Lemon
Lemon
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a flowering plant rich in vitamin C, citric acid and essential oil that is widely used for food and medicinal purposes.
Consuming Lemon juice might help to manage kidney stones as it prevents the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals which is the main reason for stone formation. It also prevents damage to kidney cells due to its antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity.
It is beneficial in cough and cold as it boosts immunity which helps fight various infections. Lemon can also assist in weight loss when taken regularly along with honey in warm water.
According to Ayurveda, the intake of Lemon with salt is a common remedy to help manage nausea as it helps to promote digestion.
Lemon essential oil mixed with some other carrier oil like olive oil helps to reduce stress. It can be massaged on the scalp to reduce the symptoms of stress. It can also be used to manage various skin infections due to its antimicrobial activity.
It is advisable to use Lemon juice in diluted form to avoid irritation of skin and scalp due to its acidic property[1-4].
Consuming Lemon juice might help to manage kidney stones as it prevents the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals which is the main reason for stone formation. It also prevents damage to kidney cells due to its antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity.
It is beneficial in cough and cold as it boosts immunity which helps fight various infections. Lemon can also assist in weight loss when taken regularly along with honey in warm water.
According to Ayurveda, the intake of Lemon with salt is a common remedy to help manage nausea as it helps to promote digestion.
Lemon essential oil mixed with some other carrier oil like olive oil helps to reduce stress. It can be massaged on the scalp to reduce the symptoms of stress. It can also be used to manage various skin infections due to its antimicrobial activity.
It is advisable to use Lemon juice in diluted form to avoid irritation of skin and scalp due to its acidic property[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 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 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 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 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 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, 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.
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
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].
Modern Science View
Lemon tea helps in improving the immune system, detoxifies the body and prevents skin disorders due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tip:
1.Heat 2-3 cups of water in a pan.
2.Squeeze one Lemon to a jug.
3.Add warm water to the jug containing Lemon juice.
4.Add 1-2 tea bags to it.
5.Drink 1 cup of this Lemon tea every morning before taking a meal.
Tip:
1.Heat 2-3 cups of water in a pan.
2.Squeeze one Lemon to a jug.
3.Add warm water to the jug containing Lemon juice.
4.Add 1-2 tea bags to it.
5.Drink 1 cup of this Lemon tea every morning before taking a meal.
Modern Science View
Lemon water helps lose weight as it increases the temperature of the body. This improves the rate of metabolism and helps to burn calories. Thus, it prevents fat accumulation and helps manage the weight of the body[12].
Ayurvedic View
Using Lemon in the daily diet helps to manage weight because Lemon helps to improve metabolism and control excessive weight again. Lemon water helps to improve the digestive fire due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Modern Science View
Drinking Lemon water in the morning is considered to be beneficial for weight loss. It increases body temperature, burns calories and reduces the accumulation of fat in the body. Lemon water helps manage gastrointestinal problems and improves the functioning of the kidney.
Research suggests that it also helps reduce constipation and acidity[12][15].
Tip:
1.Take 1 glass of warm water (150ml).
2.Squeeze half Lemon to it.
3.You can add ½-1 teaspoon honey to enhance the taste.
4.Mix well and drink on an empty stomach daily in the morning.
Research suggests that it also helps reduce constipation and acidity[12][15].
Tip:
1.Take 1 glass of warm water (150ml).
2.Squeeze half Lemon to it.
3.You can add ½-1 teaspoon honey to enhance the taste.
4.Mix well and drink on an empty stomach daily in the morning.
Ayurvedic View
Drinking Lemon water is an effective remedy to detoxify the body. Lemon water helps to increase the digestive fire due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It helps improve metabolism and controls excessive body weight. It also improves digestion and reduces the symptoms of indigestion and acidity.
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].
Modern Science View
Topical application of Lemon essential oil provides relief from stress, insomnia, fatigue. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon oil also has antimicrobial property which prevents the growth of pathogens and protects the skin from certain infections[14].
Ayurvedic View
Lemon oil is an effective remedy for improving mental and physical health. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep due to its Vata balancing property. It also helps to reduce body pain as an aggravated Vata is responsible for pain in the body and Lemon oil has Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Lemon juice has various benefits for skin due to the presence of vitamin C in it. Vitamin C in Lemon juice helps lighten the skin color.
Rubbing Lemon juice gives relief in case of insect bites due to its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties[13].
Rubbing Lemon juice gives relief in case of insect bites due to its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties[13].
Ayurvedic View
Lemon juice helps to reduce the symptoms of fungal skin infection when applied to the affected area due to its Amla (sour) and Tikshna (sharp) properties.
References
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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.