Lemon (Citrus limon)
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5
- Digestive
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a small, evergreen tree with light-green, toothed leaves, fragrant white blossoms, and bright yellow fruit. Its high vitamin C content supports immune function, while lemon juice has an alkalizing effect in the body despite its acidity. Lemon is commonly used for colds, flu, and circulatory support, as well as for improving the flavor in countless foods and beverages.
Traditional uses & properties
Antiseptic & Febrifuge: Helps combat infections, reduces fever, and may disinfect the digestive system. Nutrient-Rich: Contains significant vitamin C and other antioxidants, supporting immunity and vessel integrity. Lithotriptic: May help break down or reduce formation of gallstones, kidney stones, and calcium deposits. Cooling & Circulatory Tonic: Encourages healthy circulation, counters arteriosclerosis, and can help maintain normal blood pressure.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Apply lemon juice to sunburned area.
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting unless professionally supervised. Skin Sensitivity: Juice or oil can irritate skin if applied externally in high concentrations or if exposed to sunlight after use.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Likely originating in India, the lemon tree now grows in many Mediterranean and subtropical regions globally. It’s propagated from seed in spring, needing well-drained soil and abundant sunlight. Lemons are usually harvested in winter when vitamin C is highest.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Lemon (Citrus limon) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Lemon (Citrus limon) as follows: Antiseptic & Febrifuge: Helps combat infections, reduces fever, and may disinfect the digestive system. Nutrient-Rich: Contains significant vitamin C and other antioxidants, supporting immunity and vessel integrity. Lithotriptic: May help break down or reduce formation of gallstones, kidney stones, and calcium deposits. Cooling & Circulatory Tonic: Encourages healthy circulation, counters arteriosclerosis, and can help maintain normal blood pressure.
How is Lemon (Citrus limon) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Sunburn: Apply lemon juice to sunburned area.
What safety cautions apply to Lemon (Citrus limon)?
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting unless professionally supervised. Skin Sensitivity: Juice or oil can irritate skin if applied externally in high concentrations or if exposed to sunlight after use.
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