15 healing properties of lemon

Ancient Egyptians believed that lemon was an effective protection against various poisons, and recent research has confirmed this belief.

There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two most well-known are that lemon has strong antibacterial and antiviral effects. Lemon boosts the immune system and can aid in weight loss because lemon juice stimulates digestion. Lemon contains many substances: bioflavonoids, pectin, folic acid, vitamin C, A, B1, B6, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and limonene, which strengthen the immune system and fight against infections.

These are well-known facts about the health benefits of lemons. But that’s absolutely not all, as this little yellow fruit hides many more secrets. Here are 15 facts about lemons that you probably didn’t know. Whether you use it in the form of juice, tea, various other drinks, dressings, compresses, or baths, take advantage of lemon’s natural healing properties!

1. Acne

Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, and its alkaline nature kills certain bacteria known to cause acne. Lemon water should be the first thing you drink in the morning.

Apply fresh lemon juice to acne and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse your face with water. You might feel some discomfort on your skin, but it will soon disappear.

Mix one part freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose water or honey water. Keep the mixture on the affected areas for at least half an hour. Rinse afterward with water. Repeat this treatment twice a day, ideally in the morning and evening. If there are open acne wounds on your face, consult a doctor before using these preparations.

2. Anxiety

Research has shown that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has calming effects and can help alleviate fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps increase concentration and alertness. Therefore, it can be used as an air freshener in offices to boost employee efficiency. If you feel tense, put a few drops of lemon balm essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale.

3. Mouth Ulcers

The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemon can speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth three times a day. You might feel a burning sensation when lemon juice comes into contact with the affected area, but the more you rinse, the less it will burn.

4. Fever

Chills and fever can arise from various causes, and lemon is always a useful remedy. The following method can ease symptoms: add the juice of one lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink it all at once, then repeat every two hours until the fever subsides.

5. Cold and Flu

When you have a cold, the healing properties of lemon work by supplying the body’s defense cells with much-needed vitamin C and applying its antiviral properties to the nasal and throat mucosa.

At the first sign of a cold (runny nose or sore throat), try to give your body as much vitamin C as possible to eliminate the virus before it has a chance to “take hold.” Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice with lukewarm water every two hours.

If you have a sore throat, mix the juice of one lemon, a teaspoon of sea salt, and 250 ml of lukewarm water. Gargle with this mixture three times a day for a minute each time. If you have tonsillitis, gargle with fresh lemon juice every two hours for at least thirty seconds. Tilt your head back to allow the healing properties of lemon to reach the inflamed areas. After you’re done, you can swallow the juice.

6. Calluses and Corns

Lemon slices applied overnight are a good remedy for corns and calluses. Place lemon slices about 5 mm thick on the affected areas and wrap them with a bandage. Applying lemon essential oil to the affected area also helps speed up the healing process. Be careful to apply this preparation only to calluses and corns, as it can damage healthy skin.

7. Eczema

If you suffer from a skin infection, lemon might provide relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effects and enhances the healing power of lemon.

Soak a cloth in the liquid, wring out the excess, and place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. This will not only relieve infections but also prevent their recurrence and soothe unpleasant itching.

8. Fatigue

World travelers and explorers regard lemon as a gift from God. Researchers also use lemon to protect against many infections in the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than a much larger amount of water.

Lemon essential oil stimulates brain activity, so whenever you feel tired, have trouble focusing, or concentrating, add 4 drops of lemon essential oil to an aromatherapy lamp. You can also drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.

9. Halitosis, Bad Breath

Lemon can help freshen breath after consuming certain spices, alcohol, and cigarettes. To keep your breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with fresh lemon juice added to a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing lemon slices after each meal will also help.

10. Hypertension

Garlic and onions have proven effective in combating hypertension, and they work very well in combination with lemon. Add 3 chopped garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to cold skimmed milk or soy milk. Boil and let it sit for 5 minutes. Strain and add the juice of 3 lemons and drink throughout the day.

If you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that pectin in lemon, along with other nutrients, can help lower cholesterol.

11. Insect Repellent

Add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup (250ml) of water and spray into the air. Alternatively, keep a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in the bedroom. If sitting outside in the evening, apply a mixture of 10 drops of lemon oil and sunflower oil to exposed skin.

12. Insomnia

Several studies have found that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in combination with other herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) calms and helps reduce anxiety.

13. Rheumatism

Lemon juice has a strong alkaline effect in the body and is thus a natural remedy against excess acid, which is partly responsible for rheumatism. Add the juice of one lemon to a glass of lukewarm water and drink three times a day, and if you have severe pain, add the juice of two lemons and drink three times a day.

Massage painful areas daily with a few drops of lemon oil mixed with one tablespoon (15ml) of jojoba oil.

14. Digestion

Add the juice of one lemon to a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. Citric acid will stimulate the production of stomach acid and the activity of abdominal muscles.

15. Vein Problems

Lemon oil can help fight spider veins. Add two to three drops of lemon oil to jojoba oil, avocado oil, or almond oil and massage the affected areas.

For varicose veins, add 6 drops of lemon oil, 50 ml of wheat germ oil, and 2 drops of cypress and juniper oil. Use this mixture for daily leg massages towards the heart.

Note

If you suffer from heartburn, problems with gallstones or kidney stones, or are allergic to citrus, consult your doctor before using these preparations. To protect tooth enamel, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after using lemon.

Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons

Translated and edited by: Franjo Lenac