It’s that time of year again when carpets, hot chocolate and the weather outside will affect our mood. Winters are slowly setting in and it’s time for some hot beverages to keep us warm. However, winter also brings with itself a bag full of cold and cough. This forces us to always look for some quick fix to start the day, maybe a cup of coffee. But if the change in weather has already taken a toll on your health and you are troubled with cold and cough, consider replacing your morning coffee with a soothing drink of lemon and clove water for instant relief. It will also provide much needed relief. Boost your immune system.

According to Ayurveda, cloves have ‘Deepan’ properties, which means they act as an appetite enhancer and can improve digestion. Dr. Mithun Ramesh Pawar, MD Ayurveda, District AYUSH Officer, Satara District, Maharashtra, explains that cloves are bitter and have expectorant properties, which help in expelling phlegm by stimulating the mucus membrane. “Lemon juice is also used as a treatment for indigestion. The combination of clove and lemon juice provides health benefits for managing winter cold and cough, and all these ingredients are easily available at home,” he said.

“To prepare, soak 4-5 cloves in a cup of water overnight to increase the potency of this medicinal water. Alternatively, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice for added benefits,” Dr Mithun adds.

Health Benefits of lemon and clove water:Akshata Chavan, dietitian, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, explains how lemon and clove water can help cure cold and cough this winter season.

1. Immune System Boost: Lemons are a fantastic source of vitamin C, one of the most trusted antioxidants that will strengthen your immune system and may even help reduce the time you have colds. The antimicrobial properties present in cloves will help fight bacteria and viruses, so you have an intense pairing that will really help your body’s immunity during the winter season.

2. Soothes Sore Throat: The warmth of lemon and clove water provides relief when you are struggling with a sore throat. Lemon itself is acidic, which loosens pharyngeal mucus, while cloves contain the anesthetic compound eugenol that soothes throat pain.

3. Medicine to relieve cold in nose: In case of congestion, try taking steam with lemon and clove water. Citrus helps break up mucus and loosen it; Clove is also a natural decongestant that helps with breathing.

4. Natural Energy Boost: Lemon and clove water gives you soft energy without the caffeine jolt that scares you back into bed. Vitamin C fights fatigue and the aromatic clove can stimulate your senses to give you a natural boost to get off to the right start.

Other home remedies to reduce cold

1. Ginger and Honey Tea: Ginger is anti-inflammatory while honey soothes a sore throat and has a mild antibacterial effect. This may not be the answer, but together they are one of the best remedies for cold symptoms.

2. Salt Water Gargles: Gargling with salt water reduces throat swelling and kills bacteria. To cure this, mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in warm water and gargle several times a day.

3. Take Steam with Eucalyptus Oil: Inhaling with a few drops of eucalyptus oil helps in clearing nasal blockage and loosening mucus. In most cases, it is useful the night before for better rest.

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