Did you know that lemons, while a tart, exciting and indispensable ingredient in many dishes and beverages, have been identified by researchers as yet another one of nature’s powerful “food medicines.”
Lemons contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein. In addition to the above, lemons are packed with flavonoids that provide antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties.
Studies conducted at the American Urological Association highlight the fact that lemon juice can help to flush the kidneys of toxins and eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals.
Three unique forms of lemon in particular are of interest medicinally: Lemon Juice, Lemon Oil and Lemon Mucilage (a gelatinous substance that contains protein and polysaccharides, aka Lemon Gum).
Lemon oil is created from extracting the oils naturally found in the skin, often with another oil or alcohol.
Lemon mucilage is created by blending the whole lemon, skin and all into a pulp which is then separated through the use of a high speed centrifuge.
Evidence Based Healing Properties of Lemons
- Lemon Can Lower Blood Pressure: Lemon oil and even simply smelling the fruit has been found in lower blood pressure in various studies.
- Lemon Can Lessen Constipation: In combination with rosemary and peppermint essential oil, lemon oil has been found to relieve constipation in the elderly.
- Lemon Can Remedy Bad Breath: In combination with tea tree and peppermint essential oil, lemon juice can reduce malodor and sulphur compounds in the breath of intensive care patients.
- Lemon Can Reduce Esophageal Cancer Risk: Lemon, like all citrus fruits, contains physiologically significant levels of flavones; flavone intake has been found to be inversely associated with esophageal cancer risk.
- Lemon Reduces Oral Yeast Infection: Lemon juice has therapeutic value in the treatment of oral thrush (oral candida infection) in HIV/AIDS patients.
- Lemon Can Dissolve Kidney Stones: Lemon Juice therapy appears to be a reasonable alternative for patients with hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis (a type of kidney stone).
- Lemon Can Reduce Inflammation: Lemon mucilage has significant in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lemon Can Protect Your Heart: Lemon juice antioxidants have known cardioprotective properties.
- Lemon Can Protect Against Cholera: Lemon juice is a biocide against Vibrio cholerae, the pathogen that can cause cholera.
- Lemon Is A Powerful Antioxidant and Prevents LDL Oxidation: Excessive oxidative stress is a contributing factor to accelerating aging, inflammation and a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. One of the primary reasons why LDL cholesterol can cause heart disease is that it oxidizes LDL cholesterol, resulting in artherogenicity (the ability to damage the inner lining of the arteries). Lemon is a powerful antioxidant and is capable of preventing LDL oxidation.
- Lemon Can Help Lift Your Mood and Reduce Anxiety: Lemon oil possesses anxiety relieving, antidepressant-like properties via a modulation of neurotransmitters.
- Lemon Can Help You Maintain An Ideal Weight: Lemon peel polyphenols suppress diet-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
To enjoy these, and many more health benefits of lemons, simply place a small amount of lemon juice in your water each day. Lemon Essential oil is inexpensive and easy to use in everything from your morning tea to cleaning your toilets!
Lemons for fasting
Alternatively, if you are due for a fast, a lemon water fast is one of the best, most cleansing ways to go about it. I recommend a four-day minimum fast on lemon water.
All you need is roughly 10 organic lemons and filtered water. Use 2-3 lemons per day, cut them into slices and put them in a reusable water bottle (preferably glass). Continuously fill up the water bottle throughout the day as you drink it and use new lemons the next day.
It’s an intimidating prospect for some, but many people are surprised at how well the lemons suppress appetite and you’ll be extremely pleased with how you feel (and your waistline) when you finish the fast.
Lemons for cleaning
The acid in lemons makes it a great active ingredient for natural cleaning products. Plus, it smells great when you use it. Here are a few ideas for homemade lemon cleaning products:
- Shower spray: 10 drops lemon oil, 10 drops melaleuca, 2 tbsp Castile soap, 2 cups of water. Put it in a spray bottle and mist your shower every time you’re finished.
- General spray cleaner: 15 drops lemon oil, 15 drops melaleuca, 1 cup white vinegar
- Soft scrub cleaner: 15 drops lemon oil, 3 Tbsp Castile soap, 1 cup baking soda
