Lovely Lemons!

The aroma of lemon, brings to consciousness fragrant feelings of fresh and clean. Lemons (Citrus limonum), show evidence of cultivation since 1000 A.D. and are believed native to India, introduced to Italy near the end of the fifth century, spreading throughout the Mediterranean, and now abundant in California. 

Lemon is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family, relative to lime, orange, grapefruit, and the bergamot fruit. Lemon is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers tinged with purple that have been included in bridal bouquets to ensure joy and fidelity. The bright yellow fruit can be found growing all year round and was once used in love rituals, the peel dried and included in incense. Folklore includes cutting a heart shaped piece of lemon peel and carrying it with you in a pouch to help attract a mate, also peeling the lemon in one piece without breaking it to attract a new mate within a moon cycle. 

The  storage capacity of lemons and limes made them useful for sailors who brought them on sea voyages to prevent scurvy (hence the sailor's nickname, “limey.)” 

Drink lemon in water often to be more alkaline. Though we think of lemons as acidic, the citric acid they contain  is neutralised during digestion, elevating levels of carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and potassium, thus helping maintain alkalinity.

Lemons are unsuitable for sucking on too much, to avoid dental enamel damage. However, consume lemons for liver and bone health, to strengthen the connective tissue and repair damaged cells. Lemon juice added to fruits and vegetables preserves their color. Use lemon juice in salad dressings. Adding grated lemon peel to food gives a zesty flavor. Choose organic, as commercial lemons often are waxed. Lemons tinged with green are likely to be more acidic. Thick skinned lemons are less juicy than thin skinned varieties.

Lemons are considered sour, cooling and alkaline. They are antiparasitic, antiseptic, astringent, febrifuge, mucus resolving, refrigerant (cooling) and rejuvenative. Lemon essential oil  is derived by a pressing of the peel, often from the unripe fruit without using heat. It can take two to three thousand lemons to yield a kilo of lemon essential oil.

Though it might sting, lemon can be used as an antiseptic agent on cuts. Lemon juice saturated into a cotton ball and applied inside one nostril can stop a nosebleed. Lemons contain citric acid, which exfoliates, and encourages the growth of healthy cells and are used in skin care products for lightening uneven pigment and even scars. Lemon juice or essential oil can be applied topically to calm insect bites, pimples, corns, warts, boils and poison ivy. Lemon oil in massage should be at 1% dilution, or two drops in the bath to improves circulation, reduces cellulite, and repairs broken capillaries due to varicosities. Lemon helps restore the skin’s acid mantle. It tightens enlarged pores, but is best diluted with water. Avoid applying lemon to the skin and going out into the sun, as it can cause photosensitivity. 

Lemon juice is added to hair rinses as a highlighter, to refresh the scalp and impart shine. It can also be used as a hair spray. The juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water, or two drops of lemon oil can be used as a gargle for sore throats or mouthwash. 

Lemon helps  fluidify the blood, thus cleansing the liver, stimulating bile production and helping lower cholesterol. Lemons are high in vitamin C , potassium and improve mineral assimilation. Lemon oil stimulates white blood cell production and is very anti-microbial, even helping to deactivate bacteria including staphylococcus, diphtheria, TB, malaria, typhoid, syphillis, and gonorrhea, however under a trained health professional. Using lemon oil in waiting rooms, hospitals, sick rooms, and schools is helpful in preventing the spread of infection. Lemon has also   been  used medicinally to treat asthma, bronchitis, colds, fever, gallstones, headache, indigestion, obesity and neuritis.

 Lemon helps balance overactive sebaceous glands, thus is excellent when used in oily skin and hair formulas.

Lemon oil has a mood elevating crisp scent that is refreshing, invigorating, antidepressant and emotionally cleansing. It promotes mental clarity and helps relieve irritability, improve decision making and insomnia. Perhaps because of it the yellow color of the fruit, it has long been associated with helping to shine light on issues that need revealing. It is an excellent companion to have at one’s desk when doing mental work. Smell directly from the bottle, annoint, or diffuse.

It can be used sparingly internally to bolster the effects of tea and honey beverages used for colds and flu. Like lavender, it can be applied undiluted or neat to most skin.  Lemon is associated with Neptune and Venus.

Many cleaning products capitalize on the clean scent of lemon, but may use cheaper synthetic compounds, or less expensive plants like lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).  Lemon juice has even been used to lighten stains (ink, fruit, rust)  on fabric. 

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is used for the same uses as lemon. Lemon oil has a shelf life of eight to ten months, so refrigerating what will not be used right away is a good idea. Small amounts are considered safe during pregnancy. So many reasons to love lemon!