It’s no secret….I sort of have a love affair with lemons! I have done posts on 25 Uses For Lemon Peels…Including Lemon Vinegar; 10 Homemade Cleaners Made From Citrus Peels; Make Your Own Citrus Enzyme Cleaner; & Make Your Own Lemon Dust Cloths….just to name a few! But I’ve always wanted to do a comprehensive list of the HEALTH BENEFITS of this little yellow fruit….because quite frankly it’s amazing how much good it can do!
Lemons have been used for their antiseptic properties for centuries. In 1593 Admiral Sir Richard Hawkins, a 17th-century English seaman and explorer, advocated drinking orange and lemon juice as a means of preventing scurvy!
No wonder! Lemons are PACKED with numerous health benefiting nutrients. From digestion aid to fatigue buster, lemons are a great natural remedy.
Here is a list I have compiled from numerous articles with ideas on how you can use this fruit to improve your health!
restores ph balance
It is important to maintain a slightly positive alkaline state in order to fight off cancer and other illnesses. Although acidic to taste, lemons are one of the most alkaline of foods and help to push our bodies to the required pH alkaline state of around 7.4.
detoxification
Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier and cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system. It helps the body in the removal of toxins and provides you with a great overall detox.
indigestion and constipation
Lemon has been proven to aid in digestion as it keeps bad bacteria at bay. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice on your food, and it will aid in digestion. Or drink the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. The lemon acid stimulates the production of stomach acid.
Lemons also help with regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
weight loss
Adding lemons to your water can make you feel fuller as well as reduce the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Also, lemons can literally slow down the absorption of sugar into the body. There is even alemonade diet that stars like Beyonce have popularized!
acne
The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, you can also apply it topically and let it dry on acne, eczema and blackheads. Rinse off the residue with a mixture of olive oil and water.
Note: if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.
get rid of parasites
Intestinal parasites thrive on an acidic digestive system so by changing the environment to alkaline naturally kills them off. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar will help to slough off parasites.
asthma
The vitamin C found in the lemon juice plays two important roles in combating breathing problems. First, it strengthens the immune system of the body, and second, it works as an anti-oxidant and fights the harmful oxidants the lungs produce in the form of allergens during bouts of asthma. Thus the intake of lemon juice regularly will help fight the disease
When there is insufficient oxygen and difficulty in breathing (such as when mountain climbing) lemons are very helpful. The first man to reach the top of Mt. Everest, Edmund Hillary, said that his success on Mt. Everest was greatly due to lemons.
anxiety
Update: This paragraph refers to the use of lemon balm essential oil, which is actually a perennial plant in the mint family. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent.
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil on a handkerchief to inhale.
canker sores
Lemon juice is one remedy for healing canker sores. Apply the juice directly to the affected area three times a day.
The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day.
fever
Lemon juice can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. To ease the symptoms of fever and the chills: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.
dental care
Lemon juice is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
cold and flu
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds.
At the first indication of a cold, try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.
If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.
corns and calluses
Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon on to the corn, and secure it with a bandage. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Only use on callused skin. Undiluted lemon oil is too strong for un-callused skin.
fight fatigue
Forget Red Bull, try lemon. Studies have shown that the scent of lemon oil can actually create a greater sense of concentration, while increasing alertness. Try using a lemon diffuser in the home (an easy way to do this is by boiling lemon water on the stovetop).
Lemon also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.
halitosis
Ironically, lemons can help freshen breath that has gone “sour”. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water.
high cholesterol & high blood pressure
Don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.
Blood vessels are strengthened by the vitamin P (bioflavinoids), making it useful in treating high blood pressure.
bug bites
To repel insects, add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time. Another home remedy is to place a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in your bedroom. If you are sitting outside in the evening, apply lemon scent to skin areas not covered in clothing. Or, add 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz of sunflower oil and rub into the skin.
insomnia
Update: This paragraph refers to the use of lemon balm essential oil, which is actually a perennial plant in the mint family. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent.
Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
pain relief
It is believed that lemons have pain-relieving qualities. The fragrant volatile oils help relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect.
Tired of aches and pains associated with arthritis and inflammation? Try lemons for a great home remedy. Combine 1-2 oz. of lemon juice and 6 oz. of water. Drink several times a day, at least one hour prior to meals and before bed.
Or….try squeezing three to four lemons and mixing in two to three tablespoons of honey into a small bowl. Next, microwave the bowl for up to 30 second, or until the mixture is hot. Take a small towel and dip it into the bowl. Apply the towel to the sore area and enjoy its soothing relief
osteoporosis
Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and helps the body to absorb calcium and fight osteoporosis. It also contains calcium and magnesium, as well as potassium. Potassium supports bone health by neutralizing metabolic acids, thus conserving the body’s calcium stores. It also reduces calcium loss through urine.
varicose veins
Lemon oil has vessel-strengthening properties that can help fight varicose and spider veins.
For spider veins, mix 2 to 3 drops of lemon essential oil with jojoba, avocado or almond oil and massage the affected area.
For a vein and vessel-rejuvenating bath add 8 drops of lemon oil, 4 drops of cypress essential oil and 1 Tablespoon of honey to a warm bath. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat skin dry – don’t rub.
nausea, vomiting and travel sickness
Take a glass of lemon juice diluted with some water to help with travel sickness and nausea. Or suck on the lemon wedge for a minute or two, or until the nausea subsides. Throw the used lemon away and rinse your mouth out with water. Lemon contains acid that can corrode tooth enamel, so it is very important to rinse with water after sucking on or eating a lemon.
A few notes of caution:
If you suffer from heartburn, kidney or gall bladder problems or have a citrus allergy consult your doctor before using these remedies or drinking lemon juice. To protect your teeth enamel, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after chewing, drinking or rinsing with lemon juice. Rubbing lemon juice or oil and drinking lemon juice is not suitable for children under the age of 10. Lemons are effective home remedies for a variety of health concerns but in the case of serious illness always consult your doctor first.
If you suffer from heartburn, kidney or gall bladder problems or have a citrus allergy consult your doctor before using these remedies or drinking lemon juice. To protect your teeth enamel, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after chewing, drinking or rinsing with lemon juice. Rubbing lemon juice or oil and drinking lemon juice is not suitable for children under the age of 10. Lemons are effective home remedies for a variety of health concerns but in the case of serious illness always consult your doctor first.
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