Nutrition And The Immune System
The human body is very much like a fine tuned machine. And when there is a problem somewhere in that human machine, the effects can be seen in ways that might seem completely unrelated Learn MoreHealthy Uses For Lemons
Sometimes we take for granted things that are common, and this is definitely the case with lemons. Although we use them almost daily, we take for granted the nutrition, usefulness, and even beauty they bring to the world. This little yellow fruit is a true powerhousehouse in terms of the many health benefits it offers us. You may think you know all about lemons, but I’ll show you that the lemon is good for much more than lemonade.
You can’t think of citrus without thinking of a lemon. Originally from Asia, this unique yellow fruit has been around for a long time. Most people are aware of the story of lemons saving British sailors from scurvy, and this is true. The high vitamin C content of lemons is well known. Although the lemon’s sourness prevents it from being eaten as a snack, it is a common ingredient in many cuisines because of the zest they add. Chefs know lemon juice is an antioxidant that keeps fresh foods from turning brown, but here are some other uses for lemons you may not know:
* Lemons are great phlegm busters. If you are congested, make yourself a fresh glass of lemonade (warm or cold) and the lemon will act as an expectorant.
* Dry lemon slices as part of a refreshing, home made potpourri.
* To diminish the appearance of acne scars and exfoliate dead skin, gently rub a cut lemon and 1/2 teaspoon sugar granules on your skin for a few minutes. Repeat at least once a week until the darkened areas fade.
* The rind of the lemon or zest can be candied to use as treats for kids or a garnish for many dishes. It’s especially good as a seasoning for fish, poultry, and asparagus.
* Lemon juice naturally repels ticks and fleas from your dog. Just mix one part lemon juice to one part water, then dab it on the problem areas, or you can also use a spray bottle to apply the mixture.
Lemon juice can sting the dog’s eyes and ears, so be careful around those areas.
* Research shows that lemon essential oil stimulates the central part of the hippocampus, triggering rational, left brain thinking. If you’re in a problem-solving slump, dab some lemon essential oil
on a tissue and inhale.
* Craving sweets? A whiff of lemon oil has the effect of swiftly curbing the emotional reactions that trigger cravings for sweets.
* A simple form of detoxification is to squeeze the juice of one lemon into 12 ounces of hot water. Drink this first thing in the morning when you wake up.
* Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle on some borax or salt. Use this like a sponge to clean a dirty tub or sink. The citric acid in the lemons helps cut through dirt without scratching the surface.
* Unlike chemical cleaners, cleaning with lemons will leave behind a pleasant smell that won’t make you wheeze or cough. They are great at odor removal. If you’ve been peeling onions, pour some lemon juice over your hands to remove the smell.
* Have a stinky garbage can or garbage disposal? Drop some lemon slices into the garbage disposal or put lemon slices in the bottom of the garbage can to remove any unpleasant smells.
- 8 Comments
- Tags: detox, Housekeeping, lemons, natural housekeeping
I thought it was limes that the British took on ships to prevent against scurvy - hence being called Limeys by people in the US.
@Laura:Laura, of course you’re right. Got my fruits mixed up.
For IBS sufferers however, too much lemon juice could be bad, especially if you are sensitive to acid or have acid reflux.
Camerons last blog post..Shake Recipe for IBS Diarrhea Predominate
btw… apropos to the limies comment, i heard that they called lemons and limes alike limies..
Being tonic, refreshing and purifier, lemon oil is indicated for people who tend to leave weighed down by problems and thus to neglect themselves. Using it in bath or massage will help you feel fresh, more full of life and confident in your strengths.
I’ll have to keep in mind about using lemon oil to stop me craving sweets. I have heard about sniffing certain essential oils to curb your appetite, but I didn’t know that it curbed your emotional reactions.
Using lemons really have beneficial effects not only in terms of you health but also in your pocket. You can cut your costs using lemon rather than using those expensive medical products.
Healthy Uses For Lemons | Mind Mart…
Lemons are such useful things–detox, antixoxidant, natural cleansers. The list is almost endless….