
Here’s a deceptively simple healthy habit that I love: drinking hot water with lemon.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, drinking hot water with lemon first thing in the morning (before your coffee or tea!) has several benefits, as it helps balance the doshas and supports overall well-being.
Here’s how Ayurveda views this simple but powerful ritual:
1. Aids Digestion (Agni – Digestive Fire)
- Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a strong Agni (digestive fire) for overall health.
- Warm water stimulates digestion, while lemon helps clear Ama (toxins) accumulated overnight.
- This combination can prevent bloating, indigestion, and sluggish metabolism.
2. Detoxifies the Body
- Lemon acts as a natural cleanser, helping the liver and kidneys flush out toxins.
- It promotes bowel movements, preventing constipation and supporting colon health.
3. Balances Doshas
- Kapha: Helps reduce excess mucus and sluggishness.
- Pitta: Lemon’s sour taste can be slightly heating, but when taken in moderation, it supports digestion.
- Vata: Warm water is grounding and hydrating, helping with dryness and irregular digestion.
4. Boosts Hydration & Alkalizes the Body
- Warm lemon water helps rehydrate the body after sleep.
- Though lemon is acidic in taste, it has an alkalizing effect on the body, balancing pH levels.
5. Enhances Skin Health
- Vitamin C in lemon promotes glowing skin and reduces acne by cleansing the blood.
- Hydration keeps the skin moisturized and reduces wrinkles.
6. Supports Weight Management
- Helps stimulate metabolism and reduces cravings.
- Warm water breaks down fat deposits and encourages the body to burn stored energy efficiently.
7. Improves Mood & Mental Clarity
- Ayurveda links digestion to mental clarity, and a well-functioning digestive system leads to a clearer mind.
- The citrus scent of lemon can also have uplifting and refreshing effects on mood.
How to Prepare it Ayurvedically
- Use warm (not boiling) water to preserve lemon’s nutrients.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 lemon) is best.
- Optional add-ons: A pinch of rock salt (for digestion), honey (for Kapha balance), or ginger (for extra detox).
I’ve been drinking hot water lemon each morning for at least 8 years. It can be a little strange at first, but you’ll quickly get addicted to this simple morning routine. Let me know how you like it! Also, I sip hot water with lemon throughout the day — not just in the morning.
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