Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, citric acid, and essential oils. Citrus limon is a flowering plant that is used in various foods as well as for medicinal purposes. Some of the benefits of lemon are: it can help to avoid the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals that can lead to stone in kidneys, helps to protect kidney cells, effective against cough and cold, can help to fight various infections, and can also to reduce weight faster. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties. It also helps to enhance the immunity of the body and therefore helps to fight various infections.
Even according to the Ayurvedic view, lemon is very beneficial. For example, taking lemon with salt can help to prevent indigestion and manage nausea.
Apart from these, lemon can also help to reduce stress in the form of lemon essential oil mixed with some other base oil. Massaging this mixture on your scalp can help to manage stress. The presence of antimicrobial properties in lemon can help to fight various skin infections and allergies. However, it is suggested that the lemon, when used on the face, should be used in diluted form as it can cause irritation on the skin if used directly due to the presence of the acidic property.
History of lemon and its uses
Lemon is known to be first grown in Assam, northern Burma, and china. Earlier in India, lemon was considered a valuable trade as they were known for their unique flavor and taste. In China, lemon was mainly used as an antiseptic for treating wounds and as an antidote for poison. Through ancient jews, lemon gradually made its way to Egypt and the Mediterranean. In Egypt, leaves of the lemon tree were used for a drink called kashkab. It was in the second century AD that lemon made its way in Europe and Italy.
Treating diseases/ health problems using lemon
Given below are the uses of lemon to treat various disease and disorders:
● Common cold symptoms
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Lemon has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties due to the presence of vitamin C that can help manage cold and flu and reduce their duration and severity. It also helps to fight the influenza virus by reducing the damage to blood vessels and alveoli of the lungs.
|
According to Ayurveda, lemon is effective against cold and flu as it helps to balance kapha dosha. Aggravation of kapha can lead to cough and cold; however, it can be treated with lemon's help as it has ushna potency. It also helps to enhance immunity.
|
● Kidney stones
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Accumulation of calcium oxalate in the kidney can lead to kidney stones. This can also lead to an increase in oxidative stress, and free radicals can damage the kidney and cause inflammation. Lemon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti urolithic nephroprotective properties due to the presence of citrus bioflavonoids. Lemon juice prevents the accumulation of calcium oxalate and increases the urine and excretion of citrate through urine.
|
According to Ayurveda, lemon has tikshna and amla properties. These properties help to break down the kidney stone and flush it out through urine.
|
● Scurvy
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Scurvy is a disease that is caused due to deficiency of vitamin C and leads to the weakening of blood vessels and can cause abnormal bleeding. This disease's symptoms are fatigue, joint stiffness, joint pain, spongy and bleeding gums, fever, jaundice, and loss of teeth. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and promotes collagen synthesis, which further helps to strengthen blood vessels. It also promotes the absorption of iron and reduces the risk of bleeding and iron deficiency in people.
|
The amla property of lemon helps to control bleeding disorders, especially bleeding gums, due to the presence of vitamin C in lemon.
|
Some other benefits of lemon
● For Influenza (flu)
Ayurvedic view
According to Ayurveda, aggravation of kapha can lead to flu. However, lemon has ushna properties that can help to manage flu.
● For swelling
According to the scientific view, due to the presence of rutin, lemon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease swelling and inflammation by restricting the production of nitric acid and TNF – apha and antirophils.
● Meniere's disease
According to the scientific view, lemon can help to control symptoms of Meniere's disease. These symptoms are tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss. These symptoms can be a result of oxidative stress. Lemon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of eriodictyol, which can help control Meniere's disease symptoms. The presence of vitamin C in lemon also helps to improve hearing.
● For skin infection
Due to its tikshna and amla properties, it is effective against fungal infections in nails. You can apply lemon to the skin to get instant results.
● Insect bite
Due to its tikshna and amla properties, lemon juice also provides instant relief from insect bites such as mosquitoes.
● Dandruff on scalp
Lemon juice also helps to control dandruff due to its tikshna and amla properties.
● Stress and anxiety
Lemon oil helps to balance vata and can help reduce stress and anxiety when used in steam inhalation.
● Chest congestion
Lemon can help balance kapha when used in steam inhalation as it opens blocked nasal passages and clears chest congestion.
Forms of lemon in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage
Lemon can be used in various aspects of the treatment of different disorders. It can be used in the form of juice, powder, and capsules. Lemon is also used in various dishes to add flavors and taste.
If you have not consulted any doctor regarding the dosage of lemon, then you can consider the below-mentioned dosages.
● Lemon juice – 3 to 5 teaspoon two times a day.
● Lemon powder – ¼ - ½ teaspoon two times a day.
● Lemon capsules – 1 to 2 capsules two times a day.
● Lemon oil – 2 to 5 drops or as per your requirements.
● Lemon paste – ¼ - ½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
In case you have been prescribed by the doctor regarding the dosage, then we advise you to follow that prescription strictly.
Types of Ayurvedic care with lemon
Lemon juice
● Take a glass of water.
● Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to it.
● You can have this drink after having a meal twice a day.
Lemon juice with honey
● Take a glass of lukewarm water.
● Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to it.
● Then add honey to it.
● You can have this drink in the morning on an empty stomach to get rid of toxins and reduce fat.
Lemon powder with water or honey
● Take a glass of lukewarm water or 1 teaspoon of honey.
● Add ¼ - ½ teaspoon of lemon powder to it.
● Have this drink after your lunch or dinner.
Lemon capsules
● Take a glass of water.
● Take 1 to 2 capsules of lemon with it after having your lunch.
Lemon oil
● Take some coconut oil.
● Add 2 to 5 drops of lemon oil to it.
● Massage this mixture gently over the affected area of your skin.
● Use this mixture 1 to 2 times a day to get rid of inflammation and swelling.
Lemon juice
● Take some glycerine
● Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to it.
● Apply gently on face, neck, and hands.
● Use this remedy to get rid of mild acne, blemishes, dryness, and wrinkles before going to bed.
Lemon juice
● Heat some water in a pan.
● Take water in a jug and squeeze a lemon into the jug.
● Add tea bags to this jug.
● Drink one cup of this tea early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Lemon juice for weight loss
● Take a glass of lukewarm water.
● Add half lemon juice to it.
● You can add 1 to ½ teaspoon of honey to it.
● Mix it and have this drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
Side effects of lemon
While lemon is incorporated with magical healing properties, it can lead to certain side effects too. Irritation and sunburns are some of the side effects caused by the use of lemon. Also, consult your doctor before using lemon if your skin is hypersensitive.
Precautionary guide while using lemon
According to Ayurveda:
● Prefer to use fresh lemon and cut it just before consuming it.
● The amla or sour taste of lemon can cause mild irritation in the throat and therefore avoid its regular use during winters.
● If you have acidity or pitta-related problems, then consume lemon in small amounts or use ina diluted form such as lemon water.
● If you are applying lemon juice on the face, then use it in diluted form with water.
● If your skin is hypersensitive, then consult your doctor before using it.
FAQ's about lemon
Q What are the different forms available of lemon in the market?
A Lemon is available in various forms such as
● Lemon powder
● Lemon oil
● Lemon paste
● Lemon juice
● Lemon tablets
● Lemon capsules
Q Can drinking lemon squash helpful for the body?
A Adding sugar to lemon or drinking lemon squash can lead to a reduction in its benefits. Therefore it is recommended that you should not consume lemon with excess sugar if you want to get the desired results.
Q Can lemon lead to diarrhea?
A Due to the amla or sour property of lemon, it can cause diarrhea and loose motions if used in large amounts.
Q Is lemon helpful for heart disorders?
A Due to the presence of vitamin C in lemon, it is a very good antioxidant and is quite helpful for the heart. It can help to prevent lipid peroxidation that can cause damage to blood vessels. It helps to protect blood vessels and controls cardiovascular diseases.
Q Can lemon help to manage liver disorders?
A Ascorbic acid or vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent damage to the liver and cure liver problems and jaundice. It also helps to reduce the production of liver enzymes in the blood. It also reduces lipid peroxidation and promotes other antioxidants' production and therefore promotes the normal activity of the liver and is hepatoprotective in nature.
Q Is lemon helpful for the brain?
A An increment in the number of free radicals can lead to various psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, lemon is rich in citric acid, which contains citrate with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, is effective against the prevention of lipid peroxidation in the brain neuroprotective in nature.
Q What are the benefits of lemon tea?
A Lemon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore it is effective in boosting the immune system if taken regularly, preventing skin allergies and disorder, and detoxifying the body.
Lemon tea
● Heat some water in a pan.
● Take water in a jug and squeeze a lemon into the jug.
● Add tea bags to this jug.
● Drink one cup of this tea early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Q Can lemon help in losing weight?
A Yes,
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Lemon can help to improve the metabolism rate and helps to burn calories faster. It leads to an increase in temperature of the body and therefore helps to reduce weight faster. It also helps prevent the deposition of fat in the body and thus controls the weight of ten bodies.
|
Due to the ushna property of lemon water, it can help to control digestive fire in the body. Also, as it improves the metabolism rate and prevents fat accumulation in the body, consuming lemon regularly can help lose weight faster.
|
Lemon juice for weight loss
● Take a glass of lukewarm water.
● Add half lemon juice to it.
● You can add 1 to ½ teaspoon of honey to it.
● Mix it and have this drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
Q Does drinking lemon water in the morning have any benefits?
A yes
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Drinking lemon water early in the morning on an empty stomach can help to reduce weight faster. It helps to increase body temperature, burn calories, and prevents the accumulation of fat in the body. Lemon water can also help to control gastrointestinal problems and boosts the functioning of the kidney. It can also help to prevent constipation and acidity.
|
According to Ayurveda, drinking lemon water regularly helps to detoxify the body. Due to its ushna property, lemon also helps in improving digestive fire. It increases the metabolism rate, manages the body weight, and improves digestion; it prevents indigestion and controls acidity.
|
Q Can lemon help damaged skin?
A Yes. Lemon has vitamin C. Due to the presence of vitamin C, it is a good antioxidant and therefore controls the damage to the skin due to the free radicals. Vitamin C also helps in promoting the synthesis of collagen, which is quite helpful in keeping the skin healthy and glowing.
Q Is lemon helpful for skin pigmentation?
A Yes, lemon can be beneficial for skin pigmentation. Vitamin C that is present in lemon can help to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme and reduce melanin formation. Thus, vitamin C can help in depigmentation.
For better depigmentation results, you can use lemon with soy and licorice.
Q What are the benefits of lemon oil?
A There are many benefits of lemon oil.
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Using lemon oil can help to provide relief from stress, insomnia, and fatigue. This is because of the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from these, due to the presence of antimicrobial properties in lemon, it inhibits the growth of pathogens and also helps to protect the skin from various infections and allergies.
|
Even according to the ayurvedic view, lemon has many benefits and also improves physical and mental health. It has vata balancing properties, which can help to reduce sleep and anxiety and also increases sleep. Aggravation of vata is also responsible for the pain in the body, and therefore lemon can also help to reduce pain in the body.
|
Q Can drinking lemon juice help in keeping skin healthy?
A Yes,
|
Scientific
|
Ayurvedic
|
|
Vitamin C is very helpful in keeping skin healthy. It helps to lighten the color of skin as well, as due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties rubbing lemon on the skin can provide relief from insect bites and irritation.
|
Due to the presence of tikshna and amla properties in lemon, it can help to reduce symptoms of fungal infections when applied to the affected area.
|
Conclusion
Whether it is Ayurveda or scientific research, lemon has many magical benefits, and that is proven. It not only helps to promote immunity but is also effective against the common cold and flu. It also helps to improve digestion and prevents indigestion and had formation. Also, it helps in reducing acidity and improves digestive fire. Drinking lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning can improve the metabolism rate and, therefore, reduce weight faster.
Lemon is also beneficial for the skin. It promotes the synthesis of collagen that facilitates healthy and glowing skin. The presence of vitamin C in lemon helps to lighten the color, and rubbing on the face can provide relief from insect bites such as mosquito bites. It also promotes depigmentation.
Apart from these, lemon is widely used in the preparation of various dishes. The use of lemon I cried food could help to improve digestion and prevent indigestion and acidity. They are also used in baked goods and desserts to provide a refreshing and cool flavor. Lemon is used in various sauces and to garnish, such as a slice or wedge added to the plate.