For thousands of years lemons have been praised as a food and medicine. The antioxidant properties of high vitamin C content make lemons helpful in speeding healing, slowing the signs of aging, and warding off cancer.
Originally grown in India and Burma, lemons have been prized for their detoxifying properties. They juice is powerfully antiseptic, stimulating the immune system and promoting sweating - so making it an effective remedy for infections and fevers. Lemon's astringent action checks bleeding and relieves diarrhea. The tonic properties of lemons are also present in the pulp, which act to stimulate the system causing sweating and cleansing the body of poisons. The peel of the lemon contains pectin, the essential setting agent needed to make preserves and jams. Pectin also lowers cholesterol.
Although lemons are generally regarded as acidic, during digestion the acids are metabolized to produce potassium carbonate, which helps to neutralize excess acidity and protect the lining of the digestive tract. This makes lemons helpful for many digestive problems including hiccups, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and worms. Lemons act as a tonic to the liver, stimulating vile production when the juice is taken in hot water one hour before breakfast each morning. Mixed with olive oil, lemon juice helps dissolve gall stones and even a fishbone stuck in the throat. It is also used to dissolve uric acid.
Lemon juice is powerfully antiseptic, providing a boost to the immune system, an effective remedy for all kinds of infections, and it helps to bring down fevers. As a gargle, it relieves sore throats and tonsillitis. One tablespoon of juice in water half an hour before each meal can help relieve asthma. Lemon's antifungal properties make it a valuable cure for thrush. As a cleansing and diuretic remedy, lemon juice can be used for water retention, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Lemon juice's astringent action stems bleeding. Apply it on cotton wool to the nostrils for nose bleeds and massage bleeding gums with it in the morning and at night. Lemon juice also makes a good lotion to prevent sunburn. Mixed equally with glycerin, it soothes chapped lips, helps keep the complexion clear, and tones greasy skin.
