I love lemons! They feature in many of the health-giving drinks and cordials as well as in some of the cakes in Volume One of The Alchemist's Cookbook Series. I have also included my Diabetic-Friendly Lemon Curd, which is great for all the family! It is sweetened with Agave Syrup rather than cane sugar; so is much healthier for us as a result, as it neither provides a huge sugar surge and consequent fall nor does it taste overly sweet. Homemade lemon curd made in this way is not only delicious, it is highly nutritious and healthy, too! And, of course tastes “Yummy-licious”!  It also features in the Alkalising Shots Drink.

One of the most interesting things about lemons is, that although they are “sour” and part of this category of foods, so good for bringing into balance the liver and gallbladder, they are an alkaline-forming rather than acid-forming food. This often comes as a big surprise to people, as they do have a very tart taste. Like Raw Cider Apple Vinegar, as well as all citrus fruits, they leave behind an alkaline ash in the body. This balances out our pH levels and alkalises our bodies as a result.

All inflammatory conditions are caused by excess acid in the body, so drinking, for example, a mug or cup of fresh lemon juice with hot or lukewarm water in the mornings is exceptionally beneficial for maintaining the correct pH balance for optimum health. Such an easy thing to do!

Lemons are incredible! They are exceptionally high in antioxidants, as well as being antibacterial; anti-inflammatory; anti-viral; they have antihistamine properties; are insect repellents; are analgesics (pain relievers) and, of course the aforementioned alkalising powers are tremendous!

As a result of all these great properties, lemons can treat:-

• Throat Infections
  
• Indigestion
  
• Constipation
  
• Dental Problems
• Reduce Fevers
• Stops internal bleeding – the antiseptic and coagulant properties stop internal bleeding
• Rheumatism – as lemon has diuretic qualities, it helps to flush out bacteria and toxins from the body, thus aiding rheumatism and arthritis
• Burns – lemons are cooling, so can be applied onto a burn immediately to soothe it
• Scarring – applying lemon to scars helps them to fade
• Obesity
• Respiratory Disorders – lemon juice relieves respiratory problems and breathing problems, so can be used if someone is suffering from an asthma attack. Also, being a rich source of Vitamin C, it can help to deal with more long-term respiratory conditions
• High Blood Pressure – lemon juice is helpful for people suffering from heart problems, because it contains potassium. It controls high blood pressure; dizziness and nausea, because it provides a calming sensation to both the mind and body. It is commonly employed to reduce mental stress and depression
• Damaged hair; skin and nails – great for restoring health
• Our immune system – lemon strengthens our ability to resist colds and flus, etc.
• Our stomach – lemon cleanses and strengthens our stomach
• Our blood – it acts as a blood purifier
• Weight Loss – having the Easy-Peasy Lemon Fizz Drink or lukewarm water with lemon and honey can help reduce body weight
• As an antioxidant, it also contains potential cancer-healing properties

When combined with the ingredients in the various drinks and cordials I have created, lemon works even more effectively as all the other ingredients are also packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. One of the quickest and easiest ways to take advantage of all the benefits of lemons though, is through drinking its juice. Lemon juice is well known, for example, as a useful treatment for kidney stones as well as reducing strokes and lowering body temperature.

I read an article some years ago, which said that there have been scientific studies that have concluded lemon juice is four times more effective than chemotherapy at getting rid of cancer! Lemons have tremendously high levels of antioxidants. Vitamin C being one of these, plus high levels of Vitamins A; B6 and the other B-complex properties of Folate; Niacin; Thiamin; Riboflavin and Pantotheic Acid. They are also packed full of minerals such as Copper; Calcium; Iron; Magnesium; Potassium; Zinc; Phosphorous and also high levels of protein. The article stated that the preferred dose to take is the juice of three to five lemons per day in a little water. Taking the Lemon Alkalising Shot (see Alkalising Shots in the Balancing Cordials & Drinks Section), which also contains bicarbonate of soda, thus further acting as an alkaliser for our bodies, would be potentially even more effective. This is because this combination transforms our body from an acidic state (where tumours flourish) to an alkaline state, where they are unable to reside. Having this drink is generally great if we are overly acidic (symptoms being any inflammatory condition), so is great for all of us to have on a regular basis, regardless!

There have also been studies carried out at the American Urological Association, which highlights the fact that lemon juice can eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals.

The results from a study carried out by the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, concluded that lemons provide protection from inflammatory polyarthritis and arthritis.

The antioxidant levels in lemons is very high. Antioxidants are THE body’s way of disarming the “naughty cells” (as I refer to them), which are medically known as free-radicals. Antioxidants are the greatest anti-inflammatory agents our bodies can benefit from; so this is why lemons are so magnificent, aiding all of the above conditions and is part of the reason why this wonderful little fruit is SO fabulous!