Lemon is a natural disinfectant. it is rich in vitamin c and
citrus flavonoids that have a powerful antioxidant function. lemon
is good for strengthening the immune system and
preventing infection and disease.
The properties of lemon
The lemon tree (Citrus limon) is a small evergreen indigenous to
the forests of northern India.
It bears bright yellow segmented fruit that, together with lime,
orange and grapefruit, belong to the citrus family (page 33).
Although there is some doubt about their origin and
distribution, it is thought that lemon trees were introduced to
Europe by Arabs, probably around the eleventh century.
In the past, lemons were the mainstay of prevention and
treatment
for scurvy, a disease that results from a deficiency in vitamin
C.
Lemons were traditionally taken on long sea voyages and the juice
given to sailors in order to prevent scurvy.
Today, lemons are widely produced in the US, Spain, Portugal, Italy
and, to a
lesser extent, southern France.
Lemons are rich in citrus flavonoids that, alongside vitamin C,
have an important antioxidant function. Citrus flavonoids are
phytochemicals (biologically active plant compounds) that can
assist the healing of wounds, strengthen the walls of blood
capillaries and prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Vitamin
C also helps to fight infection, strengthen the immune
system, make collagen (the main protein found in connective
tissue), keep the skin and joints healthy and prevent cancer. Other
substances found in lemon are citric and malic acid,
vitamins A and B, glucose, fructose, potassium, phosphorus, silica,
manganese and copper.
Pectin is another important component of lemon. It is
concentrated in the skin around the segments and can help
to lower levels of unhealthy cholesterol in the blood.
Lemon as a cure
Lemons can be used to treat a range of ailments. They are a natural
booster of the immune system; they can help to reduce mild fever,
lower blood pressure, reduce gastric acidity, promote liver
function and increase the fluidity of blood. They also have
diuretic properties.
Specific illnesses that can be treated with lemon are rheumatism,
arthritis, high blood cholesterol, dyspepsia, colds and
influenza.
As well as using lemons in recipes, try to use the juice freely as
a flavouring in cooking, as a dressing for salads and fish, and in
cold drinks and teas.
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic – prior
to the development of modern antiseptics, it was used in
hospitals for this purpose. The juice can be applied directly to
the skin – it is an astringent and a bactericide – and it is a
useful ingredient in home-made beauty masks.
Lemon juice can be used as a skin toner, an anti-aging treatment
and to reduce or eliminate freckles.
A fragrant essential oil is found in the outer skin of the lemon
and this can be extracted under
pressure. This essential oil has excellent antibacterial properties
and is available from health food shops, aromatherapy suppliers and
some pharmacies. It can be used to treat colds, sore throats,
gingivitis or mouth ulcers. Take four drops in a teaspoon of honey
for colds and sore throats. For
gingivitis or mouth ulcers, use one drop of essential oil on a
toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. This will disinfect
the teeth and mouth. Lemon essential oil is also
antiparasitic.
