For thousands of years lemons have been praised as a food
and medicine. The antioxidant properties of the high vitamin C content make
lemons helpful in speeding healing, retarding the signs of ageing, and warding
off cancer.
Although lemons are generally regarded as acidic, during
digestion the acids are metabolized to produce potassium carbonate, which helps
to neutralize excess acidity and protect the lining of the digestive tract.
This makes lemons helpful for many digestive problems including hiccoughs, heartburn,
nausea, constipation, and worms. Lemons act as a tonic to the liver,
stimulating bile production when the juice is taken in hot water one hour
before breakfast each morning. Mixed with olive oil, lemon juice helps dissolve
gallstones and even a fish bone stuck in the throat! It is also used to
dissolve uric acid. Lemon juice is powerfully antiseptic, providing a boost to
the immune system, an effective remedy for all kinds of infections, and it
helps to bring down fevers. As a gargle, it relieves sore throats and
tonsillitis. One tablespoon of juice in water half an hour before each meal can
help relieve asthma. Lemon’s antifungal properties make it a valuable cure for
thrush. As a cleaning and diuretic remedy, lemon juice can be used for water
retention, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Lemon juice’s astringent action stems bleeding. Apply it on
cotton wool to the nostrils for nosebleeds and massage bleeding gums with it in
the morning and at night. Lemon juice also makes a good lotion to prevent
sunburn. Mixed equally with glycerine, it soothes chapped lips; helps keep the
complexion clear, and tones greasy skin.
Tip: To treat coughs, colds, and flu, add lemon
juice to 3 cloves and honey in hot water.
