Lemons are a citrus fruit from the lemon tree.
- botanical information
- origin
- history
- part used
- nutritional information
- selection
- storage
- juicing
- astrological correspondences
- magick correspondences and uses
- Goddesses and deities
- essential oil
- health care
- Chinese herbology
- external skin care
- cautions and contraindications
botanical information:
Botanical name: Citrus limon
Common name: lemon
Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.
origin:
Origin: south-east Asia
history:
History: Lemons reached Greece from south-east Asia by the end of the third century B.C.E.
Lemon drops were among the first candies created. Lemon drops were made by boiling down a paste combining sugar and lemon, molding it into sheets of candy, then actually dropping the sheet to break it into individual candies.
part used:
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Part Used (lemon peel): Dried peel. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs |
nutritional information:
Limonoids are a terpene subclass found in citrus peels. Studies suggest that limonoids help clean and protect the lungs.
See also Chinese herbalism below for Chinese gender and Chinese flavor.
cooking information:
selection:
Reason to choose organic:
Lemon has the number 25 highest pesticide load of 45 common fruits and vegetables studied in 2006 by the Environmental Working Group and is therefore a prime candidate for switching to organic. The EWA explains, “While washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them. Peeling also reduces exposures, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the peel. The best option is to eat a varied diet, wash all produce, and choose organic when possible to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.”
According to USDA and FDA tests on commercially grown foods collected between 2000 and 2005, lemon has a 55.6% (percentage) of samples tested with detectable pesticides, a 10.0% (percentage) of samples with two or more pesticides, a 0.7 average number of pesticides found in a sample, an average of 0.188 parts per million of all pesticides found, and 10 different pesticides found in use growing lemons. These toxic pesticides don’t apply to organic foods.
storage:
Storage: Eat lemons within a week (seven days) of purchase.
Juicing: Lemons have a sour-bitter taste, so only add small amounts to other beverages. Lemons are particularly good with tomato juice or for making lemonade. Lemon is also very good as part of a hot toddy (honey and lemon juice with hot water and optionally brandy or whiskey).
astrological correspondences:
Astrological planet: Moon 
magickal correspondences and uses:
Incense: Lemon incense or blossom or oil is appropriate for burning in love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell, Hecate black candle love spell, or Isis Full Moon love spell.
Western element: water
Magickal uses: Lemon juice: longevity, purification, refreshment, unity
Lunar spells: Lemon (as herb or essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to lunar matters (compassion, dreams, family, fertility, gardening, healing, love, peace, promoting sleep, prophecy, prophetic (or psychic) dreams), psychic awareness, sleep, and spirituality). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on the Moon for a list of herbal substitutes for lemon.
Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.
Love spells: Lemon flowers are appropriate for use in love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell.
Magick food for love spells: Lemon (both fruit and juice, as well as rind in cooking) is an appropriate food for love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell, Hecate black candle love spell, or Isis Full Moon love spell. See the article on foods for more information on using food magick in spells.
Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.
Magical Uses  Purification, love, blessings. Longevity, Purification, Love, Friendship
information courtesy of 
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deities associated with lemon:
- Jambhala (Buddhist God)
essential oil:
Essential Oil: Lemon essential oil can be used for both aromatherapy and magick.
Aromatherapy Uses: burnout, concentration, depression, exhaustion, fatigue, fear, happiness, memory, peace
Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.
health care uses:
Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.
Lemons have antisepctic and antibacterial properties. Lemons are traditionally used to help the liver and kidneys. As an alkaline fruit, lemons can help calm digestive acid.
Chinese herbalism:
Chinese gender: yin (cool)
Chinese flavor: sour
herbal healing:
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Lemon peel is the familiar cut and dried yellow outer layer of the lemon. Although orange peel is more commonly prescribed in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, lemon peel also stimulates the appetite by encouraging the release of gastric juices to digest food, and helps provide vitamin C. Lemon peel is added to scores of herbal teas and herbal formulas for aroma and taste enhancement. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs |
external care:
External skin care: Lemon fruit acids and lemon peel oil in Great Skin Glycolic Moisture Cream: “A daily reconditioning treatment containing natural fruit acids of Grape, Lemon, Passionflower, and Pineapple. Natural fruit acids accelerate the natural skin renewal process. This light weight oil free moisturizer will diminish fine lines, scarring, and skin discoloration. Vitamin A,E, and C protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and help improve elasticity. Includes Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel Oil), and Geranium Maculatum Oil.” Great Skin Glycolic Moisture Cream
External skin care: Lemon essential oil in Rhonda Allison Growth Factor Serum: “Silky everyday moisturizer with potent rejuvenating nutrients. You’ll love the silky feel of this nutrient-rich serum, for day or nighttime use. Contains a high concentration of epidermal growth factor to support tissue regeneration and cellular repair after microdermabration, AHA exfoliants, enzymes, and post-peel. Supports skin structure with antioxidants and essential oils of tangerine, lemon, rosewood, and bergamot. Apply daily to freshly cleansed skin.” Rhonda Allison Growth Factor Serum
cautions and contraindications:
Cautions and contraindications: Lemon is believed to be safe . Lemon juice can discolor teeth and over long periods of time may contribute to tooth decay.
See also: herbs.
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