Health Blog

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 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.

Try these simple recipes 

lemonade
2 lemons, wiped and sliced
60 g brown sugar
1 litre water
Mix the lemons with the water and sugar. Leave to macerate for 12 hours in the refrigerator, stirring intermittently to dissolve the sugar, and then drink cold.

lemon preserved in salt
Use in salads or stews. The lemon juice can also be used, sparingly, as a seasoning.
3 lemons, wiped and quartered
Salt
In a small, hermetically-sealable pickling jar, put a 1-cm deep layer
of salt. Place one layer of lemon quarters on top and cover with salt. Continue until the last layer of lemon is covered in salt and then tightly seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 1 month. After a month, wash the lemon quarters under cold, running water and use.

lemon in oil
Lemons will keep for months if they are covered in oil – use them in
salads or with meat or fish dishes. The oil can be used in dressings.

6 lemons, wiped and sliced or quartered
3 tablespoons salt
Olive oil
1 bay leaf

Place the lemons in a bowl and sprinkle them with the salt. Toss and then refrigerate for 24 hours. Drain the juice from the lemons, then leave in a colander for 2 hours, or press the lemon gently to remove as much juice as possible. Wipe the salt off the lemons and place in a hermetically-sealable pickling jar. Cover the lemons with the olive oil – press them down to make sure they are covered – and add the bay leaf.

 PJ Cousin

PJ Cousin M.B.Ac.C is a registered acupuncturist and herbalist with many years experience in acupuncture,  TCM, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and complementary therapies; he also learned massage, homeopathy, Eastern and Western Herbalism as well as acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.