When Life Gives You Lemons…

I’ve had a really sore throat for the past few days and the only thing that I have found soothing is drinking lots of hot lemon and honey. It got me thinking about lemons and their health benefits and I found loads of really good information on all the different uses. I hope you find some of them helpful.

 

This is What I Found

Lemons are rich in vitamin c, help to fight infection and have antibacterial properties.

They have antiviral properties (terpine limonoids)

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds.

Lemon and water taken first thing in the morning is an excellent  liver detoxifier

Citric acid dissolves gall stones and kidney stones.

Rutin found in lemons helps to improve eye disorders.

Lemons can help Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and Allergies.

Although acid, they help to alkalize  the bodies metabolism and balance  ph levels

Can help the bowels, liver, brain, nervous system and aids digestion.

Lemons cleanse the blood and can be used to treat malaria.

Widely thought to be anti aging and to help in weight loss.

Lemons contain potassium which helps with blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.

Can help with toothache and sore gums. freshens breath and cleans teeth.

A few drops in a diffuser should calm anxiety and lift low mood. It will eliminate odours too.

Helps sunburn, acne, eczema, bee stings and can fade scars after a burn.

Lemons contain anti inflammatory properties which help arthritis.

It helps the body remove uric acid which builds up in joints causing arthritis and rheumatoid pain.

 

 

And Health Is Not The Only Thing Lemons Are Good For

For Cleaning

Lemon kills mold, mildew, bacteria, and germs, works as a deodoriser and air freshener.

Good for cleaning glasses, microwaves, fridges and metals including chrome, copper, and brass.

Mix with olive oil to clean and polish wood.

Mix with bicarbonate of soda to use as an all-purpose cleaner.

Lemon cuts through the build up of soap around taps, and showers.

Repellent

Lemons repel mosquitoes, ants,  moths, and fleas.

Cats hate the smell so use on kitchen worktops and baby areas.

 

Beauty

In conjunction with the sun, lemon juice can lighten hair.

Rub into hands to remove onion and garlic smells.

Removes dandruff helps with hair loss and makes hair shine.

Can be used as a face mask by removing dead skin cells.

Can be used as a deodorant  or elbow  and foot softener

 

Cooking

Makes a fantastic salad dressing and works very well sprinkled over fish.

A little lemon juice stops vegetables from turning brown when cooking.

A Little History

Columbus introduced lemons to the Americas in 1493.

.In 1747 a  naval doctor cured scurvy with lemons and the British Navy still carries them on ships today.

Buy the Best

Buy unblemished heavy lemons with thin skins.

Avoid lemons tinged with green or pale in colour.

 

Precaution

Always wash lemons .

Be aware that excessive use can damage tooth enamel so always rinse after use.

 

It’s amazing to think that this small citrus fruit is capable of so much. It will definitely be a store cupboard essential for me from now on

.And finally, my favourite, it adds a zesty citrus taste to my gin and tonic!