Key Definitions

Constituent - a component part of something.

Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.

Febrifuge – a medicine used to reduce fever.

Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Lithotriptic – having the quality of or used for dissolving or destroying stones in the bladder or kidneys.

Person blowing their nose while sitting under a blanket

Introduction

Most people reading this blog may have come across some form of hot toddy tea that contains lemon or lemon extracts. These hot toddies have seen many a person through the difficulties of colds and flu growing up, but Lemon offers so much more than just being a cold and flu remedy. Lemon helps to improve the body’s resistance to infections, break down calcium deposits, improve circulation and treat arteriosclerosis (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Lemon trees belong to the Rutaceae plant family and are small evergreen trees that grow to about 7 m in height. The trees are native to India but are now cultivated in Mediterranean and subtropical climates across the globe. Lemon trees have light green toothed leaves, and the Lemons are harvested in Winter.

Whole and sliced lemons on a pink background

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Volatile oils (limonene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, citral); coumarins; bioflavonoids; vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3 and C); mucilage (Chevallier, 2016).

Actions

Antiseptic; febrifuge; lithotriptic; nutritive; refrigerant; antirheumatic; antibacterial; antioxidant; reduces fever (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Indications

Acne & boils; arthritis; bites & stings; chilblains; colds & flu; cold sores; sore throats; weak digestion (Chevallier, 2016).

Beakers with a Plant in the Background

Scientific Research

Journal articles by Rafique, et al., 2020 and Al-Qudah, et al., 2018 highlight the medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Lemon. These findings are summarised below:

  1. Active constituents in Lemon have been shown to offer anticancer properties.
  2. The high vitamin C content in Lemons, along with the presence of other constituents, results in Lemons having antioxidant and antiulcer activity.
  3. Constituents present in Lemon peels have been shown positive diabetes and weight management properties.
  4. The high vitamin C in Lemons may be able to remedy some symptoms experienced in people suffering from rheumatism, arthrosis, cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and uric acid.
  5. From an aromatherapy standpoint, the scent of Lemon may improve energy, alertness, mood, tension, nervousness, anxiety, exhaustion, swelling and fatigue.
  6. The astringent, antifungal and antimicrobial properties of Lemon may offer benefits in the treatment of acne, canker sores and eczema.
Tubby's Kitchen Little Healer tea

Preparations & Dosage

Freshly squeezed juice – for sore throats, take 15-30 mL diluted in equal parts of water as needed (Easley & Horne, 2016). Can also be used as a gargle (Chevallier, 2016).

Tincture – take 1-5 mL one to three times a day of a 1:3 ratio tincture (containing fresh peel in 95% alcohol) (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Glycerite – take 2-10 mL one to three times a day of a 1:6 ratio sealed simmer method glycerite (containing dried peel) (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Essential oil – dilute 5 drops with 1 tsp carrier oil and apply topically (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Remedy – for colds, combine 1 tbsp lemon juice with 2½ tbsp hot water, a crushed garlic clove and a pinch of Cinnamon. Drink this up to three times a day.

Shop our lemon-infused Little Healer tea here.

Lemon tea

Cayenne Tea Recipe

Lemon has an intensely sour taste but is packed with vitamins and minerals. The fruit and peel are predominantly used in preparations. The following recipe was taken from Alchemy of Herbs and is a spicy drink that is perfect for the flu season (De La Foret, 2017).

Ingredients

  • ¼ tsp Cayenne powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 250 mL water

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil and add the Cayenne to an empty cup.
  2. Pour the boiled water over the Cayenne.
  3. Add the lemon juice and honey and stir the mixture.
The word Safety highlighted in Green

Safety Considerations

Lemon is a very safe fruit to consume.

Contraindications

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Drug Interactions

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Adverse Events

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Disclaimer spelled out wusing Scrabble Tiles

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

  1. Al-Qudah, T. Z. U. et al., 2018. Lemon as a source of functional and medicinal ingredient: A review. International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, Volume 14, pp. 55-61.
  2. Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
  3. De La Foret, R., 2017. Alchemy of Herbs. 1st ed. California: Hay House Inc.
  4. Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
  5. Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  6. Rafique, S. et al., 2020. Biological attributes of lemon: A review. Addiction Medicine and Therapeutic Science, 6(1), pp. 30-34.
Lemon Infographic
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