Citrus limon, commonly known as the lemon tree, is a subtropical evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 4 meters tall, with a rounded and irregular crown. The branches are strong, usually thorny, and young leaves have a purplish hue. The leaves are simple, elliptical in shape, with smooth or serrated edges. It blooms irregularly throughout the year, most often from February to July, and produces fruit following flowering. The fruits we know as lemons are botanically a specific type of fleshy berry called a hesperidium. They have an oval shape, a bright yellow rind, under which is a soft, fibrous pulp, from which juicy flesh grows with a strong sour taste.
It is widely cultivated by citrus growers, but only in greenhouse conditions, as open flowers and young fruits are susceptible to damage at temperatures above +2°C, and -5°C represents a critical threshold for the growth of the entire tree. There are approximately 170 species.
Lemons contain large amounts of limonene and citral essential oils, provitamin A, vitamins of group B, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C, although less than commonly believed, specifically 60 mg%. Among minerals, the highest content is potassium (approximately 150 mg%), followed by sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, and organic acids. Despite its sour taste, lemon has an alkalizing effect on the body, meaning it does not cause acidification.
Lemons and related citrus fruits – grapefruit, tangerine, and orange – are considered medicinal foods. The use of lemons as medicine dates back to the 12th century, thanks to Abbess Hildegard of Bingen. Both whole fruits, juice, and lemon peel are used for therapeutic purposes.
Lemons promote sweating and detoxification, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Diluted lemon juice is an ideal drink during febrile illnesses; fresh juice is an excellent remedy for mouth ulcers and inflammation; it is also used for skin and teeth whitening. Citrus pectin effectively lowers blood cholesterol levels, and in combination with the present vitamin C, we can also speak of a relatively significant anti-atherosclerotic effect. Lemon essential oil has antifungal properties, and especially when combined with Australian tea tree oil, its antimicrobial spectrum is very broad.
Unprocessed lemon peel is grated and used in cooking to flavor both sweet and savory dishes, to add aroma to beverages, and also for making homemade cosmetics and as an ingredient in ecological cleaning products.
Citrus essential oils are used in aromatherapy. is an excellent remedy for nervousness, fatigue, depression, influenza, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and insect bites. It cleanses the body, dissolves deposits such as cellulite, gallstones, and cysts. It stimulates lymph flow, soothes heartburn, and refreshes. It can be used to treat warts.
Lemons also have a reliable anti-mite effect.
Except for very rare allergies, there are no contraindications for consuming lemons, and no significant side effects are known.
Citrus fruits are not used in homeopathy.
This article was published with the kind permission of the Sféra magazine.
casopis-sfera.cz / gnews.cz-HeK