Lemon (Citrus limonum)

The lemon tree is a tree belonging to the Rutaceae family, well known and appreciated in our country. Mainly two species are grown clearly distinguished by taste bitter or sweet, good for the skin which is more bitter in the thick, rough and sweet is fine and smooth, good for size, higher in the bitter and less in the candy. In any case, all give us these wonderful fruits are lemons, oblong fruits with two protrusions at the ends, yellow skin and spongy and meaty and juicy interior, divided into several segments that are very acidic flavor.

FLOWERING

As previously mentioned, several species are cultivated. The fruits of some of them mature from October to February, while others do so during the spring and summer. Interested harvest all the fruit, both the pericarp and pulp. Regarding the form of collection and preservation, is well known to everyone.

APPLICATIONS

In the bark of the abundant fruit essence of lemon can be obtained approximately 3 g. per kilo of essence of lemons. This essence is composed of limonene, phellandrene, citral, citronellal and other substances in smaller proportions. In the juice of the lemon pulp are very high amounts of citric acid. Lemons are known to reach a maximum acidity in autumn and then the acidity decreases as the winter progresses and spring arrives. In the pulp also found significant amounts of vitamin C, as well as other vitamins. It also contains other acids such as malic acid, flavonoids, pectin and various sugars. Is considered an excellent antiscorbutic, already used empirically long before vitamins were discovered. The essence is antiseptic, carminative and diuretic activities are enhanced by the presence of flavonoids also exerting a phlebotonics venotonic and controlling the permeability of capillary blood vessels and increasing its resistance to breakage. Pectin, meanwhile, has a hemostatic effect and protector of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Externally it acts as an antiseptic, healing, moisturizing and demulcent. However, it should be noted that the substance should be administered with caution, particularly in children, the possibility that allergic reactions may occur.

ADMINISTRATION

Essence. It can be given two to five drops twice a day, on a lump of sugar or alcohol solution.
Infusion. It is prepared from the bark of three lemons per liter of water. Once the infusion, taken three cups a day before the main meals.
Lemon juice. Widely used in the kitchen. The derivation is straightforward, so long to have a simple hand-juicer. Since it is extremely acid, is recommended to add sugar or other sweetener.
Mouthwash. Squeezed lemon juice into a glass and dilute with a teaspoon of warm water. With this liquid rinses are conducted several times a day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Rutaceae
HABITAT: Temperate
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Fruit: pericarp and pulp
CASTILIAN: Limón
CATALAN: Llimoner
BASQUE: Limoiaritz
GALICIAN: Limoneiro

USES

Fort Carminative, Antiseptic Moderate, Mild diuretic.