Menu:
Lemon-Citrus Goodness
The lemon figures among the oldest cultivated fruit plants having origins in India. There is the belief that the first lemons were cultivated in the hot and semi arid Deccan Plateau region of Central India. Indians knew the varieties of lemons for thousands of years. The usage of the various varieties of the citrus fruits had also been recorded in ancient scriptures and medical treatises like the Charaka Samhita. The Persian name of lemon is ‘Limu’ akin to the original Sanskrit word ‘Nimbuka’ meaning the varieties of lemons. It is from here that the word lemon has been derived- as is believed.
The lemon grows in subtropical climates all over the world. The Florida and the Mediterranean regions are especially famous for lemon cultivation. The varieties of citrus including lemon have been known since long- perhaps even before recorded history. It is considered to be a hybrid of wild plant species like the citron and the mandarin that has been cultivated over years.
The Lemon Tree
Lemon trees can grow even till 6 meters i.e. 20 feet. However, they are usually found to be shorter. The trees have thorny branches. They form an open crown. Elliptical-acuminate shiny leaves having a lovely green color cover the plants. The trees can withstand frosts and even very cold temperatures. It is common to find flowers and ripe fruits having bright yellow color on the lemon tree together. The flowers are characterized by their strong fragrance. They are white on the outside while the interiors have a violet streak.
Use of lemon in food and in medicine
Lemons are refreshing. The lemon fruits are universally used in preparations of refreshing drinks. They are used for seasoning purpose too. Various dishes, salads etc. make use of lemon to add the tangy taste. The peels and leaves of lemon also find culinary usage.
Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C. Thus it helps to strengthen the immune system. Having antioxidant properties it also protects body cells from radical damage. The lemon juice has a sour taste. Yet it works as a wonderful buffer in the body system and can actually reduce hyperacidity in the stomach. The juice of lemon has an antiseptic effect too. The leaves of the lemon tree find usage in reducing fever. Lemon also produces an anti inflammatory action. Further, it helps in body cleansing by promoting perspiration and acting as a natural diuretic.
The juice of lemon is considered to stimulate the appetite and aid in digestion. It also relieves cramps and dilates the blood vessels in the skin. Besides, lemon finds usage in herbal medicines for remedying gout, urine retention, arthritis, mouth and throat inflammation, hoarseness, asthma, nervous disorders, sleeplessness and stomach, liver and intestine problems.
Extracts and juice of lemon are much used in cosmetics and household beauty treatments. It works as a natural cleanser and nourishes skin and hair by providing Vitamin C. It also produces a mild bleaching action on skin. Lemon juice has also been known to act as an effective remedy for dandruff. Its astringent effect draws body tissues together and tones them up. Thus, it produces an anti aging effect too.