Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Lemon and Lemon Juice

Lemon nutrition facts

Lemon has multiple medicinal, health, and culinary advantages. Lemons are very rich in Vitamin C and contain calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous minerals. Lemon water and Lemon juice are known for many health and medicinal benefits like controlling acidity, obesity, BP, fever, constipation, heartburn, etc. Here are the Top 15 Benefits of Lemon, Lemon Water, and Lemon Juice.

Lemon benefits for acidity

Lemon water is adequate for the smooth functioning of the stomach and the digestion process.  Lemon contains citric acid up to 8% in its juice, which aids in digestion. When taken mixed with hot water, lemon relieves indigestion, gas, cramping, heartburn, bloating, and belching and clears toxins from the body. If you have these problems, take one teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water. This solution helps to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis movement. Lemon juice is beneficial for correctly forming bile in the liver, relieving indigestion. It cures phlegm and eases excessive wind from the stomach.  It prevents acidity and vomiting, too. Though lemon is acidic, inside the body, it is alkaline in characteristics.  It leaves alkaline residues in the body and eases symptoms of acidosis.  Lemon Tea is also suitable for overcoming acidity.

Lemon for fair skin and beauty

Lemon benefits for skincare and good skin are excellent. Lemon is essential in rejuvenating natural antiseptic and is perfect for glowing skin and beauty care.  The enriched content of vitamin C is helpful in rejuvenating skin, lightening your face, and making the skin glow from the inside. Regular taking of lemon is good for your skin to cure wrinkles, blackheads, pimples, blemishes, and skin toning. Apply lemon over wrinkled spots for better results.  It is also used as an anti-ageing remedy because of its antioxidant properties. The citric acid is helpful for healthy glowing skin, while the alkaline components of lemons treat acne. Lemon water and lemon juice cleanse the toxins from the blood and are suitable for skin care and beauty treatment. Patients with eczema should take lukewarm lemon water with honey.   The mix of lemon and love is a natural bleacher for your skin. The cooling nature of lemon juice helps to reduce skin-burning sensation. Dry the lemon skin under the sun, grind it, and apply the powder on the hair for a shining look. These are some of the lemon skincare tips.

Lemon juice prevents cold

Lemon juice gives relief for reducing fever and controlling colds and flu. In the case of fever patients, lemon decreases the body temperature by increasing perspiration.  To subsidise fever, lemon is beneficial; it is suggested to drink lukewarm lemon water (1 tsp of lemon in a glass of water) every two hours.  When mixed with warm water and honey, lemon is a helpful home remedy for cough and cold.

Lemon  for dental care

Lemon is one of the essential Ayurvedic foods used to treat dental and gum diseases.  If a person feels toothache, he should apply fresh lemon juice in the affected areas to relieve pain. If you have bleeding problems with your gums, apply lemon juice to the gum for relief.  It is also helpful in reducing the mouth’s foul smell and scurvy.  If you want fresh breath after smoking, alcohol, and spices, take lemon juice for better results.

Lemon cures constipation

If somebody has constipation or chronic constipation, it is better to use lemon water. One can take lemon water at night. You can also take warm lemon water to cleanse your bowels in the morning. Lemon juice for constipation is more effective if taken on an empty stomach in the morning.  Regularly drinking lemon juice helps to release waste and toxins from the digestive system and control constipation and diarrhoea.

Lemon for weight loss

Suppose you want to lose weight naturally. In that case, it is better to switch to lemon because lemon water and lemon juice are practical home remedies for Weight Loss and also helpful in controlling obesity.  Drinking lemon water regularly, especially in the morning; speeded up the weight loss. Lemon has adequate pectin, a great source of fibre and helps to overcome overweight.  Lukewarm lemon water with honey is also suitable for obesity and weight loss.

Lemon water removes fatigue

Lemon Juice is a boon for tiredness and fatigue. If you want to refresh yourself after the hectic and busy schedule of the day, it is a wise step to have lemon juice along with a small quantity of sugar.  Lemon is also taken as a refreshment.

Lemon water for sore throat

For sore throat problems, one should gargle with lemon water. Taking half a lemon in one-half glass of water is suggested to make lemon water for gargling. However, regular gargling should be avoided as it may ruin the enamel part.

Lemon for asthma treatment

Asthma patients should take one glass of lemon juice or water before each meal.   It provides quick relief to asthmatic patients. Lemon contains flavonoids that protect the lungs against diseases. Lemon juice is also beneficial for respiratory and breathing problems.

Lemon controls high blood pressure

Lemon has an adequate percentage of potassium, which is suitable for heart-related problems.  The mineral potassium stimulates the brain and nerve functions and helps to control blood pressure and heart rate. For natural and herbal blood pressure remedies, lemon water and juices are beautiful. Lemon is also for the relaxation of the body and mind. Lemon contains pectin, rich in fibre that helps to reduce cholesterol levels. The phytochemical antioxidants and dietary fibre are beneficial in controlling coronary heart disease.

Lemon water for arthritis cure

Lemon water helps to cure arthritis and rheumatism.  If you are experiencing pain due to arthritic problems, take lemon warm water twice daily, before a meal, and at bedtime for positive results. Having plenty of Vitamin C helps to absorb calcium and fight against osteoporosis.

Lemon boosts the immune system

Lemon has plenty of vitamin C and is extremely helpful in fighting colds and coughs.  Lemon contains numerous phytochemicals such as Hesperetin and Naringenin. These are anti-oxidants and help improve the body’s immune system mechanism.  Lemon juices also fight cancer by strengthening the immune system.  Lemon acts as an anti-bacterial anti-viral. The ingredients of lemon-like citric acid, magnesium, calcium, limonene, pectin, Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and phytochemicals help promote the immune system.

Lemon as a blood purifier

Lemons are natural and herbal blood purifiers.  Being an ayurvedic blood purifier, lemon treats many diseases, such as malaria and cholera. It helps to release toxins from the body.  Since it is an active blood purifier, it helps treat skin rashes, pimples, wrinkles, acne, and blemishes. Lemon juice is an excellent cleansing agent that helps in releasing radiation after chemotherapy from the body.  Lemon has been a home remedy for blood purification since ancient times.

Lemon as a natural diuretic

Every day, many waste products and toxins are produced in the body. They interfere with the normal activities of cells and tissues of the body.  They are also responsible for various diseases. Lemon is beneficial to flush out these unwanted materials from the body by increasing urination. It balances the entire excretory system by releasing toxins from the body.

Medicinal benefits of lemon water

There are excellent medicinal and health benefits of lemon water. Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and prevents many diseases caused by bacteria, such as malaria, cholera, diphtheria, and typhoid. It helps in making tissues and cells healthy and prevents tissues from decomposing. Lemon water assists in cleansing body organs from toxins. It dissolves uric acid that causes pain in joints.

Lemon risks

Lemons are generally safe to consume and are a popular addition to many dishes and beverages due to their refreshing flavour and potential health benefits. However, there are a few risks associated with lemons that you should be aware of:

1. Citrus Allergies: Allergies like itching, hives, swelling, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an allergy to lemons or experience any allergic symptoms after consuming them, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Dental Health: Lemon juice is acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Drinking lemon juice or lemon water frequently, especially without dilution, may increase the risk of dental problems like tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion. To minimise this risk, it’s advisable to drink lemon water in moderation and rinse your mouth with plain water after consumption.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): The high acidity of lemon juice may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. It can potentially irritate the oesophagus and worsen heartburn or reflux symptoms. People with GERD should cautiously consume lemon-containing foods and beverages and monitor their tolerance.
4. Skin Sensitivity: Some people may experience skin irritation or photosensitivity when they come into contact with lemon juice or lemon essential oil and then expose their skin to sunlight. This can lead to a condition known as phytophotodermatitis, which causes skin rashes and blisters. Be cautious about sun exposure if you’re using lemon juice on your skin or in homemade remedies.
5. Interaction with Medications: Lemon juice may interact with certain medications. For example, it can increase iron absorption from plant-based sources (non-heme iron) and interact with drugs that affect blood pressure or potassium levels. If you are taking medications, especially those with dietary restrictions or interactions, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on lemon consumption.

While these risks are associated with lemons, they are generally minimal and affect only a tiny percentage of the population. For most people, lemons can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Suppose you have specific concerns about how lemons might affect your health, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or allergies. In that case, consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice is a good idea.