Lemon Peel
Lemon is an important medicinal plant of the family Rutaceae. It is cultivated mainly for its
alkaloids, which are having anticancer activities and the antibacterial potential in crude extracts of different
parts (viz., leaves, stem, root and flower) of Lemon against clinically significant bacterial strains has been
reported (Kawaii et al., 2000). Citrus flavonoids have a large spectrum of biological activity including
antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and antiviral activities (Burt, 2004 and Ortuno et al., 2006).
Flavonoids can function as direct antioxidants and free radical scavengers, and have the capacity to
modulate enzymatic activities and inhibit cell proliferation (Duthie and Crozier, 2000). In plants, they
appear to play a defensive role against invading pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses (Sohn et al.,
2004). Flavonoids are generally present in glycosylated forms in plants, and the sugar moiety is an important
factor determining their bioavailability.
Preparation from peel, flowers and leaves of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) are popularly used
in order to minimize central nervous system disorders (Pultrini et al., 2006).The peel of Citrus fruits is a rich
source of flavonoid glycosides, coumarins, and volatile oils (Shahnah et al., 2007). Many polymethoxylated
flavones have several important bioactivities, which are very rare in other plants (Ahmad et al., 2006). In
addition the fiber of citrus fruit also contains bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, the most important
being vitamin C (or ascorbic acid), and they certainly prevent and cure vitamin C deficiency-the cause of
scurvy (Aronson, 2001)
• This potent antiseptic which grown in your garden is said to fight off 20 varieties of harmful germs, besides being a strong antibiotic and antiviral.
• A spoonful of honey with a dash of lemon juice soothes sore throats and cures minor colds, coughs and eases flu symptoms.
• Being chock full of Vitamin C, lemons are the most effective fighters against scurvy. The Vitamin C also boosts up your immunity.
• Stomach not doing too good? Lemons are the first go to remedy for gastric issues. They improve digestion, soothe the colic pain it causes and as a good carminative, can take care of flatulence. This makes them a very important ingredient in several medicines to treat gastric issues.
• Battling weight issues? Lemon juice with hot water on an empty stomach is a proven weight loss aid since it reduces the obesity promoting Kapha in the body.
• Lemons control blood pressure, stop hemorrhages, improve circulation and cleanse blood.
• Lemons are perhaps one of the most effective agents against nausea and morning sickness. Merely smelling a lemon can do wonders here.
• Effective diuretics, lemons can also battle kidney stones and gall stones, urinary infections and promote the healthy functioning of the kidney.
• Bad breath turning people away from you? Ayurveda suggests that consuming lemon juice or rinsing with a lemon based product freshens the oral cavity and keeps bad breath/halitosis at bay.
Lemon is a type of citrus fruit. The fruit, juice, and peel are used to make medicine.
Lemon is used to treat scurvy, a condition caused by not having enough vitamin C. Lemon is also used for the common cold and flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), Meniere's disease, stomach upset and vomiting from pregnancy, and kidney stones. It is also used to aid digestion, reduce hay fever symptoms, reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, improve the function of blood vessels, and increase urination to reduce fluid retention.