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| An essential oil can be distilled from the fruit. To avoid concentrating pesticide residues, it is advisable to use organically-grown lemons for this purpose. Lemon oil diluted in water (or warm lemon juice) makes a good gargle for sore throats. Lemon oil diluted in sunflower or almond oil can be used to relieve insect stings and the pain of neuralgia. Simply rub a little directly on the affected area. Fresh lemon juice or slices of lemon make an acceptable alternative in both cases. |
| Externally, lemon juice can also be used to ease sunburn and irritating skin rashes. As a styptic (stops bleeding) it can be used on cotton swabs to speed clotting in nosebleeds and it will make an emergency antiseptic wash for cuts and scrapes. Press a swab soaked in juice directly onto cuts. |
| Lemon is also popular in traditional beauty treatments to whiten the skin and the teeth and to encourage freckles to fade. Mixed with equal amounts of glycerine and eau de cologne, lemon juice makes a soothing and softening hand lotion. Rotten lemons can be used to repel ants. |
| Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) |
| Lemon balm has a long association with bees and the healing power of their products. It was regarded by the Greeks as a cure-all. |
| Description: A lemon-scented perennial plant with oval, toothed leaves on square stems growing to around 3 feet. Flowers are insignificant and appear in axils in clusters in summer. |
| Parts used: Aerial parts, essential oil. |
| Actions: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiviral, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant, peripheral vasodilator, relaxing restorative for nervous system, sedative. |
| Uses: A carminative and sedative, lemon balm is useful to reduce body temperature in fevers and to treat nervous tummy upsets in |
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