Natural Living: The medicinal power of lemons

The lemon is a species of small evergreen tree native to Asia. Its rich history of treating and preventing scurvy amongst suffering seamen was found in 1747 by James Lind. The lemon seed quickly spread throughout the New World and was used mostly as an ornamental plant and for medicine.

Lemons are packed with nutrition, containing vitamin C, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, citric acid, potassium, magnesium, iron, pectin, limonene, phosphorus, calcium, copper and fiber. These nutrients help promote immunity and fight infection due to their antibacterial and antiviral energetics.

Many people are confused about the pH of lemons. While lemons are indeed acidic, they restore balance to the body’s pH by interacting with the body’s metabolism creating an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids.

A glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice is the perfect way to start your day. This will increase the peristalsis action of the bowels, improving regularity and detoxifying the colon and liver.

The lemon has been found to have the following healing benefits:

The vitamin C and citric acid in lemons will keep your skin glowing. For mild to moderate acne, apply fresh lemon juice on acne with a cotton ball and leave it overnight.

For canker sores, drink three glasses of fresh lemon juice in water.

To ease the symptoms of fever, add the juice of one lemon to a cup of hot water with honey, drink every two hours until fever and chills subside.

Treat corns and calluses by placing a slice of lemon onto the corn, bandage and fasten.

Lemon has a strong energetic to help boost energy and helps us handle stress better. Drink a warm cup of lemon tea or simply add lemon in water to combat fatigue.

Freshen your breath with chewing on a slice on lemon. Whether you deal with halitosis, consumption of spices, alcohol, cigarettes or just have dry mouth, this will surely rejuvenate your breath.

Rheumatoid conditions, gout, kidney stones and even high cholesterol can all be treated by consuming the healing powers of lemon. The powerful alkaline effect of the lemon in the body can break down excess acid, decrease inflammation and cut down pain. Massage lemon oil onto painful joints to ease pain.

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene, which has shown to halt the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which has been shown to stop cell division in cancer cells.

Lemons also contain the phytonutrient hesperetin, which studies have shown to alleviate allergic symptoms. The phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel of the lemon have been proven to be effective in brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

One of my favorite uses of lemon, which a patient recently told me about, is to use it as an underarm deodorant. Cut a small slice and rub in into each armpit. It really works for days!

As you can see, lemons have amazing healing powers and they are mighty plentiful. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, dressing, poultices or in the bath, ward off these ailments by taking advantage of their natural healing gifts.