On the third day of the creation we were blessed with the almighty plant kingdom. Our loving Father in Heaven created these amazing bodies for us after His own image and He knew what would be needed to keep these bodies in good health and to heal them when they were out of balance. Among these plants were herbs, grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables, all for the benefit and use of man and made specifically to work with our bodies to help them function correctly. I have been covering herbs and how they work with the body and now I would like to begin a new series on healing foods.
Citrus limon
I want to begin with the lemon because it is one of my favorite winter time fruits. Lemons are part of the Rutacea family which also include limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, etc. Lemons have the strongest properties of all the citrus fruits and the peel is the most potent part of the fruit.
Properties and Nutrition
- alterative
- antibacterial
- antiviral
- antioxidant
- antifungal
- antacid
- antiseptic
- astringent
- digestive
- hepatic
- lymphataic
- anti-inflammatory
- styptic
- tonic
- flavonoids
- B-complex vitamins
- minerals like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium
Cleaning
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Ever wonder why so many cleaning products, including laundry detergents are scented with lemon? It's not just because it smells fresh and clean, lemon has strong disinfectant properties making it the perfect cleaning agent. Just remember that those lemon scented products, are just that, scented. If you want the real disinfecting power of lemon you can make your own cleansers and sprays using real lemon. Other cleaning properties include:
- stain remover
- air purifier and deodorizer
- removes adhesive
- removes tarnish from certain metals (patch test)
- brightens whites and colors
- cuts through grease
- throw some lemon peel into your disposal to freshen, disinfect and clean
- washing hands with lemon juice will remove the onion/garlic smell after chopping
- likewise rubbing a cutting board or any dish/container will remove undesirable smells while also disinfect
Body Care
- astringent properties tighten the pores and firm the skin
- bleaching properties for both skin and hair (I always think of Annie on Annie Get Your Gun washing her freckles off with a lemon:)
- helps restore natural pH level to skin
- balances oily and acne prone skin
- balances blotchy and discolored skin
- soaking elbows or knees in scooped out lemon halves will soften and lighten that rough, dark skin
- use the powdered, dry peel in facial cleansing grains or scrubs
- balances oily hair and dry scalp
- removes build up on hair
- treats dandruff and lice
Medicinal Uses
- good source of vitamin C, which helps the body fight off infection and disease
- immune system builder
- cough, colds and flu
- sore throat and laryngitis
- infections
- prevents and treats scurvy
- aids digestion
- helps dissolve kidney stones
- mix with olive oil to treat gallstones
- bladder and kidney infection
- expels toxins from the body, specifically through the blood, liver and kidneys
- cleanses the body both inside and out
- although it may sting a bit will stop a cut from bleeding and prevent infection
- tonic for all body systems - drinki it in warm water first thing in the morning
- relieves cramps and muscle spasms
- drink a warm cup of lemon tea before bed for "restless leg" syndrome
- bug bites, stings and insect repellent (including flies)
- varicose veins, hemorrhoids
- cold sores (apply juice or essential oil directly to sore) apply several times a day
- canker sore and mouth ulcers
Methods of Use
- The most effective way to utilize the medicinal properties of lemon is drinking the fresh squeezed juice in warm water. Add some raw honey for ultimate healing (see hot lemon refresher recipe below).
- fresh squeezed juice
- lemon peel (zest) this can be fresh or dried
- powdered lemon peel
- essential oil
In the Kitchen
- natural preservative (due to the citric acid content)
- fruit and veggie wash to remove pesticides and dirt from produce (vinegar infusion or essential oil is the best method of use for this purpose)
- fresh juice tossed with cut apples, avocados or other produce will prevent browning
Recipes
Lavender Lemonade
Dried Lemon Zest
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Ginger Lemonade
Lemon Cheesecake Fruit Dip
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Hot Lemon Refresher
Lemonade Salad Dressing
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Resources
Citrus Series from Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
Lemon Nutrition by Dr. Axe
Nutrition and You - lemon nutrition facts
Lemon Nutrition by Dr. Axe
Nutrition and You - lemon nutrition facts
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