Lemon – The Wonder Fruit
March 27, 2009
Lemon is justly called the wonder fruit because though the fruit is acidic in nature and is sour in taste, it acts as a buffer to the body and helps reduce hyper acidity in the stomach. Lemon juice and peels act as an antiseptic and the leaves of the tree are helpful in reducing fever. Lemons are very rich in Vitamin C and act as antioxidants, thus protecting cells from radical damage. They also help increase the immunity system of the body.
Lemons have anti-inflammatory action and are good during summers. Lemons also stimulate appetite, help in digestion and relieve cramps. They also help in cleansing the body by promoting perspiration which helps flushing out stored toxins in the body.
Lemons are useful remedies, for gout, arthritis, Vitamin C deficiency, asthma, digestive disorders, insomnia and nervousness and also helps cure several other diseases of the stomach, liver and the intestine.
Some uses for lemons:
Infusions from lemon leaves
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 tsp. of dried leaves and leave for ten minutes. To reduce fever and relieve cramps, drink up to 2 cups per day. When sweetened with honey, this tea helps cure coughs and asthma. It is also a cure for insomnia. It promotes relaxation and deep sleep. Drink 1 cup before retiring at night.
Lemon Peels
Lemon peels help provide relief from joint and nerve pains. The fragrant volatile oils found in the peel help relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Grate the peel from one lemon, being careful to get only the yellow layer and none of the white pith underneath. Rub the grated peel into the affected body part and wrap it with a bandage (preferably cotton). Keep in place for 1-2 hours.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice helps cure sunburns. Apply lemon juice on the sun-burnt areas using a cotton ball. The juice acts as an astringent, relieving the pain. Lemon juice also helps cure a soar throat. Dilute the juice of one lemon in a cup of warm water. Use this water to gargle. Gargling is recommended thrice a day. This will cure soar throat and throat aches. Gargling with diluted lemon juice also helps cure minor wounds and lesions in the mouth and throat.
Pick organic lemons if you can, especially if you plan to use the peels. They should be bright and firm with a fine grained skin. A very course exterior may indicate a thick skin, which may mean less juicy flesh. Large lemons tend to be thick skinned. Size doesn’t mean more juice. A lemon that feels heavy for its smaller size usually means more juice which is what you are aiming for.
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