Your pharmacist may store the best energy supplements and skin care products in the market. But, just for a change (and a truly refreshing one at that) try going the natural route. Raid your kitchen and loot your fridge. There’s a wealth of health secrets hidden in those overstocked cabinets. And with a little know-how and imagination you can create excellent everyday detox drinks in your own home.

While you’re busy juggling the many roles you have taken on in life, your body is struggling just as much to keep up with the strain of it all. So be it lethargy, a dull complexion or that plain, old ‘not so good’ feeling, consider it an SOS signal from your body asking you to pump in as much energy as you intend to use.

Of course, you may ask around among your friends or the colleague with a superfast lifestyle and ridiculously glowing skin what you can do to cope with the diminishing energy levels; but what they might not be telling you is that there is much more to great health than vitamin pills. Instead, check out what your kitchen garden can offer. Pick, pluck and puree and put together energizing drinks that cleanse your system on a daily basis.

Decoding the drink
Food is the richest source of all your nutrient requirements. And eight glasses of water per day, an absolute must. Chuck in a few fresh herbs, fruits and veggies and you have got a potent brew to flush out toxins from the body. Consequently, you will notice a definite boost in energy and a renewed glow to your countenance.

Modern-day diets mostly consist of processed foods, which may save time but do little for your body. Chemicals, synthetic fibres and other elements that are hard to digest begin to turn toxic in the body making you feel sluggish. Most detox drinks act as purgatives and thereby help you feel relieved and refreshed. Teas and juices are the most popular forms of detox drinks. However, one may also consider nutritious broths as an effective alternative.

Let us start with the basics- lemon, cucumber, ginger, apple, carrot, spinach and honey. You can whip up an array of drinks with just these few common kitchen ingredients. Because each has a valuable property of its own, you need not make your health drink a boring routine. Mix it up a bit- include a fresh one in your diet everyday. Try, test and figure out which one works best for you.

The inspiration
For starters, check out these brilliant blends. Once you begin to have fun, there’s really no end to the mixes you can create.

Sunrise Zest
Ingredients (For one glass of the drink):
Juice of 1 lemon
Pepper (optional)- 1 tsp
Honey- 1 tbsp
Water- hot or cold


Method:
Stir it all and drink up!

This lemony drink packs in a solid punch so you wake up feeling light and rejuvenated. Quick, simple and super effective- this one cleanses your system within 1-2 hours of consumption. And the clear skin is an added extra.

Mint Snap
Ingredients (For one glass of the drink):
Chopped mint leaves- to taste
Ginger- 1 small piece
Sugar (optional)- 1 tsp
Water- 1 cup

Method:
Put all the ingredients in a juicer. Extract the liquid and add sugar, if required. Dilute with little water, if needed.

While the ginger hits you, the mint provides the soothing freshness. Together they make a truly dramatic beverage.

Cucumber-Carrot
Ingredients (For one glass of the drink):
Cucumber- 1
Carrot- 1
Ginger- 1 small piece

Method:
Extract the juice of all the ingredients. You may dilute it with a little water if you please. However, it is best had in its natural, concentrated form.

If you’re not up to experimenting, stick to the traditional juices. Those high in fibre are always the best option. While apple and cranberry juices can be consumed directly, you can play around a little with spinach. Some ginger, salt, sugar, and lemon can lift the spinach taste to an altogether new height.

Weight loss
It is a good idea, though, to consult a dietician before you choose your drink. Especially, if you’re looking to lose weight. A good detox drink can help store essential nutrients while removing harmful elements from the food consumed. The more organic and fibre-rich your drink, the better your chances at losing excess flab. It is imperative though, that the drink be well-balanced in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Ayurveda
Ayurvedic detox drinks are, perhaps, the most balanced of the lot. However, it is good to consult an Ayurvedic doctor who will identify your dosha or mind and body type. Depending on your constituion - Vatta (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) or Kapha (water and earth) - you can then consume the fruits and vegetables suggested with the recommended spices. You could also enquire about detox regimens specific to a particular condition you want to address, such as detox for great hair, clear skin and so on. Test some of these wonderful blends-

Spice tea
Ingredients:
Water- 1 cup
Cumin- ½ tsp
Corriander seeds- ½ tsp
Fennel seeds- ½ tsp

Method:
Boil all the ingredients in a covered pot for five to ten minutes. Strain the spices and store the liquid in a jar to sip all day long.

Bitter Gourd Juice
Though tough on the palate, this bitter drink has several health benefits.

Ingredients:
Juice of 1 bitter gourd
Juice of 1 lemon
Honey (optional)- 1 tbsp

Method:
Mix and drink.

There’s really no end to the brews you can concoct and it can be quite fun too. Organic food is a sureshot way to fitness and a tall glass of delicious, frothy detox drink can work wonders for your body and mind.

It’s about time you ditch the synthetic squash and ready-to-eat soups. While they may tingle the taste-buds, you know you’re storing heaps of undigested toxins within the bod. Detox drinks are the fountains of youth. Drink, refrigerate, and treat your friends to it to go from lazy to active, dull to dazzling in a jiffy. Its true, a week-long detox routine is all you’ll need to notice a difference. Play safe, go fresh, go natural. Be creative and live well.