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Lemon
Lemon
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a flowering plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. Lemon is a rich source of citric acid and essential oil which are used for food and medicinal purposes. Lemon is one of the most important species of genus Citrus. It is oval, small, and is generally green to yellow in color. The main constituents of lemon are terpenes, sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, esters and sterols. It is majorly useful to treat kidney stones, cough and cold, as well as it acts as a potent antimicrobial and antioxidant agent[1-4].
What are the synonyms of Lemon?
Citrus limon, Neemboo, Nimbuka, Limbu, Elumiccai, Lebu, Limbu, Nibu, Nimmakaya
What is the source of Lemon?
Plant Based
Benefits of Lemon
Modern Science View
Lemon might be beneficial in preventing kidney stone formation.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones. These crystals lead to increase in oxidative stress. Free radicals further damage the kidney and cause inflammation. Citrus bioflavonoids in Lemon juice have anti-urolithic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective activities. Lemon juice prevents the deposition of these calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney. Lemon increases the pH of the urine and excretion of citrate through urine. In this way, Lemon helps to restore the normal activity of the kidneys[5][13].
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones. These crystals lead to increase in oxidative stress. Free radicals further damage the kidney and cause inflammation. Citrus bioflavonoids in Lemon juice have anti-urolithic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective activities. Lemon juice prevents the deposition of these calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney. Lemon increases the pH of the urine and excretion of citrate through urine. In this way, Lemon helps to restore the normal activity of the kidneys[5][13].
Ayurvedic View
Lemon helps to break kidney stone when taken regularly. This is due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Amla (sour) properties. Lemon juice breaks down the kidney stone in small pieces and help to expel out from the kidney through urine.
Modern Science View
Lemon might be beneficial in managing cold and flu. Vitamin C in Lemon is a potent antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral agent with immunomodulatory properties. It helps to reduce the duration and severity of cold. Vitamin C in Lemon also decreases the damage in blood vessels and alveoli of lungs caused by influenza virus[5][18][19][20].
Ayurvedic View
Lemon helps to fight against common cold and flu. According to Ayurveda, cough is mainly due to an imbalance of the Kapha dosha. Lemon works on an aggravated Kapha due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also boost the immune system if taken regularly.
Ayurvedic View
Lemon helps to figh Flu because Lemon works on aggravated Kapha due to its Ushna (hot) potency and also boost the immune system if taken regularly.
Modern Science View
Lemon might be beneficial in decreasing swelling. Rutin in Lemon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property. It decreases inflammation and swelling by inhibiting nitric oxide and TNF-α production in neutrophils[5][21].
Modern Science View
Lemon might be beneficial in managing scurvy and associated symptoms.
Scurvy is due to vitamin C deficiency. In scurvy, the blood vessels become weak and leak to cause abnormal bleeding. Symptoms associated with scurvy include fatigue, joint stiffness, joint pain, spongy and bleeding gums, fever, jaundice and loss of teeth. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant and is necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Collagen provides strength to the blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps in absorption of iron thus, reduces the risk of bleeding and iron deficiency in people suffering from scurvy[5][16][17].
Scurvy is due to vitamin C deficiency. In scurvy, the blood vessels become weak and leak to cause abnormal bleeding. Symptoms associated with scurvy include fatigue, joint stiffness, joint pain, spongy and bleeding gums, fever, jaundice and loss of teeth. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant and is necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Collagen provides strength to the blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps in absorption of iron thus, reduces the risk of bleeding and iron deficiency in people suffering from scurvy[5][16][17].
Ayurvedic View
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and helps in managing bleeding disorders especially bleeding gum (scurvy). This is because of its Amla (sour) property.
Modern Science View
Lemon might be beneficial in managing the symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease.
Meniere’s disease is associated with symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. One of the reasons for these symptoms can be oxidative stress. Eriodictyol in Lemon has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps in managing the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Lemon is also a rich source of vitamin C that helps to improve hearing outcomes[5][14][15].
Meniere’s disease is associated with symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. One of the reasons for these symptoms can be oxidative stress. Eriodictyol in Lemon has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps in managing the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Lemon is also a rich source of vitamin C that helps to improve hearing outcomes[5][14][15].
How effective is Lemon?
Insufficient evidence
Common cold symptoms, Influenza (flu), Kidney stone, Meniere's disease, Scurvy, Swelling
Precautions when using Lemon
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Always use fresh lemon for consuming and cut it just before using.
Ayurvedic View
Avoid the daily consumption of Lemon fruit during winter because of its highly Amla (sour) taste which can cause mild irritation in the throat.
Ayurvedic View
Use lemon in small amount or its juice diluted with water, if you have excess acidity and Pitta related problems.
FAQs about Lemon precautions
Recommended Dosage of Lemon
- Lemon Juice - 3-5 teaspoon twice a day.
- Lemon Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice day.
- Lemon Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Lemon
1. Lemon Juice
a. Add 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice to a glass of water.
b. Drink this water after taking food twice a day.
a. Lemon Juice with Honey
i. Add 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice to a glass lukewarm water.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Drink this water empty stomach in the morning to get of toxins and fats from the body.
2. Lemon Powder with Water or Honey
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Lemon powder.
b. Add 1 glass of water or 1 teaspoon honey.
c. Have it after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Lemon Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Lemon.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day after taking light meals.
a. Add 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice to a glass of water.
b. Drink this water after taking food twice a day.
a. Lemon Juice with Honey
i. Add 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice to a glass lukewarm water.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Drink this water empty stomach in the morning to get of toxins and fats from the body.
2. Lemon Powder with Water or Honey
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Lemon powder.
b. Add 1 glass of water or 1 teaspoon honey.
c. Have it after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Lemon Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Lemon.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day after taking light meals.
Benefits of Lemon
Ayurvedic View
Lemon essential oil helps to control Meniere's disease by relieving tension headaches, dizziness, and vertigo due to the balancing of Vata. Lemon essential can use used by diffuse or inhale directly from the bottle or also take fresh or dried citrus peels can also be boiled in water and the steam inhaled.
How effective is Lemon?
Insufficient evidence
Meniere's disease
FAQs about Lemon benefits
1. Skin infection
BaLemon fruit juice can be applied to skin infections especially to cure fungal infection in nails. Due to its Amla (sour) and Tikshna (sharp) qualities, it gives instant result in fungal infections.
2. Insect bite
Lemon juice also gives instant relief on insects bite like mosquito due to its Amla and Tikshna(sharp) property.
3. Dandruff on scalp
Lemon Juice can be applied on scalp for removing dandruff because of it Tikshna(sharp) and Ushna (hot) potency.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Lemon essential oil helps to reduce stress and anxiety when used in steam inhalation due to Vata balancing property.
5. Chest congestion
Lemon helps to open blocked nasal passages and clear chest congestion when used in steam inhalation due to Kapha balancing property.
BaLemon fruit juice can be applied to skin infections especially to cure fungal infection in nails. Due to its Amla (sour) and Tikshna (sharp) qualities, it gives instant result in fungal infections.
2. Insect bite
Lemon juice also gives instant relief on insects bite like mosquito due to its Amla and Tikshna(sharp) property.
3. Dandruff on scalp
Lemon Juice can be applied on scalp for removing dandruff because of it Tikshna(sharp) and Ushna (hot) potency.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Lemon essential oil helps to reduce stress and anxiety when used in steam inhalation due to Vata balancing property.
5. Chest congestion
Lemon helps to open blocked nasal passages and clear chest congestion when used in steam inhalation due to Kapha balancing property.
Precautions when using Lemon
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Lemon juice after diluting with water or other liquid when applied externally on the face.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before using Lemon if your skin is hypersensitive to acidic substances.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Sunburn [5]
Recommended Dosage of Lemon
- Lemon Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Lemon Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Lemon Paste - ¼ - ½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Lemon Powder - ¼ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Lemon
1. Lemon Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Lemon oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Massage gently all over the affected area of the skin.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
2. Lemon Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Lemon juice.
b. Add Glycerin to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face, hands and neck.
d. Use this remedy preferably before going to bed to get rid of mild acne, blemishes, dryness and wrinkles.
a. Take 2-5 drops of Lemon oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Massage gently all over the affected area of the skin.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of swelling and inflammation.
2. Lemon Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Lemon juice.
b. Add Glycerin to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face, hands and neck.
d. Use this remedy preferably before going to bed to get rid of mild acne, blemishes, dryness and wrinkles.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
1. Tablets
2. Capsule
3. Oil
4. Juice
2. Capsule
3. Oil
4. Juice
Modern Science View
Consuming Lemon with sugar or preparing squash can reduce its medicinal benefits. It is therefore recommended not to take Lemon with excess sugar if you want to get its desired benefits.
Ayurvedic View
If Lemon or Lemon juice is taken in excessive amount it can cause diarrhea or loose motion. This is due to its Amla (sour) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Lemon is good for the heart. Vitamin C in Lemon is a very good anti-oxidant. It prevents lipid peroxidation that damages the blood vessels. Therefore, Lemon protects the blood vessels and prevents cardiovascular diseases[23].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lemon has a role in managing liver problems and jaundice. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that prevents liver damage. Lemon also reduces the increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Lemon increases the level of other antioxidants and inhibits lipid peroxidation. In this way, Lemon helps to restore the normal activity of liver and is considered hepatoprotective in nature[24].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lemon is considered good for the brain. A number of neurological and psychiatric disorders occur due to increase in the number of free radicals. Citric acid in Lemon is a rich source of citrate. Citrate is a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Lemon prevents lipid peroxidation in the brain and is known to have neuroprotective effect[25].
Ayurvedic View
If Lemon or Lemon juice is taken in excessive amount it can cause diarrhea or loose motion. This is due to its Amla (sour) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Lemon is good for the skin. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that prevents damage of skin by free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for collagen synthesis that helps to keep the skin healthy[26].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lemon is good for skin pigmentation. Vitamin C in Lemon inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme and inhibits melanin formation. Thus, vitamin C in Lemon acts as a depigmenting agent[26].
Tip:
For better depigmenting effect, Lemon can be combined with soy and liquorice[26].
Tip:
For better depigmenting effect, Lemon can be combined with soy and liquorice[26].
References
- Hsouna AB, Halima NB, Smaoui S.Citrus lemon essential oil: Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with its preservative effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in minced beef meat.Lipids Health Dis.2017;16:146.
- Kamal GM, Anwar F, Hussain AI, et.al. Yield and chemical composition of citrus essential oils as affected by drying pretreatment of peels.Inter Food Res J.2011;18:1275–1282.
- Darjazi BB.Comparison of peel oil components of grapefruit and lime (Citrus sp.)Intl J Agri Crop Sci.2013;6:840–847.
- Mustafa NE.Citrus essential oils:Current and prospective uses in the food industry.Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric.2015;7(2):115-27.
- WebMD. Lemon: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Boudries H, Madani K, Touati N, et.al.Pulp antioxidant activities, mineral contents and juice nutritional properties of algerian clementine cultivars and mandarin.Afr. J. Biotechnol.2012;11:4258–4267.
- Rekha C, Poornima G, Manasa M.et al. Ascorbic acid, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of fresh juices of four ripe and unripe citrus fruits.Chem.Sci. Trans.2012;1:303–310.
- Jabri NAN, Hossain MA.Comparative chemical composition and antimicrobial activity study of essential oils from two imported lemon fruits samples against pathogenic bacteria.2014;3(4):247-253.
- Karimi E, Oskoueian E, Hendra R, et.al.Phenolic compounds characterization and biological activities of Citrus aurantium bloom.Molecules.2012;17:1203–1218.
- Aruoma OI, Landes B, Baboolall RD, et al. Functional benefits of citrus fruits in the management of diabetes.Prev. Med.2012;54:S12–S16.
- Zhou W, Fukumoto S, Yokogoshi H.Components of lemon essential oil attenuate dementia induced by scopolamine.Nutr Neurosci.2009;12(2):57-64.",http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/PrintVersion.aspx?id=545
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.