The lemon tree is one of the oldest cultivated fruit plants originated from India. Today, lemon trees grow in subtropical climates all over the world, especially in Florida and the Mediterranean. Though the fruit and its juice have a sour taste to it, lemon is actually a fantastic buffer in the body and can reduce hyperacidity in the stomach. Lemon juice and peels have an antiseptic effect and the leaves of the tree are used to reduce fever. In addition, lemons are rich in vitamina C which strengthens the immune system and acting as an antioxant, protects cells from radical damage.

Lemons as a therapeutic usage helps anti-inflammatory action. It helps the body cleanse itself by promoting perspiration and acting as a natural diuretic. Lemons also stimulate the appetitie, aids digestion, strengthens body defense system, relieves cramps and also dilates the blood vessels in the skin.

Lemons are known for useful remedies for gout, urine retention, athritis, vitamin C deficiency, inflammation of the mouth and throat, hoarseness, digestive disorders, asthma, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations and helps the system with diseases of the stomach, liver and intestines.

Health Benefits of Lemon :

  • As a natural antiseptic, the juice of the lemon will destroy harmful bacteria found in the cuts and other areas of infection.
  • For toothache, apply fresh lemon juice on the painful are.
  • For skin problems, the juice of the lemon should be applied directly to the skin and allowed to dry especially for acne and eczema, then remove with water with olive oil added. The juice is also good for the removal of blackheads, freckles and wrinkles.
  • Lemon juice when applied to hair after rinsing it , will give shine and volume to your hair.
  • Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.
  • Helps to prevent diabetes.
  • Lemon juice helps in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
  • Lemon juice is a great liver tonic.
  • Squeeze some lemon juice into warm water and drink it. It helps by cleansing your body of toxins.
  • Cellulite can also benefit from lemons. First of all, start each day with a drink of hot water and squeezed lemons. Water retention is also banished this way. Then use a lemon based cellulite oil to rub onto the affected areas.
  • Lemons can be rubbed directly onto skin and left for about 2 hours before rinsing. This is good to reduce wrinkles and treat blemishes. The treatment will work better if followed by olive oil after rinsing. It works by speeding up skin renewal and uncovering a fresh new layer of skin. However, it is important not to do this before going out in the sun as it will have a bleaching effect.
  • Another beauty treatment that can be done with lemons is a hair tonic. Massage some lemon juice onto hair and leave it for a while before rinsing. Again, do not do this before going in the sun. This treatment is especially good for greasy hair as it will regulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil and make the hair shine and prevent dandruff.

Use Lemon to:

  1. Sanitize a chopping block. Run a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect.
  2. Eliminate the browning that occurs when food sits out too long. Sprinkle apple or pear slices with lemon juice before serving, or squeeze a bit into guacamole and give it a stir.
  3. Remove tough food stains from plastic and light-colored wooden cutting boards. Slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.
  4. Fade tea stains on cloth. Dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Use an eyedropper or a Q-tip to make sure the juice targets the stain. Thoroughly flush with cool water.
  5. Decorate on the cheap. Fill a glass bowl with lemons for a sunny centerpiece. Or display a row of them along a windowsill.
  6. Relieve a sore throat. Cut a lemon in half. Skewer one half over a medium flame on a gas stove or an electric burner set on high and roast until the peel turns golden brown. Let cool slightly, then mix the juice with 1 teaspoon of honey. Swallow the mixture.
  7. Whiten fingernails. Rub a wedge on the surface of your nails.
  8. Shine the interior of copper cookware. Sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub.
  9. Brighten laundry whites. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle of a normal-size load.
  10. Remove soft cheese or other sticky foods from a grater. Rub both sides of the grater with the pulp side of a cut lemon.

Sources: Real Simple

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