- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Southeast Asia, Northeast India)
Asia · Food · № 221
Citrus limon
Food · Asia
Lemon
Citrus limon
Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, strengthens the veins.
Safety notes
Organic oil only, well diluted. Not too much (sour, bad for the skin). Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Organic oil only, well diluted.
- Everyday Ayurveda: Not too much (sour, bad for the skin).
- Natural skin and hair care: Lemon juice and lemon oil make the skin sensitive to sunlight: do not use on the skin just before sunbathing.
Preparation
Essential oil, fruit.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic), Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care, natural skin and hair care and home, kitchen and folk custom. In herbal magic associated with purifies the house, attracts love and friends, renews youth, purification. The lemon arose in north-eastern India as a cross between citron and bitter orange and reached Europe via Persia and the Arab world. British sailors were given lemon juice against scurvy, although lime juice turned out to be less effective. In Ayurveda (jambira) and jamu lemon is a digestive remedy.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, strengthens the veins.
Preparation and amount
Essential oil, fruit.
Caution: Organic oil only, well diluted.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Against nausea (with cumin); helps with oily skin.
Preparation and amount
Lick a slice with cumin for nausea; juice in chutney, guacamole and marigold mask for oily skin.
Caution: Not too much (sour, bad for the skin).
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Mildly acidic and fresh-smelling; used in care for oily skin, oily hair and rough feet.
Preparation and amount
External: lemon juice and lemon oil in an acne toner, shampoo, a foot scrub and a bath oil (see the recipes).
Caution: Lemon juice and lemon oil make the skin sensitive to sunlight: do not use on the skin just before sunbathing.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Purifies the house, attracts love and friends, renews youth, purification, protection, health, love, luck.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with purification, friendship and a fresh start.
Preparation and amount
In Jewish tradition the etrog, a lemon-like fruit, is one of the four species at the Feast of Tabernacles. Around the Mediterranean and in the Middle East lemon was thought purifying; in Indian folk culture a lemon with green chillies is hung at the door against the evil eye.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Uplifting oil; juice in fruit salad, smoothies and gazpacho.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Herbal oil (oil infusion)Steam and bathPowder and kitchen