Lemons, with their vibrant color and tangy flavor, aren't just a delightful addition to your kitchen; they're also packed with natural healing properties. As I continue to research ways to be healthy, naturally, I am constantly amazed at the innumerable benefits of lemons. Lemons are so beneficial for your body internally, for personal care and even for household use. I previously wrote about the reasons why you should start your day with warm lemon water. You can check that post out here. As we continue to explore the benefits of lemons, here are my favourite ways to use lemons to bring relief to five common ailments.
Heals A Sore Throat
When a scratchy throat strikes, a soothing cup of lemon tea can work wonders. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system, and their acidic nature can help break up mucus. Additionally, honey coats the throat and relieves irritation. Try this recipe for a healing and refreshing cup of lemon and ginger tea.
Recipe: Lemon Ginger Tea
1 cup of hot water
1 slice of fresh ginger
1 slice of lemon
Honey to taste
Instructions:
Boil water and pour it into a cup.
Add the ginger and lemon slice.
Let it steep for a few minutes, then remove the ginger and lemon.
Add honey to taste and sip while it's still warm.
2. Relieves Coughs
Lemons can be an effective natural remedy for relieving coughs due to their high vitamin C content, antioxidant properties, and soothing qualities. Here's a tasty lemon recipe I use to help alleviate coughs:
Recipe: Lemon and Honey Cough Syrup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons of honey
Instructions:
Mix the lemon juice and honey in a small bowl.
Take one to two teaspoons as needed to relieve cough and sore throat symptoms.
3. Alleviates the Common Cold
Here's a simple yet effective recipe for a cold-fighting tonic using lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper, and raw honey:
Lemon Ginger Cayenne Cold Tonic
Ingredients:
1 lemon, juiced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1-2 tablespoons raw honey (adjust to taste)
1 cup warm water
Instructions:
Start by juicing the lemon to extract its juice. You can use a citrus juicer or simply squeeze the lemon by hand into a cup.
Grate the fresh ginger using a fine grater or microplane to extract its flavorful juices. You'll want about a teaspoon of grated ginger for this recipe.
In a cup or mug, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated ginger.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cup. Adjust the amount based on your tolerance for spice.
Pour warm water into the cup, filling it to the top.
Stir in raw honey to taste, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if desired for sweetness and additional throat-soothing properties.
Stir the mixture well until the honey is fully dissolved and all the ingredients are combined.
Allow the tonic to steep for a few minutes to infuse the flavors and activate the healing properties of the ingredients.
Sip on the warm lemon ginger cayenne tonic slowly, allowing its soothing warmth to permeate your throat and sinuses.
This potent cold tonic combines the immune-boosting properties of lemon and ginger with the anti-inflammatory effects of cayenne pepper and the soothing qualities of raw honey. Sip on this tonic throughout the day as needed to help relieve cold symptoms, soothe a sore throat, and boost your overall immunity. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and enjoy the comforting relief this tonic provides during cold and flu season.
4. Relieves Nausea
Lemons are renowned for their ability to alleviate nausea due to their refreshing scent and natural digestive properties. Here are several ways you can use lemons to relieve nausea:
Lemon Water: Sip on a glass of lemon water throughout the day to help settle an upset stomach and ease nausea. Simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water and drink it slowly. The tart flavor of lemon can help stimulate saliva production and reduce feelings of queasiness.
Lemon Aromatherapy: Inhaling the aroma of fresh lemon slices or lemon essential oil can help alleviate nausea and promote relaxation. Place a few slices of lemon in a bowl of water and leave it in your room to infuse the air with the refreshing citrus scent. Alternatively, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the aromatic vapor for quick relief from nausea.
Lemon Ginger Tea: Combine the digestive benefits of lemon with the soothing properties of ginger to create a powerful nausea-relieving tea. Brew a cup of lemon ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices and a slice of lemon in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and sip it slowly to help calm an upset stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.
Lemon Ice Cubes: Freeze lemon juice into ice cube trays and suck on the lemon ice cubes to help numb the senses and alleviate nausea. The cold temperature and tart flavor of lemon can help distract from feelings of queasiness and provide temporary relief from nausea symptoms.
Lemon Inhalation: Carry a small vial of lemon essential oil with you and inhale the scent whenever you experience nausea. Simply place a drop of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and hold it close to your nose, taking slow, deep breaths. The uplifting aroma of lemon can help calm the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.
Lemon Lozenges: Prepare homemade lemon lozenges using lemon juice, honey, and ginger to soothe an upset stomach and ease nausea on the go. Mix together equal parts lemon juice and honey, then add a pinch of grated ginger. Roll the mixture into small balls and freeze them until solid. Pop a lemon lozenge into your mouth and allow it to dissolve slowly for relief from nausea symptoms.
Incorporating these lemon-based remedies into your routine can help provide natural relief from nausea and promote overall well-being. However, if you experience severe or persistent nausea, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions and explore appropriate treatment options.
5. Reduces Bloating
Reducing bloating with lemons is an effective and natural way to alleviate discomfort and promote digestive health. Lemons contain citric acid, which stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and helps break down food more efficiently, thereby reducing bloating. Here's how you can use lemons to reduce bloating along with a simple recipe:
Lemon Water for Bloating Relief
Ingredients:
1 lemon
1-2 cups of warm water
Instructions:
Start by juicing the lemon to extract its juice. You can use a citrus juicer or simply squeeze the lemon by hand into a glass.
Heat water until it's warm but not boiling. Warm water helps stimulate digestion and can be more easily absorbed by the body.
Pour the warm water into a glass.
Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the warm water. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can start with the juice of half a lemon and adjust to taste.
Stir the lemon juice and water together until well combined.
Drink the lemon water slowly, sipping it throughout the day, especially before or after meals.
For added benefits, you can also drink lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to kickstart digestion and reduce bloating throughout the day.
Lemon Ginger Tea for Bloating Relief
See recipe above.
Incorporating lemon water or lemon ginger tea into your daily routine can help reduce bloating, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber and probiotics can further support digestive health and reduce bloating.
Final Thoughts
Lemons, with their natural healing properties, are a versatile and readily available remedy for many common ailments. However, it's important to remember that lemon remedies should complement, not replace, medical advice and treatment for more serious health issues. If you have allergies or sensitivities to citrus fruits, consult with a healthcare professional before trying these remedies.
Incorporate these lemon remedies into your wellness routine, and you'll discover the zest and vitality they can bring to your life as I have. Whether you're sipping lemon tea, whipping up a batch of lemon and honey cough syrup, or using lemon for aromatherapy, this humble fruit is a true hero when it comes to natural remedies for common ailments.