you soak them in water? It’s said that this type of gel water, found in fruit, vegetables, chia seeds and other foods, makes up more than 90 per cent of the water our bodies naturally consist of.

Scientific studies suggest that gel water is more hydrating than ordinary water, because its unique electrical charge and absorbent properties help the body retain water more effectively in its tissues. Some studies have even indicated that drinking water alone is not sufficient to achieve optimal hydration of the body. You should therefore include as many fruits and vegetables in your diet as possible – they are packed with gel water, naturally occurring electrolytes and fibre, which help the body absorb gel water.

Chia seeds, known for their rich nutritional profile, provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive and cardiovascular health, along with antioxidants for cellular defence. They are also packed with vital minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which improve bone strength and metabolic function.

A key benefit of consuming chia seeds soaked in water is their role in promoting better hydration. Chia seeds can form a hydrogel capable of absorbing significant amounts of water and slowly releasing it over time. This process helps maintain optimal hydration more effectively than drinking water on its own. In other words: chia seeds in water are like an internal shower

As well as promoting hydration, chia seeds in water are an excellent source of soluble fibre, which is essential for digestive wellbeing. When soaked, the fibre in chia seeds forms a gel-like substance that helps maintain regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. 

This soluble fibre acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the gut’s beneficial bacteria, which are vital for a healthy gut microbiome. The soothing, gelatinous consistency of chia seeds in water also helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and is, moreover, a brilliant detox remedy for hangovers.

Recipe 

  • Crush a teaspoonful of chia seeds using a mortar and pestle, a blender or a coffee grinder. 

  • Add the ground chia seeds to ordinary tap water or spring water.

Chia gel can be as thin as plain water, but may feel slightly silkier to drink, or it can thicken to the consistency of pudding if left to stand. Crushing the seeds creates more surface area, resulting in more gel.

 

Electrolyte drink

Water with lime, Himalayan salt and sugar – an SOS drink if your body is dehydrated.

Foods containing electrolytes release an electrical charge when they dissolve inside the body. They trigger a cascade of hydrogen bonding, which leads to the formation of more gel water in the body (read more about gel water in the chia water recipe) and thus more optimal hydration. Electrolyte water is recommended before, during or after activities that cause the body to become dehydrated. For example, a day in the sun or on a flight.

Recipe

  • Mix 1 litre of water with ½ tsp salt and 2–3 tbsp sugar.

  • Add the juice of half or a whole lime to give the water a lemonade-like flavour.

The sugar will help your body absorb water and salt more effectively, so you can maintain a good fluid balance.

 

Melon water

Watermelon water

Although watermelons contain 92 per cent water, they are a nourishing fruit packed with healthy vitamins and antioxidants. One of the key substances that makes watermelon a healthy treat is the bioactive plant compound lycopene, a fat-soluble plant compound that gives it its red colour. Lycopene is particularly well known from tomatoes, but in fact watermelon has one of the highest levels of this antioxidant. It helps to strengthen the skin’s own defences and thus protect against DNA damage caused by cells being exposed to oxidation – for example, from the sun.

Recipe

  • Cut a watermelon into cubes or slices and add to the water.

  • Leave the melon to infuse in the water, chill, drink, and feel free to eat the melon afterwards.

 

 

Pink Grape Water

Water with grapefruit and rosemary

This bittersweet, pale pink drink is the ideal counterpart to your gin and tonic – a healthy, non-alcoholic drink that adds a splash of colour to your table setting. Grapefruit is said to be a fantastic source of vitamins, fibre and other nutrients. The fruit is known for its antioxidant properties and its high content of, amongst other things, vitamin C, which is thought to help neutralise free radicals in our bodies. Scientific studies have also suggested that the nutrients found in grapefruit affect the way the body processes sugar and make it harder for fat to accumulate in the body. Combined with the fresh herb rosemary, which contains the bioactive compounds carnosol and carnosic acid, pink grapefruit water is not only hydrating, it is also packed with immune-boosting goodness.

Recipe

  • Squeeze the juice from a whole ripe grapefruit into a litre of water.

  • Gently crush the leaves on a sprig of fresh rosemary so that the oils from the leaves seep into the water.

  • Enjoy cold, preferably with ice cubes.

PLEASE NOTE! We would like to point out that it is believed that some medicines may have their effects altered when taken with grapefruit. Check with your doctor if you are in any doubt.

Iced tea

Water with jasmine tea and lemongrass 

A refreshing, ice-cold tea with an aroma that would fit perfectly into our energising, aromatherapeutic 03 range, with its Asian touches in flavour, appearance and scent. Both jasmine and lemongrass are said to have many beneficial properties, even when consumed as tea. It is believed that exotic jasmine can stimulate the ‘happiness hormone’ serotonin, whilst also possessing anti-inflammatory properties that can help strengthen the body’s own defences. Combined with vitamin C-rich lemongrass, this iced tea is not only a beautiful thirst-quencher but also a boost for the immune system.

Recipe

You can make this iced tea in two ways: a quick and easy method, or a slightly more advanced one.

For the more advanced method, you’ll need: fresh lemongrass, green tea and dried jasmine flowers.

  • Prepare the lemongrass by cutting off the bulb and removing the outer leaves. Then cut the stalk into pieces of about 2 cm and gently crush, bend or tap them to release the essential oils.

  • Add the lemongrass and green tea to boiling water and simmer, covered, for 2 minutes.

  • Turn off the heat and add the dried jasmine flowers. Leave the flowers to infuse in the tea, covered, for 2 minutes.

  • Strain out the tea leaves and flower petals, leave to cool, and serve ice-cold or with ice cubes.


For the quick version, you’ll need: ready-mixed jasmine tea and fresh lemongrass.

  • Make a pot of jasmine tea.

  • Add freshly cut lemongrass and leave it to infuse in the tea.

  • Chill the tea and serve it with ice cubes.

You can make the iced tea sweeter by adding honey, which also has beneficial antibacterial properties.

This article is intended simply as inspiration for alternative ways to hydrate your body – and not as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.