Lemony Facts
Common Name: Lemon.
The lemon is an evergreen small tree.The size of a lemon tree will depend on the environment, the cultivar and the management.The flowers of the lemon are small and have a strong pleasant scent. The yellow fruit are elliptic when cut lengthwise and have a distinct tip. They contain 3.5 to 7% citric acid and are very rich in vitamin C.
The true origin of lemons is not entirely known. They are thought to have originated in north-western India. It is known that lemons were introduced to southern Italy around 200 AD and have been cultivated in Egypt and Iran since 700 AD. Arabs spread lemons throughout the Mediterranean area during the early 2nd century.
Fruit Science
Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the foods you eat. It was commonly seen by sailors and pirates who would be without fruit and vegetables for months at a time while on the open seas. A physician in the British Royal Navy proved that scurvy could be treated and prevented with citrus fruits. After this discovery, all British ships were stocked with a supply of citrus fruit. During the California gold rush, miners’ diets were poor and food was scarce and scurvy was on the rise. Additional lemon trees were planted in California to prevent the disease. Interestingly, scurvy is not seen in most animals because they are capable of producing vitamin C. Humans and primates must rely on the foods that they eat to prevent a deficiency from vitamin c.
1. Lemons pack a vitamin-powered punch - just one medium lemon contains approximately 40% of your suggested daily intake of Vitamin C!
2. Lemons were once referred to as the “golden apple.”
3. The Romans used lemons to keep moths from eating their clothing.
4. During the reign King Louis XIV of France, ladies used lemons to redden their lips
5. All British ships were equipped with lemons and limes to prevent the sailors from developing scurvy
6. California, Arizona, and Florida are the United States leading producers of lemons
7. There are three main types of lemons -acidic, rough, and sweet
8. Lemon trees can grow for 150 years
9. For sore throat, dilute lemon juice with water and gargle frequently. Dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water. It is even better to use straight lemon juice.
10. A slice of lemon bound over a corn overnight will greatly relieve the pain.
11. A slice of lemon bound over a felon [pus formation on a finger joint] will not fail to bring the pus to the surface where it can be easily removed.
12. To relieve asthma, take a tablespoon of lemon juice one hour before each meal.
13. For liver complaints, the juice of the lemon should be taken in a glass of hot water one hour before breakfast every morning.
14. To break up [flu or influenza], drink a large glass of hot water with the juice of a lemon added, while at the same time have the feet in a deep bucket or other vessel of water with mustard added to it. The water should be deep enough to where it comes nearly up to the knees. Keep adding hot water to the patient's tolerance and until the patient begins to perspire freely (about 20-30 minutes). Be sure there is no draft on the person while this is done. The patient should be near a bed so he can get in it easily and avoid any danger of getting chilled. If convenient, a full hot bathtub would be good in place of the foot-bath. The lemon water should be taken every hour until the patient feels that all the symptoms of the cold are gone.
15. A teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water relieves heartburn.
16. For rheumatism, one or two ounces of lemon juice diluted in water should be taken three times a day: one hour before meals and at bedtime.
17. In cases of hemorrhage, lemon juice diluted in water and taken as cold as possible will stop it.
18. Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours.
19. In excessive menstruation the juice of three to four lemons a day will help check it. Best to take the juice of one lemon at a time in a glass of cold water.
20. When Christopher Columbus left Europe for the New World in 1492, he brought with him lemon seeds. These seeds were planted in Hispaniola in 1493.
How much lemon to use
If you are in good health and weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze the juice of one half a lemon (one ounce) into a glass of purified water and drink this mixture twice a day (one whole lemon a day.) If you weigh over 150 pounds, squeeze the juice out of an entire lemon (two ounces) into a glass of purified water and drink this mixture twice a day (two whole lemons a day.) The lemon juice can be diluted more according to taste.
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