This month’s Health Tip isn’t about making lemonade out of lemons. No, it’s much simpler than that; just add water!

If you have been reading these health tips regularly you know that I am always promoting the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of quality water. Wait ‘til you hear the health benefits of adding a little freshly squeezed lemon juice to your water!

Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which is beneficial for your immune system. They contain potassium which can be helpful for your nerves and stimulating brain function, not to mention potassium aids in controlling your blood pressure.

Lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to saliva, hydrochloric acid, bile and the stomach’s other digestive juices. It acts as a diuretic. It can help your body recover from urinary tract infections when consumed daily. It’s a wonderful breath freshener. It can also assist in weight loss.

Take a look at lemon’s other health benefits as reported by Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden:

“The medicinal value of the lemon is as follows: It is an antiseptic, or is an agent that prevents sepsis [the presence of pathogenic bacteria] or putrefaction [decomposition of tissue]. It is also anti-scorbutic, a term meaning a remedy which will prevent disease and assist in cleansing the system of impurities.”

Mr. Kloss also points out that, “The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, liquefies the bile, and is very good in cases of malaria. Sufferers of chronic rheumatism and gout will benefit by taking lemon juice, also those who have a tendency to bleed, uterine hemorrhages, etc.; rickets and tuberculosis. In pregnancy, it will help to build bone in the child. We find that the lemon contains certain elements which will go to build up a healthy system and keep that system healthy and well. As a food, we find, owing to its potassium content, it will nourish the brain and nerve cells. Its calcium builds up the bony structure and makes healthy teeth.

He continues with the following list of benefits:

For sore throat, dilute lemon juice with water and gargle frequently. Dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water. It is even better to use straight lemon juice.
A slice of lemon bound over a corn overnight will greatly relieve the pain.
A slice of lemon bound over a felon [pus formation on a finger joint] will not fail to bring the pus to the surface where it can be easily removed.
To relieve asthma, take a tablespoon of lemon juice one hour before each meal.
For liver complaints, the juice of the lemon should be taken in a glass of hot water one hour before breakfast every morning.
To break up la grippe [flu or influenza], drink a large glass of hot water with the juice of a lemon added, while at the same time have the feet in a deep bucket or other vessel of water with mustard added to it. The water should be deep enough to where it comes nearly up to the knees. Keep adding hot water to the patient’s tolerance and until the patient begins to perspire freely (about 20-30 minutes). Be sure there is no draft on the person while this is done. The patient should be near a bed so he can get in it easily and avoid any danger of getting chilled. If convenient, a full hot bathtub would be good in place of the foot-bath. The lemon water should be taken every hour until the patient feels that all the symptoms of the cold are gone.
A teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water relieves heartburn.
For rheumatism, one or two ounces of lemon juice diluted in water should be taken three times a day: one hour before meals and at bedtime.
In cases of hemorrhage, lemon juice diluted in water and taken as cold as possible will stop it.
Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours.
In excessive menstruation the juice of three to four lemons a day will help check it. Best to take the juice of one lemon at a time in a glass of cold water.

“Its magnesium, in conjunction with calcium, has an important part to play in the formation of albumen in the blood. The lemon contains potassium 48.3, calcium 29.9, phosphorus 11.1, magnesium 4.4. Lemons are useful in treating asthma, biliousness, colds, coughs, sore throat, diphtheria, la grippe [flu or influenza], heartburn, liver complaint[s], scurvy, fevers and rheumatism.”

In my ND studies I learned from A.F. Beddoe, author of Biological Ionization as Applied to Human Nutrition, that the liver can make more enzymes out of fresh lemon juice than from any other food.

He says the primary purpose of the lemon is to:

Provide a natural strengthening agent to liver enzymes when they are too dilute
Help fix oxygen and calcium levels in the liver, which ultimately affects blood oxygen levels.

Dr. Beddoe also cites an article by Dr. Michael Lesser on the medical promise of citric acid in “Anabolism, Journal of Preventive Medicine.” He uses this article to validate the value of using fresh lemon juice daily: “It appears that citric acid, the major carrier of biochemicals in the body’s energy system, shows important promise, primarily because of its excellent properties as a chelator. Its ability to form soluble complexes with calcium offers major promise in the successful treatment of pancreatic stones and has also been employed to dissolve kidney stones. Since calcium deposits are of major significance in the much greater problem of hardening of the arteries, citric acid may possibly contribute to a safe and effective reversal of this widespread degenerative disease.”

When purchasing lemons look for those that are heavy for their size, as these will contain thehighest level of minerals and sugar content. Another tip is to look at the stem end of the lemon, you want to see lines radiating like a sunbeam. There may be anywhere from three to five or more of these lines, the greater the number, the higher the mineral content in the lemon. And no, lemon juice concentrate does not have the same effect or benefits.

A handy gadget for getting as much lemon juice out of your lemons can be found at Amazon.comHere’s thelink: www.amazon.com/Amco-Enameled-Aluminum-Lemon-Squeezer/dp/B0002V23BG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325547789&sr=8-1

First thing in the morning squeeze one half lemon into a cup of warm water, a simple addition to your daily regimen. I trust you will enjoy the invigorating taste, not to mention the satisfaction knowing you are doing something positive for yourself! Most people will benefit from drinking an additional cup later in the day.

So when life throws you lemons, be thankful!!

This information is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. It is meant as information only. For any health concerns you have, please consult with the trained health practitioner of your choice.

This month’s Health Tip isn’t about making lemonade out of lemons. No, it’s much simpler than that; just add water!!