 |
Lemon's health benefits have been appreciated for a long time. It was, for example, often added to various potions as an antidote: Nero, who feared being poisoned, consumed a great deal of them! In the 18th century, thanks to a discovery by James Lind, a surgeon in the Royal Navy, lemons began to be used to prevent scurvy which had ravaged ships' crews. Made up mostly of water, lemons are low in calories (32 cal / 100 g) and rich in vitamins C and PP, citric acid and calcium. Their juice is reputed to perk up the weary and those suffering from colds. Lemonade is recommended in the treatment of fever, nausea and hemorrhaging (1 sliced fresh lemon in water or the juice of 1 lemon in half a glass of sweetened water.) In the case of diabetes, lemon decreases blood sugar levels.
Since ancient times in Indonesia, when a woman has a migraine, she is sent to wash dishes or laundry. Just to take her mind off things? No… because in the islands, it is customary to cut up lemons and put them into the wash water to clean and cut grease instead of using soap. Local doctors say that by soaking one's hands for a fairly long time in hot lemony water, some of the blood from the brain is drained towards the hands and the headache usually departs by the time the job is done. In the case of severe migraine, doctors recommend attending to the laundry while standing with one's bare feet in a basin of hot water containing 3 or 4 cut up lemons.
Lemon contains powerful antioxidants that slow the aging process. These days doctors recommend lemon to fight a wide range of illnesses such as urinary infections, kidney stones, bronchitis, colds, constipation, heartburn and pyorrhea. Other properties:
- Anti-rheumatismal
Anti-scurvy
Antiseptic
Digestive
Lemons protect the mucus membrane of the stomach, stimulate pancreas and liver function and reduce cholesterol.
Whitener
To have very white teeth, brush them twice a week with equal parts of undiluted lemon juice, lime juice and grapefruit juice. This solution also reduces tartar. However avoid sucking or biting into a lemon since prolonged contact with the high concentration of citric acid can damage the enamel.
Painkiller
Apply to insect bites to reduce pain or itching within a few minutes.
Dietetic
Lemon juice is renowned for its dietetic properties. It is a powerful cleanser that at the same time revitalizes digestive systems troubled by a poor diet. It dissolves and eliminates fat.
Digestive
anti-vomitive; regulates liver function; promotes gastro-hepatic and pancreatic secretions; tonic
Reduces the effects of allergies
E.g., sinus problems, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, etc.
Stops bleeding of gums
If your gums tend to bleed after brushing your teeth, take an orange rind and rub your gums near the teeth with the inside of the peel (white part) for a few minutes each day and the bleeding should diminish after a few days of treatment.
Expectorant
Because of its essence which contains about 95% terpenes
Strengthener
Reduces ulcers in the mouth
Gargle with lemon juice
Vermifuge
N.B. MSCOMM has gathered this information from preventative and natural medicine and from the popular traditions of various countries for your information and enjoyment, but MSComm declines all responsibility as to its use and does not intend that it be used as a substitute for conventional medicine.
-
Recipes
-
Products
-
Entertaining
-
Chefs
-
Hints & Tips
-
Glossaries
