The lemon is one of the most underrated fruits available to man. It is also one of the most easily available fruits. Lemons are used to prepare lemonade, used as an additive to alcoholic drinks, used as a stain remover, used as air fresheners and also in our daily cooking. In the past and even today, lemons have been used as a natural remedy to treat various ailments. As a traditional remedy, lemons were highly regarded for their healing powers. In fact the Romans were known to use lemons as an antidote for all kinds of poisons.
While the lemon has been always considered to be highly acidic in nature, when mixed with warm water it has proven to be an effective cure against biliousness, nausea, constipation and even worm infections. Some folk therapists also recommend lemon juice or lemon extract as a remedy to cure hiccups. Freshly squeezed lemon juice works as a tonic for the liver and should be consumed as soon as you wake up. It assists in aiding the production of bile which is necessary for the digestion of food. The juice is also believed to be effective in dissolving gallstones. Symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat can also be treated by consuming lemon juice with honey. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C which is known to be highly effective in preventing and treating various ailments, enhancing healing of wounds and in controlling a high fever.
The lemon fruit is also believed to be effective as a diuretic. This implies that it is beneficial for individuals suffering from urinary tract infections and high uric acid problems. Individuals suffering from arthritis or rheumatism can benefit from lemon juice as the diuretic properties of lemons are helpful in flushing out the toxins and bad bacteria from the body. A drink prepared by mixing freshly squeezed lemon juice with coffee is considered to be useful in treating malaria. This preparation is also beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of severe headaches.
Lemon juice can also be beneficial when used externally. A swab of cotton doused in lemon juice and gently applied to the nostrils is believed to be effective in controlling epistaxis, commonly referred to as nose bleeds. You can also use the juice to contain bleeding gums by gently rubbing the juice into the affected gums. A mixture of lemon juice with glycerin can be used to prevent chapped lips. Strange as it may sound, lemon juice when applied to the skin is also known to clear suntan marks. Lemons are also used in the form of balms which are considered to be very beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of coughs and colds as well as hay fever.