Lemon

Some 16 species of small, evergreen trees and shrubs comprise this genus, native to SE Asia and E Pacific islands. Most citruses have been cultivated for so long that their origins are obscure. The species are very closely related, with numerous hybrids and cultivars. Citruses were unknown in Europe in Classical times, through C. aurantium and C. bergamia were first mentioned in Chinese medicine in the first century CE. The first citrus to arrive in Europe was the bitter orange, C. aurantium, probably brought by the Portuguese from the East Indies. It was followed by C. limon, probably from China, somewhere between tthe 11th and 13th centuries. Medicinal uses of citruses are complex. Various parts of the tree are used, and also various parts of the fruit at different stages of ripeness. Commonly, the leaves, fruits, juice and bark are used, while in China several quite different drugs are prepared from the fruits alone - one of the most valuable being the peel of C. reticulata, which becomes more potent with age. The related Poncirus trifoliata (hardy orange, Japanese bitter orange) is used in identical ways to C. aurantium. Citruses are high in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids, and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins, such as bergapten, which sensitize the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations and may cause dermatitis or allergic responses. The most recent uses of citruses are anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in cosmetics.

The lemon tree, one of the oldest cultivated fruits plants, originated in India. Today, lemons grow in subtropical climates all over the world, especially in Florida and the Mediterranean. Though the fruits and its juice have a sour, acid taste, lemon actually functions as a buffer in the body and can reduce hyperacidity in the stomach. Lemon juice and peel have an antiseptic effect, and the leaves of the tree are used to reduce fever. In addition, lemons are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and, acting as an antioxidant, protects cells from free-radical damage. The juice of one lemon supplies 33 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, and 1 tablespoon of lemon peel provides 13 percent. This more than satisfies your daily vitamin C. requirement.

Small spiny tree or shrub with narrowly ovate, light green leaves, 5-10cm (2-4in) long. Pale purple-budded, fragrant white flowers 4-5cm (1½-2in) across, appear in spring and summer, followed by ovoid yellow fruits, 7-15cm (3-6in) long, containing very sour pulp.

Common Name:	Lemon
Botanical Name:	Citrus limon
Genus:	Citrus
Family:	Rutacea
Native Location:	Unknown (probably China) introduced to Mediterranean CE1000-1200
Cultivation:	Well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil in sun, with ample moisture during the growing season. Scale insects, mealybugs, and tortrix moth caterpillars may affect plants under cover. Citruses do not transplant well.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe or in spring at 16° C (61°F); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Cultivars do not come true from seed.
Harvest:	Flowers (C. aurantium, C. bergamia) are picked when first open and distilled for oil. Leaves (C. aurantiifolia, C. hystrix) are picked as required for flavoring and infusions. Oil is distilled from foliage, unripe fruits (C. aurantium) and ripe fruits (C. bergamia). Fruits are picked when unripe or ripe for culinary use, candying, or oil distillation, and either unripe or ripe (C. aurantium, C. reticulata) for use in Chinese medicine.
Variations:	Meyer syn. C. x meyeri Is compact, with prolific blossoms and medium-sized, rounded fruits. Discovered in China in early 1900s. Variegata Has yellow-edged leaves and immature fruits striped yellow and green.
Height:	2-7m (6-22ft)
Width:	1.5-3m (5-10ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 5°C (41°F). Sometimes withstands short periods of 0°C (32°F)
Parts Used:	Fruits, juice, peel, oil
Properties:	A bitter, aromatic, cooling herb that has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, and improves peripheral circulation.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, feverish minor illnesses, and bronchial congestion. Juice taken in hot water (with addition of honey, garlic, cinnamon, etc.) for colds and flu. Externally for eczema, chilblains, sunburn, and poisonous stings, and as gargle for sore throats. Essential oil is used externally to treat mouth ulcers. A useful remedy for gout, urine retention, arthritis, vitamin-C deficiency, inflammation of the mouth and throat, hoarseness, digestive disorders, nausea, heartburn, coughs, asthma, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations, and diseases of the stomach, liver and intestine.
Therapeutic Effects:	Used internally, lemon has an anti-inflammatory action. It also helps cleanse the body by promoting perspiration and acting as a diuretic. At the same time, lemon stimulates the appetite, aids digestion, strengthens the body's defenses, relieves cramps and generally refreshes. Used externally, lemon dilates blood vessels in the skin.
Components:	In addition to its vitamin C content, lemon contains pectin and the essential oil constituents limonene, alpha terpinene, alpha pinene, beta pinene and bioflavonoids, which help strengthen capillary walls. The essential oils obtained from lemon peel stimulate the flow of lymph fluids.
Primary Uses:	Provides a vitamin C boost To increase your vitamin C intake, eat a lemon every day. In only a few minutes, the vitamin is carried throughout your body, Afterward, you may sense an increase in your performance capabilities and feel more relaxed. Aids Iron and Calcium Absorption Lemon stimulates the production of enzymes and digestive juices in the mucous membrane of the stomach, enhancing the absorption of iron and calcium from foods and supplements. Serves as an Emergency Disinfectant Lemon juice can disinfect minor wounds or lesions in the mouth and throat, such as canker sores. Apply diluted juice to the affected areas, or gargle with it several times a day. Alleviates Sore Throat and Hoarseness Squeeze one lemon and dilute the juice with 1 cup of hot water. Gargle three times a day with the diluted Juice.
Extra Tip:	To stop a nosebleed, dribble a small amount of diluted lemon juice (equal parts water and lemon juice) on a cotton ball and dab it repeatedly onto the nasal mucous membrane. The lemon's astringent effect draws the body tissues together.
Methods of Administration:	Infusion From Lemon Leaves Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 tsp. of dried leaves and allow to steep for 10 min. To reduce fever and relieve cramps, drink up to 2 cups per day. Sweetened with honey, this tea can help coughs and asthma. It also helps cure insomnia. To promote relaxation and deep sleep, drink 1 cup of the tea an hour before retiring. Lemon Peel Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain The fragrant volatile oils found in the peel help relax blood vessels and produce and anti-inflammatory effect, making them useful for joint and nerve pain. Grate the skin from 1 lemon, being careful to get only the yellow layer and none of the white pith underneath. Rub the grated peel into the affected body parts, and then wrap them with a bandage. Keep it in place for 1-2 hours. Lemon Juice Soothes Sunburn Using cotton balls, gently apply diluted lemon juice to sunburned skin. The juice works as an astringent, relieving pain.
Culinary Uses:	Fruits and grated peel (zest) are ingredients in lemonade and other soft drinks, ice cream, sorbets, desserts, marmalades, salad dressings, and marinades. Juice is used as a coagulant in cheese-making, and to set jams. Sliced lemons are a garnish for drinks, fish, and seafood dishes. Preserved lemons feature in Moroccan cuisine. Lemons are pressed with olives to produce lemon-olive oil, known as limonato.
Economic Uses:	Inner peel and pulp are a souce of pectin, used to set sugarless jams and jellies. Essention oil, known as cedro oil, is used as a flavoring in the food industry. Oil is also used to scent soaps, detergents, and perfumery. Peel is dried for potpourris.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 171-173 The Complete Guide to Natural Healing Copyright©1999 Internation Masters Publishers AB. Group8 Card 3 Nature's Remedies.