{"id":1900,"date":"2020-07-13T11:51:16","date_gmt":"2020-07-13T10:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1900"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:34:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:34:37","slug":"lemon","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/lemon\/","title":{"rendered":"Lemon"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":266122,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"9607cc3c-45f8-449f-9f05-634159189843","beyondwords_preview_token":"82c64713-4da4-43d6-b29f-5ce0fac17ed5","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[102,42,43,116,61],"conditions":[685,694,701,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[30,17,18,786,27],"western_action":[1010,989,1003,1004,1016,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[1068,1076],"energetics_action":[1498,1557,1561,1382,1533,1546,1559,1554,1543,1558,1560,1552,1551,1556,1496,1538,1494,1492,1550],"writer":[2020],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-1900","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-detox","tag-digestion","tag-indigestion","tag-lemon","tag-skin","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-sharp","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-sweet","western_action-expectorant","western_action-alterative","western_action-carminative","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-laxative","western_action-vulnerary","ayurvedic_action-eyesight-improver-chakshushya","ayurvedic_action-heart-tonics-hridaya","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-blood-tissue","energetics_action-bones-tissue","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-fat-tissue","energetics_action-kapha-minus","energetics_action-light-quality","energetics_action-muscle-tissue","energetics_action-nervous-tissue","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-pitta-plus","energetics_action-plasma-tissue","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sour-amla","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-vata-minus","writer-rebecca-collison-walker","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"19700124","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Lemon is very rich in vitamin C, and contains potassium and calcium","latin_name":"Citrus \u00d7 limon<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Rutaceae","herb_summary":"Lemon is a sour remedy with a high vitamin content and an affinity for the immune system, making it an useful ally for cold and flu.","key_benefits":"Counteracts effects of cold on the body\r\nDigestive remedy\r\nSkin","how_does_it_feel":"Lemon fruit and rind have slightly different taste profiles. The fruit tastes extremely sour. Its sharpness puckers the mouth and promotes salivation. Lemon rind has a much stronger, bitter taste. Both the fruit and rind are aromatic as well as slightly sweet.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":7990,"hdif_image_2":13628,"hdif_image_3":13627,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18,786,30,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_7990\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"511\"]\"Lemon Lemon (Citrus limonum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLemon is a highly valuable medicinal and nutritive home remedy. Many of its benefits stem from its high vitamin and mineral content. Lemon is particularly rich in vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant and immune stimulating agent (1). Vitamin C is an invaluable nutrient for supporting overall health (1,2). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt also facilitates the metabolism of vital minerals, such as zinc and iron, making it an important addition in cases of mineral deficiency (3,4). Lemon revitalises the blood, by helping to lower blood pressure and reducing inflammation in the arteries (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon is famous as a cure for scurvy \u2014 a condition that arrives from a vitamin C deficiency \u2014 due to its high vitamin C content. Scurvy is characterised by frequent infections, fatigue, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, joint and bone pain among other symptoms (6,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon fruit juice and rind all offer significant benefits to overall health and can be used prophylactically as their nutritive and restorative effects accumulate with regular intake (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon has a stimulating effect on liver function, increasing metabolism and helping to purify the blood (8). It also improves digestive function by increasing digestive secretions including saliva and bile. It is through this stimulating effect on the liver that lemon increases the flow of bile, aiding in the emulsion of fats. This effect results in a multitude of benefits in the lower digestive system including reducing congestion and stagnation in the bowel, which may help to relieve <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a> (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon is known to support immune function. It may be used to help improve the body's ability to overcome colds and flus. It may reduce a fever and help to relieve throat infections, <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>. It can also help to clear mucus in the respiratory system and soothe a sore throat (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a result of its rich flavonoid and antioxidant content, lemon can be highly beneficial to the cardiovascular system as it improves the integrity of the vasculature and increases blood flow to the tissues (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a topical agent, lemon rind tea can be used as a bactericidal mouthwash. It is very useful in tackling bad breath and protecting the mouth against infections produced by inflammation of gums. Lemon juice is indicated in skin disorders as well, due to its potent astringent action. It can be used for a wide range of skin or local tissue conditions such as nose bleeds. The essential oil of lemon may be used in the form of an oil infusion (diluted in carrier oil), wash, compress or lotion for the topical treatment of pustules, slow healing wounds, mouth ulcers, boils, and chilblains. It may also be useful in this form to apply to areas affected by gout or <\/span>arthritis<\/span><\/a> (8).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_13626\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Lemon Lemon tree (Citrus limonum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLemon is energetically cooling and dry (8). Its cooling action occurs through its ability to improve removal of toxic heat in the body and through liver detoxification (8). Lemon helps to optimise systemic bodily function through its nutritive and antioxidant properties, which support cellular regeneration (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts actions are well suited to treat cases of damp, toxicity, excess heat and inflamed tissue states (8). This tissue state is characterised by excitation of the mucous membranes (10). Lemon promotes detoxification and resolves dampness and accumulation. The sour, alterative, detoxicant and refrigerative actions of lemon lend themselves well to address this type of tissue imbalance (8). The efficacy of lemon in these instances is also dependent on the causative factors being addressed \u2014 i.e., environmental or dietary triggers that may be involved in the presence of toxicity and heat in the body.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Ayurvedic medicine, lemon is considered to be a cooling medicine. Its qualities are light, dry and penetrating. It is used as a heart and blood tonic as well as to address imbalances in the digestive and respiratory channels. Lemon ignites digestive fire supporting <\/span>agni<\/span><\/i> and increasing digestive secretions. Its doshic effect is V-K-P+, which means that it pacifies vata and kapha, yet can increase\/aggravate pitta. In Ayurveda, lemon is also considered to act as a vehicle (<\/span>anupana<\/span><\/i>) of delivery for other medicines to the liver (9).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"It was Royal Navy Scottish surgeon, James Lind who first proved that scurvy can be successfully treated with citrus fruit in 1753. Thereafter, it became mandatory for the Navy to supply its sailors with enough rations of lemons to ward off scurvy (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Romanian traditional medicine, lemon was given with sugar to treat coughs. Lemon juice was used in the treatment of sore throats, fevers, rheumatism and high blood pressure (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon juice was also traditionally used as a diaphoretic to relieve fevers. It is also referenced for use in acute rheumatism and as an antidote to opium poisoning (11).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_7988\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Lemon Lemon (Citrus limonum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Immune system<\/h3>\r\nLemon is rich in vitamin C as well as a number of important minerals including\u00a0 potassium and calcium (12). Vitamin C improves immune function by various different mechanisms including by improving cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurther mechanisms of vitamin C includ,: supporting epithelial barrier function against pathogens; promoting the free radical scavenging activity and thereby potentially protecting the cells against oxidative stress. Vitamin C also enhances the activities of a number of white blood cells that enable the body to more effectively react to both microbial and viral infections. Vitamin C enhances differentiation and proliferation of B- and T-cells \u2014 B-cells produce antibodies, T cells destroy innate cells affected by viruses (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCitrus flavonoids have also been shown to inhibit bacterial mutagenesis. These unique lemon flavonoid compounds have antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties, which may be able to deter cell growth in cancers (13). Lemon may be used as part of an integrated approach that aims to optimise overall health and wellbeing in patients with cancer. Anyone seeking to incorporate herbal medicine into a treatment approach for cancer should do so under the guidance of an integrated oncology specialist.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon rind is identified as a detoxicant medicine, which is sometimes used to address both metabolic and microbial toxicosis. It is specific for the type of systemic toxicity that presents with heat and inflammation throughout the body. It acts as an antimicrobial, reducing infection whilst also supporting liver function and reducing blood toxicity. These combined actions produce a systemic cooling action in the body. Lemon is an ideal medicine where there are infective and congestive patterns throughout the body (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nLemon is useful in case of hepatic insufficiency as it stimulates and supports liver function thereby also supporting gallbladder function. Lemon rind has a significant effect on the liver due to its bitter constituents and can be used both in treatment and prophylaxis of gallstones (9).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon is an appetite stimulant and may be incorporated into a treatment approach to support an individual with anorexia or loss of appetite (9). Lemon contains beta-bisabolene, which has shown to demonstrate gastric protective and ulcer healing properties (14,15).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nCitroflavanoids in lemon improve the permeability of the microcapillaries, exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory effects (16). Lemon can support a reduction in hypertension through its diuretic action, as well as preventing the buildup of cholesterol and combatting arteriosclerosis. Lemon has a diuretic action which can support hypertension. It also stimulates the formation of red blood cells (5,16).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAscorbic-acid and limonene contribute to its depurative properties, making lemon an excellent remedy against rheumatism, arthritis, gout, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and conditions associated with high uric acid (17).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/h3>\r\nThe essential oil constituents in lemon have antibacterial and expectorant properties making it a helpful remedy in treating respiratory infections (18). Alpha-pinene, a terpene found in citrus fruit, has been found to exhibit antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo (19).<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/h3>\r\nAlpha-terpineol and ascorbic acid contribute to lemon\u2019s vulnerary properties, and thus, are very useful in healing wounds or scar and, even insect stings. Lemon taken internally as a medicine or used as a topical agent has great value in supporting skin health. It may be valuable in addressing a wide range of skin conditions as well as improving the complexion in ageing skin and treating acne scars (8).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_2521\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"508\"]\"Lemon Lemon (Citrus limonum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are currently few clinical trials on lemon rind and its extracts. Lemon as a fruit is more well documented in research for its nutritional activities. There are a number of studies that focus on some of lemon\u2019s active compounds, namely its flavonoids, which demonstrate a variety of its effects. Some of these studies have been included below to demonstrate the mechanism of action for some of the medicinal actions\u00a0 discussed in this monograph.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon flavonoids have been researched extensively for their bioactivities some of which include anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory properties. Therapeutic effects for the treatment of bronchitis and ulcers have also been demonstrated (14).<\/span>\r\n

A systematic review with meta-analysis on citrus extract as a perspective for the control of dyslipidemia<\/h3>\r\nA systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the aim of identifying\u00a0 evidence for use of citrus extract for dyslipidemia. The analysis took data from both in vivo models and human studies A total of 958 articles were reviewed and 26 studies demonstrating the efficacy of the citrus genus in dyslipidemia. The findings are discussed and consistent findings for dyslipidemic appear consistently robust.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study concludes that citrus extracts demonstrate cholesterol lowering l activities, reducing LDL (Low density lipoproteins) and triglycerides, in addition to increasing HDL (high density lipoproteins)(20).<\/span>\r\n

A clinical, multi-centered, assessor-blinded trial on lemon essential oil inhalation on blood pressure, electrocardiogram changes, and anxiety in acute myocardial infarction patients<\/h3>\r\nAnother study was carried out to evaluate the effects of lemon essential oil on blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive lemon essential oil as an inhalation and control (received paraffin) group. The treatment took place over three days. The study results demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic rate and anxiety. The intervention group also displayed significant heart rate regulation in comparison to the control (21).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Although lemon can aggravate pitta that is already out of balance, it is a renowned cooling remedy (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nArcheobotanical research has documented citrus remains in Egyptian archaeological sites, with evidence of their use to embalm their dead and accompany tombs along with dates and figs (22).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first substantial cultivation of lemons in Europe began in Genoa in the mid-15th century (23).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":266129},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Lemon is a small evergreen tree native to Asia. There are around forty-seven varieties that are said to have been developed during the centuries of cultivation.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon is a small tree, reaching up to 11 feet high, irregularly branched, the bark varying in colour from clear grey on the trunk, green on the younger branches to a purplish colour on the twigs.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe leaves are evergreen, ovate-oval, about two inches long, the margin serrate with sharp spines in the axils of the stalks, and they are arranged alternately on the stem.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers are white inside and tinged with deep pink outside; they have five petals and grow on stems in the axils.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe fruit is an ovoid berry, about three inches long, nipple-shaped at the end, smooth, porous, bright yellow, indented over the oil-glands. They have an acidic, pale-yellow pulp (25).<\/span>","common_names":"