Lemon is a fruit native to Asia that’s cultivated worldwide and used in many types of culinary dishes. You probably have lemons or lemon juice in your own kitchen or recognize them from the grocery store shelves. Lemon is said to be one of the most alkalizing foods. The juice is used in flavoring and works well as a vinegar substitute, especially in salad dressings. Lemon juice uses also include topical applications, such as rinsing your hair and using it to naturally lighten hair.1
Lemon is a highly acidic fruit, with citric acid making up about five to six percent of lemons. Among lemon juice benefits, it contains many important nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B1.1 Lemon juice is also abundant in antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help with inflammation, cancer, and heart disease.2
Lemon Juice Uses and Health Benefits
Lemon juice uses are vast. It’s been used in cleaning, cooking, beauty, and more. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, gargling a lemon juice and water mixture can help with a sore throat. It’s also known to improve the healing of canker sores, warts, insect bites, and rashes.2 Consider a lemon juice diet for helping with the following conditions:
Lemon Juice Side Effects and Precautions
Lemon juice side effects are not known for high medicinal amounts, but it is considered safe in food amounts for both oral and topical applications. It is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. However, it can be potent, especially when applied to the skin. It’s oftentimes best mixed with water to dilute the solution. If you’re trying a lemon juice herbal remedy for the first time, mix a small amount into a glass of water to see how it affects you. Increase the lemon juice to water ratio if you don’t experience any lemon juice side effects.
Avoid lemon juice if you have a known allergy to other citrus fruits. Talk to your doctor about using lemon juice as an herbal remedy if you plan to take it in high doses or if you have other concerns about it.
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