Lemon
Parts Usually Used
Fruit
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Lemons grow on trees, particularly in California and Florida.
Medicinal Properties
Antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, refrigerant, tonic
Biochemical Information
Rich in vitamin C
Legends, Myths and Stories
Used as Vermouth flavorings; oil and fresh peel used in liqueurs and aperitifs; and is a lemon hair rinse for blondes. Gives blond highlights. Use the strained juice of 2 lemons in an equal amount of warm water. Leave on 15 minutes and sit in the sun if possible. Then rinse out. The juices of lemons and other citrus fruits are often added to cosmetic preparations because of their astringent and acidic qualities.
Uses
Historically, lemon juice was a common folk remedy recommended by herbalists for ailments such as colds, coughs, asthma, sore throats, heartburn, liver complaints, fevers, headaches, neuralgia, scurvy, rickets, gout, and chronic rheumatism. Practitioners believed it served as a blood purifier and nourished the brain and nervous system. Topically, traditional sources advised applying the juice to sunburns, warts, and corns, or using it as a facial astringent and hair rinse.
Lemon powder was also employed in traditional wound care in an attempt to stem bleeding. Beyond medicinal applications, folk traditions utilized lemon juice for culinary and domestic purposes, including substituting it for vinegar, flavoring stewed fruits, souring animal milk or curdling soy milk for cooking, softening the skin, deodorizing hands, and treating vegetable, ink, iron rust, and fruit stains on fabrics.
How Sold
Found in the produce department of the supermarket.
Warning
Ensure essential oil is well diluted before use; it can irritate the skin.
Bibliography
, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 The Herbalist Almanac , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.
copyright 1974. The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.
The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974