Lemon

OTHER NAMES: Citrus limon from the fruit

HISTORY: Ancient, midieval and 16th century references

PROPERTIES: Antiinflammatory, antioxidant, bioflavonoids, astringent, diaphoretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, flavonoid, antiseptic, antibacterial

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Reduces recovery time from respiratory illness: Flu, cold symptoms, and sore throat.

Ears: Tinnitus may reduce symptoms of Menieres (may improve hearing and reduce dizziness

Cardiovascular: Helps protect against heart disease (as an antioxidant), helps relax blood vessels (may help decrease high blood pressure by 1-4 mmHg)

Gastrointestinal: Indigestion, gas, cramping, heartburn, bloating, belching, helps support GI function/helps constipation (stimulates peristalsis), bad breath (halitosis), dental and gum disease.

Genitourinary: Reduces kidney stone formation.

Musculoskeletal: The vitamin C component helps in tissue growth, development, and repair. It may decrease gout occurrences. Decreases inflammation (pain and swelling)

Neurologic: It increases thinking and memory and may help protect against dementia. It also decreases fatigue and may help with hangover symptoms.

Skin: Acne, fungus, sunburn, and warts; possible prevention against oral cancer (drugs.com); improves complexion-decreases wrinkles, blackheads, pimples, and blemishes, and for skin toning, eczema, anti-aging (antioxidant). Applied topically enhances wound healing.

Mental Health: Enhances mood

Cholesterol: Helps reduce cholesterol

Immunity: It boosts the immune system and helps produce white blood cells, which fight infection.

Other: Increases potassium, disinfects drinking water, inhibits the growth of aspergillus mold, the antidote for poison or venom, weight loss, anemia: increases iron absorption, diuretic (decreases fluid retention), scurvy: improves scurvy (symptoms of bruising, bleeding gums, weakness, fatigue, and rash )

Side effects: Dermatitis/skin irritation, sun sensitivity when used topically, oral intake can lead to heartburn, nausea, vomiting, GERD, canker sores, questionably triggers migraines and other headaches

Cautions/Precautions: Tooth enamel erosion and tooth decay with excessive oral intake

FORMS: Lemon juice, lozenges, capsules, essential oil (diffuser, message). Lemon oil is from the peel.

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources i.e. WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• Diuretic: Large mug of warm water with lemon juice