LEMONS: THE MIRACLE FRUIT
This fruit has been described as not only the greatest of all fruits, but also the greatest of all remedies. Indeed, the tart taste of this amazing fruit belies its many health giving properties.
While lemons and other citrus fruit do not contain megadoses of vitamin C, they do contain a valuable amount of available vitamin C-complex which is worth many, many times the artificial, synthetic variety. This includes the bioflavonoids which are totally lacking in artificial ascorbic acid, but always occurring along with vitamin C in natural foods. These nutrients work in combination with vitamin C and have the ability to potentiate or boost its effectiveness.
In addition to its rich storehouse of usable vitamin C and bioflavonoids, the lemon also contains many other nutrients. Its potassium content nourishes the brain and nerve cells. Calcium in the lemon is an aid in building bones and making healthy teeth. Its magnesium, working along with calcium, is a great aid in forming albumen in the blood. Enzymes are also amply represented.
The medicinal properties of the lemon are almost unlimited. Many are familiar with the well-known cough remedy of lemon juice and honey. The juice of this fruit is also useful in treating colds, sore throat, diphtheria, asthma and all kinds of fevers. Sinus problems are greatly relieved by sniffing or spraying lemon juice up the nose, and the procedure is effective in treating many cases of migraine headache.
Jethro Kloss, writing in the popular, "Back To Eden," praises lemon juice as a powerful antiseptic--an agent that will prevent blood poisoning and putrefaction. Germ simply cannot live in lemon juice. It has been found to be a powerful killer of bacteria and viruses and is quite effective when applied fresh to eczemas, cold sores, herpes simplex and various rashes.
Stubborn infections, inflammations of the fingernails and toenails, leg ulcers, sores, cuts and scratches are simply no match for the powerful germicidal and healing effects of the juice of this fruit. It is considered the best and most natural replacement for iodine and it does not injure the tissues.
As an internal body cleanser, the lemon is unequalled. Its regular use will expel impurities and toxic matter. While being acid to the taste, its reaction in the body is alkaline, due to its alkaline mineral salts. This is a tremendous aid in balancing highly acid-forming foods that many are so fond of. More than this, the lemon helps dissolve and wash out uric acid crystals which in many cases are the result of just such a diet and that play an important role in gout, arthritis and rheumatism.
Lemons are valuable in cleansing the bloodstream and lymph fluids, giving every cell of the body new vigor an vitality. They are extremely useful in removing harmful pus-forming bacteria from the system, in addition to washing out, sweetening and toning the stomach. Peristaltic action of the intestines and colon is increased by this remarkable fruit which also acts as a diuretic.
A most fascinating account of the benefits of fresh lemons is given in a little booklet entitled, "Good Health with Lemons, Garlic, Onions, Radishes and Carrots," by Carlos Kozel. When the author begins to enumerate the many therapeutic benefits attributed to the lemon, he runs the risk of sounding like an old time purveyor of snake oil or some other "magic elixir."
His book rates the lemon as a universal curative and maintains that it is almost impossible to exhaust the therapeutic power of this fruit. It is the greatest enemy of all filthy, foreign and poisonous substances that may accumulate in any organ, tissue or part of the body. Where all other expelling methods fail due to the hardness of the substance that needs to be dissolved or the acidity of the blood and organs, the lemon is nearly always the one remedy that brings about a favorable change. It not only contains first class curative properties, but also vivifies and fortifies after bringing about a complete cleansing of the interior of the body.
The author praises the lemon as being the fruit that contains the highest amount of the chemical elements known as bases (alkaline) and is the best means of destroying disease-causing organisms. He goes on to say that there are more than 150 different diseases that favorably respond to the therapeutic properties of the lemon. Among these are rheumatism, arthritis, gout, stomach trouble, indigestion, flatulence, heart disease, headache, kidney and liver disorders, lymphatic diseases, catarrh, nosebleed, blood spitting, cough, any type of fever, diseases casued by injections or vaccinations, swelling, sores, pimples, any type of external or internal infection, pleurisy, blood poisoning, tonsilitis, mange, diptheria, inflammations, imsomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness, melancholy, hypochrondia, hardening of the arteries and constipation.
The lemon also deserves a top spot on the handy hint list.
* Rub undiluted lemon juice on mosquito and othr insect bites to reduce itching and swelling. Works every time.
* Lemon juice is an excellent replacement for vinegar: use just as you would vinegar.
* To prevent discoloration of cut fruit, mix with lemon juice.
* Used lemons can be tossed in the garbage disposal for a clean fresh smell.
* Whole lemons have a delightful scent. A bowl of them can be placed in the kitchen, dining area or even the bathroom.
* Lemon juice is great for removing lime deposits and water spots from kithen and bathroom fixtures. They can then be polished to a beautiful shine.
* Let the lemon aid you in your quest for beauty as well as health. Lemon juice, as used in many commercial beauty products, enjoys the distinction of being virtually the only substance that maintains its natural integrity.
* Honey and lemon juice is a time-honored skin softener. Lemon juice is an excellent skin cleanser and tonic and an excellent remedy for large pores, blackheads, dark spots and freckles.
* As a facial astringent or skin tightener, it has no equal and is indeed preferable to the many commercial astringents which may contain up to 93 percent alcohol.
* Lemon juice is excellent as a body splash after a shower or bath. It's invigorating, helps remove soap film and restores the natural acidity to the skin.
* For tired feet, nothing works better than a good lemon juice rub. Callouses and rough spots on heels, toes and elbows disappear in record time when given a regular lemon treatment.
Indeed, no home should be without lemons: the miracle fruit!
[This message has been edited by Suzanne Sutton (edited 09-21-2000).]