Lemon belongs to the family of citrus fruits. It has been in use for more than twenty five centuries. The lemon tree is native to South East Asia and it has its origins in India. In addition to being consumed as a fruit, it was also used for medicinal purposes to treat various infections or as an antidote to poison. The Roman Emperor, Nero, used to consume generous quantities of lemon as immunity against possibly being poisoned by his numerous enemies. Besides boosting immunity, lemon has been recommended down the ages for digestive tract treatment, urinary tract infections, anxiety, insomnia, acne and dementia.
The fruit contains Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, limonene, citric acids and bioflavonoid. In the eighteenth century, the Royal Navy had successfully used lemons to fight scurvy which resulted out of a deficiency of Vitamin C. The benefits that can be derived from lemon are countless. The world is not fully aware of the healing secrets of the fruit.
The Healing Properties of Lemon
• Antiseptic - Lemon acts as a natural antiseptic for the skin. It can prevent acne and heal the scars that result out of acne. A cotton ball soaked in lemon juice could be applied on the infected area on the face. The burning sensation actually is the beginning of the acne healing process. Lemon has also cured people of eczema. It immediately reduces the scratching urge. It is used widely as a remedy for revitalizing the skin cells.
• Anti-Oxidant – It helps fight cancer cells, helps wounds to heal faster and can even help to treat heart ailments. People with heart ailments can be treated with lemon juice for its high potassium content. Lemons are a blood purifier and help the body to remove toxins. The acidity of raw lemon juice lowers the impact of any meal on your blood sugar. Lemon can also be used to fight against hypertension, in combination with garlic and onions.
• Astringent - It can help control the gums from bleeding because of its astringent properties.
• Alkaline – It alkaline properties help in the fight against cancer and various other illnesses. Although acidic to taste, lemons help to push our bodies to the required pH alkaline state of around 7.4. These properties help against excessive acid in the body that leads to rheumatism. A few glasses of diluted lemon juice are a good remedy for rheumatic fever, painful joints, lumbago and sciatica. Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and helps the body to absorb calcium and fight osteoporosis. Two tablespoons of raw lemon juice diluted in a glass of warm water is good for pregnant women as it helps build the bones in the child developing in the womb.
• Detoxification – Raw lemon juice cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system. It helps the body in the removal of toxins. It even helps in removing excess radiation from the body. If you have gone through chemotherapy sessions, lemon juice taken regularly can help rid the body of any remaining radiation. Lemon also helps eat away plaque from veins and arteries and is antioxidant to help stop cancer cell growth.
• Cures Asthma – A half teaspoon of lemon juice with lukewarm water taken before a meal provides quick relief to asthma. Starting the day with it on empty stomach and repeating it as the last dose in a day gives positive results. A glass of lemon juice diluted with some water also helps cure travel sickness and nausea.
• Anti-bacterial - It can heal sore throats and severe colds because of its anti-bacterial properties. Lemon has always been used to treat chills and fevers. Lemon squeezed in a cup of water with honey has given strength to people suffering from fever and chills. These properties can also help in the healing of cankers. Fresh lemon could be squeezed into a glass of lukewarm water to rinse your mouth. Doing this frequently during a day helps in the healing of cankers.
• Anti-obesity - It can help you to lose weight if you take a few drops of lemon with honey in lukewarm water, first thing in the morning. The pectin in lemon peel is a great source of fiber that helps people in losing weight.
• Vessel Strengthening - People who suffer with spider or varicose veins can use lemon for its vessel strengthening properties. Few drops of lemon oil with avocado oil or almond oil can be used to massage the affected areas. Few drops of lemon oil to a warm bath can be good enough to rejuvenate your veins.
• Fights Bad Breath - Lemon has been used to fight bad breath People who like to eat spicy food or smoke too many cigarettes can rinse their mouth several times a day with a glass of lukewarm water and a freshly squeezed lemon in it. It will also help them with salivation and prevent bad breath.
• Soothes the Nervous System - Lemon has a soothing effect on the nervous system; it can help fight dizzy spells, anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, and tension. Research has indicated that that inhalation of lemon oil can result in better concentration.
• Strengthen Hair - The external use of raw lemon juice makes hair shinier and stronger.
• Valuable Properties as an Extract - Lemon is known as a powerful aromatic and as an internal cleanser that can be used to complement many other oils. Diffusing lemon in a room can cleanse the air and uplift your mood. It can also be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaning booster. The common uses of lemon essential oil are to disinfect living areas and dissolve synthetics in the body. It also helps in the healing of gout.
In addition to being an elixir for its medicinal qualities, lemon juice can also be used domestically to disinfect surfaces and help in the removal of stains. It is used by many people as an insecticide to ward off mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Cotton balls soaked in lemon oil could be kept in the bedroom or the living room to ward off all kinds of insects.
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