Lemon

   The Romans used this fruit for improving the taste of their culinary preparations. Today lemon is well known not only as an aliment but also for its therapeutic properties. In aromatherapy, essential lemon oil is used in treating hepatic affections.

Description

   The fruit of the tree named Citrus Limon originates in India. The Arabs were those who have brought it later on to the area of the Mediterranean Sea. Starting with the 4th century, the Romans started using this fruit for improving the taste of their foods. Today lemon is well known not only as an aliment but also for its therapeutic properties. In aromatherapy, essential lemon oil is used in treating hepatic affections. Because of its chemical composition - especially because of its rich containment of vitamin C - lemon is also used successfully for preparing products with cosmetic purpose.

Properties

   Lemon juice - with 30% fruit - contains citric acid, calcium and potassium citrates, glucides (glucose, fructose, sugar), mineral salts and oligoelements (iron, calcium, silicium, phosphorus, manganese, copper), vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C, PP, A, carotene). All these compounds help the body in its growing process. Citric acid, for example, stimulates the absorption of calcium through the intestines (mineralization action), neutralizes the effect of uric acid and reduces the gastric acidity. While vitamin C is richly contained by lemon, it has an anti-oxidizing role, vitamin PP offers vascular protection. Also, vitamin C has an important role in the synthesis of collagen in the tissues, cartilages and bones, also being anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, through the contribution of vitamin C, the burning of fat is also accelerated. A direct action of this is manifested through the fluidization of the blood - a process which does not limit the coagulation of blood in case of injuries. Therefore, the blood circulates easier though the blood vessels, becoming more fluid. We will now present the rest of the benefiting effects produced by lemon consumption: strong antioxidant, bactericide, febrifuge, tonic for the sympathetic nervous system, cardiac tonic, anti-gastric acid, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-gout, anti-arthritic, sedative, anti-sclerotic, vein tonic, anti-scorbutic, depurative, remineralizing, anti-anemia, stimulates gastro-hepatic and pancreatic secretions, haemostatic, carminative, and vermifuge. 

Treatments and mixtures

   Because of vitamin C in lemon, one can treat with great ease hepatic or respiratory diseases, varix or even obesity.

Lemon juice

   With its bactericide and antiseptic action, lemon juice activates the white cells and strengthens the body's immunity. Pulmonary, intestinal or renal infections, infectious maladies, febrile states, rheumatism, gout, hyperacidity, stomachal ulcerus, arteriosclerosis, varix and capillary fragility, sanguine hyper-sliminess, hypertension, pulmonary and bone tuberculosis, demineralization, growing deficiencies, convalescence, anemia, hepatic and pancreatic insufficiency, hepatic congestions, bleeding, intestinal parasites, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, colds and sinusitis are thus aimed at. The lemon juice diet usually starts with the daily consumption of the liquid obtained from 10 lemons and continues with the progressive decreasing of the number of lemons through the period of four to five weeks. Lemon juice drops can be placed in nostrils (repeatedly) for controlling colds and sinusitis. Lemon juice is also helpful against dandruff if the scalp�s skin is massaged with it. This way, blood circulation is intensified and the hair becomes shiny and healthy.

   Used externally in cosmetic purposes, from lemon juice a numerous series of natural remedies can be prepared for various problems. For example in case of greasy complexions, a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice, one of grape juice and one of honey is recommended. The paste is applied on the face and then removed after fifteen minutes. For fragile nails, the following simple treatment can be used: for a few minutes, several times per day, the fingers should be kept in lemon juice. Another remedy, for cuperosis, is based on mixing a white of an egg (mixed until it becomes spume) with lemon juice. The result is locally spread on the affected areas and this process is repeated up to 4 times a day.

Lemon based diuretic

   In a bowl of hot water, lemon pieces are added. A tablespoon of marjoram is then added. After maceration (the mixture is kept macerating for a period of one night), it is filtered and consumed on an empty stomach. The diet can last for two or three weeks, depending on necessity. For the best results, it is advisable to consult a physician.

Lemon rind oil

   In aromatherapy, this oil has multiple uses: from circulatory diseases (anemia, frost-bite, and varicosity) to digestive affections (diabetes, biliar lithiasis, and gastroenteritis), diseases of the respiratory system (asthma and bronchitis), liver diseases, headaches and so on.