Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Location: Lemons are widely grown in tropical America, California, Florida, Israel, Italy and Spain.
Extraction: Expression from the peel.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is yellow in colour and has a crisp, clean scent.
Description: A thorny evergreen tree growing to about 1.8 metres tall with shiny leaves and pinkish-white fragrant flowers, the fruits turning from green to yellow when ripe.
Background: Introduced from the east into Europe by the Italians during the fifth century and later also cultivated in Spain and Portugal. The fresh fruit and juice have long been used as food flavourings.
Properties: Haemostatic, antibacterial, tonic, hypotensive and sedative.
Uses
Digestive System-A good tonic to the digestive tract, especially the stomach and liver.
Circulatory System- Especially useful for helping treat high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and varicose veins.
Respiratory System- Of great value in helping treat bronchitis and flu.
Skeletal System-Lemon can help to eliminate toxins which causes arthritic and gout pain.
Skin-Lemon can help stop bleeding in minor cuts and wounds. Good for greasy skin. Brightens pale and dull complexions and may also be helpful in lightening freckles.
Emotion-The clean, fresh, lively scent dispels sluggishness, indecision and aids clear thinking.