There may be a new, alternative treatment for people suffering from winter colds large amounts of beer.

A study cited by Sapporo Breweries, Japanese breweries headquartered in Tokyo, found that a key ingredient in beer can help fend off symptoms of wintertime illnesses, as well as certain serious sicknesses in children, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

According to researchers at Sapporo Medical University, the compound humulone is effective in fighting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which can cause pneumonia and bronchitis in infants and children, as well as cold-like symptoms in adults. Humulone is found in hops, an ingredient used in beer to give it a bitter taste.

However, the research comes with a catch. The amount of humulone in beer is so small that a person would have to drink 30 cans, each consisting of 12 ounces, in order to get its protective effect.