As winter draws near, so does the season of colds and sore throats. Waking up with a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat is no fun, and pushing through the day feeling under the weather is even tougher. Instead of starting your day with coffee, consider a warm cup of lemon and clove water. Though it won’t offer the same caffeine kick, this natural remedy has its own benefits. Health expert Vijayshree N, head dietitian at MGM Healthcare, explains how this simple drink can help ease cold symptoms and even support weight management.

Why Lemon and Clove?

Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and can thin mucus, making it easier to clear. Cloves, meanwhile, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to compounds like eugenol and gallic acid, which act as antioxidants and promote cell health. According to Vijayshree, cloves can also act as a natural cough suppressant, calming the cough reflex, improving breathing, and promoting restful sleep. They can help clear the respiratory tract, making them especially useful during colds and coughs.

Benefits of Replacing Coffee with Lemon and Clove Water

While lemon and clove water lacks caffeine, it comes with other advantages. A regular coffee with milk and sugar contains about 100-120 calories, while lemon and clove water with a teaspoon of honey has only around 20 calories. For those looking to reduce calorie intake, this swap can help. It’s also soothing when dealing with flu symptoms or a sore throat. Vijayshree recommends drinking lemon and clove water twice daily, in the morning and evening, to ease cold symptoms.

How to Prepare Lemon and Clove Water

Here’s how to prepare this simple remedy:

1)     Boil the cloves : Start by boiling cloves in water until the water is infused with their essence.

2)     Let it cool : Allow the water to cool to a warm temperature before adding lemon juice and honey. Avoid adding lemon to hot water to preserve its vitamin C and prevent bitterness.

3)     Add honey : Stir in a teaspoon of honey for added soothing benefits and balanced flavor.

How Often Should You Drink It?

Vijayshree suggests drinking this remedy daily for about a week to ten days if you’re experiencing a cold, cough, or sore throat. It can be a comforting addition to your morning and evening routine and can complement your regular coffee or tea.