Ohayou gozaimasu! Good morning from Okinawa, Japan.  It’s January, the month of new beginnings and changes. It also began with a new moon, which is interesting even if you don’t think so.

Did you make any resolutions this year? If so, tell me about them. If not, I suggest that you add warm lemon water to your morning routine, known as dinacharya in ayurveda. It’s uncomplicated and effective, valuable attributes in resolutions if I do say so myself.

Why drink warm lemon water?

It’s a great way to get your digestive system moving in the morning. If you’re prone to constipation (vata) this will be especially helpful, as it has a mild laxative effect.  It also helps to relieve bloating and gas. Lemons have a wonderful cleansing action on the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. The lemon helps to increase bile flow. This action on the liver also helps to flush out ama, or toxins, in the organs, blood, and digestive tract.

Lemons have plenty of vitamin c, as well as folate, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Besides a boost to your immune system, their antibacterial properties are helpful for infections. The sour nature of the humble lemon can help to dry up excess mucus, often present with kapha dosha.

Warm water helps to get the intestinal muscle contractions going, also called peristalsis. Mind you, we’re speaking of warm water, not hot. You’ll need the juice from half a lemon in one cup of warm water. Drink this when you wake up and wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.

Also, warm lemon water after a boozy night out or an overly indulgent foodie weekend will be your new best friend, I pinky promise.

Try it, you’ll like it!

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