Lemon

Botanical Name - Citrus Limon

Indian Name - Bara Nimbu / Pahari Nimbu

The lemon is an important fruit of citrus group. The lemon is rich in many food ingredients, particularly citric acid. Different Varieties contain this acid in different proportions ranging from 3.71 to 8.40 %. It is mainly due to its citric acid and Vitamin C contents that the lemon is widely used in medicine. 

Food Value - (in 100 gm)

Moisture - 85.0 gm

Protein - 1.0 gm

Fat - 0.9 gm

Fibre - 1.7 gm

Carbohydrates - 11.1 gm

Energy - 57 Kcal

Calcium - 70 mg

Phosphorus - 10 mg

Iron 0.26 mg

Vitamin C - 39 mg
Thiamine - 0.02 mg
Riboflavin - 0.01 mg
Niacin - 0.1 mg

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties 

The various parts of the lemon used for medicinal purposes -

• rind of the ripe fruit
• essential oil of the rind
• expressed juice of the ripe fruit

The pale yellow oil is bitter yet it is highly valued in medicine as a flavoring agent, carminative that relives flatulence for treating gastric discomfort and that improves appetite. It destroys the toxins in the body. This detoxifying property arises from its high potassium content. The juice also encourages bile secretion and is valuable in jaundice and gravels - a condition of small stone in urinary tract. The bark of the lemon tree is used as febrifuge which prevents fever and seeds as a vermifuge which expels worms from intestine.

Some of the benefits and curative properties in - 

• Scurvy
• Oral Diseases
• Throat Disorders
• Digestive Problems
• Fever
• Obesity
• Cold
• Detoxification

Scurvy - The lemon is chiefly valued for its Vitamin C content. Daily intake of lemon juice can help in prevent scurvy.

Oral Diseases - Lemon strengthens the gums and teeth. It is very effective for preventing and curing acute inflammation of the gum margins, pyorrhoea, dental caries and other oral diseases.

Throat Disorders - Lemon is highly beneficial in the treatment of throat disorders such as catarrh, chocking sensation and itching sensitivities. A ripe un-peeled lemon should be roasted slowly until it begins to crack open. Then one teaspoon of the juice with a little honey should be taken once every hour or the same juice of the roasted lemon in a glass of boiled water should be taken flavored with honey. It should be sipped slowly. 

Digestive Problems - A ripe lemon is a good appetizer. The lemon juice stimulates the flow of saliva and gastric juice and is regarded as an excellent digestive agent. It destroy intestinal worms and eliminates the gases formed in the digestive tract. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of several digestive problems like dyspepsia, constipation and biliousness. Heart burn is easily relieved by taking the juice of half a lemon in a little water.  

Fever - Lemon Juice makes an effective thirst quenching drink in pox, measles, scarlet and other fevers which are attendant with extreme thirst and a very hot and dry skin. 


Obesity - Soak a little cumin in boiling water with slices of lemon and leave the mixture throughout the night and then drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. Lemon juice mixed with honey in warm water first thing in the morning is known to aid weight loss. Lemon juice is known to have pectin fiber. Pectin fiber assimilates sugar quickly into the bloodstream, thereby reducing hunger pangs or cravings. This indirectly aids weight loss. Decreased intake of food coupled with adequate exercise can result in weight loss.

Cold - The anti-viral properties in lime/lemon fight infections and halt the progress of a cold.  Take the juice of two lemons in half a liter of hot water and add raw honey to taste.  Sip it slowly before bedtime.


Diuretic - Lemon has diuretic properties, which means that it is good for people who suffer from urinary tract infections.


Detoxification - Lemon juice is an effective remedy for the detoxifying the body. On the first day one should not take anything but plenty of water. On the second day juice of three lemon mixed with equal lukewarm water should be taken. One lemon should be subsequently added each day until it reaches 12 lemons a day. Then the number of lemon to deduct in same order until it reaches 3 lemon per day. One may feel weak, hungry on first two days, but afterwards the condition will stabilize by itself.

Refreshing - Lemon juice in hot water is known to reduce the sour flavor and reduce its acidic qualities. Lemon juice in warm water is ideal as compared to hot water. Lemon juice in warm water is a great refresher that boosts the immune system and helps various health and skin problems.