Lemons – they’re not just for lemonade

Used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, the exact origin of the lemon has remained a mystery. According to Wikipedia, It is presumed that lemons first grew in India, northern Burma and China. It was known for its antiseptic properties in South and South East Asia and was used as an antidote for various poisons. The lemon was later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700AD. It was first recorded in literature in a tenth century Arabic treatise on farming and was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000AD and 1150AD.

During the time of Ancient Rome, lemons entered Europe near southern Italy however they were not widely cultivated. The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in the middle of the fifteenth century and was later introduced to the Americas in 1493 when Christopher Columbus brought lemon seed to Hispaniola along his voyages. Spanish conquest throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds and the lemons were mainly used as ornament and medicine. It wasn’t until the 1700s and late 1800s that lemons were increasingly planted in Florida and California and began using in cooking and flavouring.

Considering we see lemons just about everywhere, the simple lemon is very much understated. We use them to make lemonade and lemon pies, mix them in our drinks, use them in our cooking and for garnishes and they also make a great deodorize and air freshener. But perhaps we need to take another look at this yellow gem because there is so much more we can do with lemons than just make lemonade. Here are a few medicinal and non-medicinal facts and uses for lemons:

-Although acidic in taste, lemons are one of the most alkaline forming foods on the face of the planet.
-Lemon juice added to a glass of water can be sipped during a meal to help the stomach's digestive ability by adding to the digestive juices and acid.
-Lemon juice is a powerful antibacterial.
-Lemon juice is a great liver tonic and can help detoxify your liver.
-Lemon juice can be used as part of a cleansing process to rid the body of gallstones.
-Lemon Juice helps to prevent diabetes.
-Lemon is a diuretic providing relief in kidney and bladder disorders.
-Lemon juice relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat.
-Lemon-juice prevents or restrains influenza, malaria and cold.
-Lemon juice has been used in destroying intestinal worms.
-Lemon has been used for many years in gout and rheumatism.
-Lemon juice is known to relive hiccups.
-As a natural antiseptic, the juice of the lemon will destroy harmful bacteria found in cuts and other areas of infection.
-When applied to hair after rinsing, lemon juice will give volume and shine to your hair.
-Lemon juice makes a great household cleaner and deodorizer.

Lemon juice, or fresh lemon, can help detoxify the whole body. Next to drinking plain purified water, drinking lemon water daily is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Let’s not underestimate the power of this simple fruit. Lemons – they’re not just for lemonade.