The Joy of Lemon: An Alternative Medicine for Purification and Congestion

The lemon is more than just a wonderful ingredient for a pie, a cake, or some cookies. I've come to learn that the lemon and its juice are also medicinal and can add to the quality of one's life. Throughout my personal research to develop my own healthful lifestyle, I've found that the juice of lemons is great for purification.

In Ayuredic medicine from India, lemons are used as a purifier for the liver. The liver is a central organ that is responsible for metabolism and other bodily functions as it is also the major organ of the immune system. Therefore, it is important to keep one's liver cleansed on a regular basis. One of the ways I've used lemon juice as a detoxifying agent is by taking the juice of one regular-sized lemon and combining it with hot water as it is often prescribed in Ayuredic medicine. Then, I simply drink the tonic.

When I experimented with this tonic I also noticed that the lemon juice loosened up a lot of mucus in my body and I was able to either cough it up or blow my nose to get rid of it. I believe this is one of the reasons why so many over-the-counter cold and flu products have lemon flavor added because of the natural decongestant potential of lemons.

Other ways the lemon can be added to one's healthy lifestyle is by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to herbal tea, green tea, or lemonade without the sugar. I've also added lemon juice to my tossed salads with a dash of black pepper (which is also an internal purifier).

In addition to lemons being an excellent ally in fighting congestion and detoxifying the body, lemons can be as a digestive aid. When lemon is combined with ginger, which has also been used for digestion as well as nausea, we have a potent tonic to help fight indigestion.

There are alternatives to store-bought lemons as a medicinal aid for those who may find drinking lemon juice in hot water a bit much. Aromatherapy is an excellent way to promote purification of the body as well. The essential oils of lemon balm, lemongrass, and lemon verbena can be used for this purpose.

It is recommended that an essential oil diffuser, lamp ring, or vaporizer is used to help the oils release into the atmosphere so they can be absorbed into the body. Another way to use these essential oils is by adding several drops to a comfortably hot bath as a method of aromatherapy.

Lemons are wonderful for the skin as well. Several times, I have squeezed the juice of a lemon directly into my bathwater to add an extra cleanser and purifier for my skin. And it worked wonders for me. So, when I realized lemons could cleanse me inside and out I knew I'd stumbled onto a miracle fruit.

As a result, lemons are a superb additive to one's healthy lifestyle. Try it some time and you'll never look at lemons the same way again. Remember - you should always use caution when using any alternative medicine.