A lemon that has some green on it means it is not fully fresh and has a higher acidity content. Look for lemons with smooth skins as they generally have more juice.

Citrus fruits, when taken in excess, are known to leech calcium from the body. All citrus fruits add citric acid to the body and so it's a good idea to get some exercise after having a citrus fruit drink.

Some people peel the skin and some don't. If you peel the skin, make sure you leave some of the white membrane on the fruit. The white membrane contains the bioflavonoids. The bioflavonoids help the body absorb and use Vitamin C.

I personally don't peel the skin and I like to combine ¼ to ½ lemon, depending on the size, with a few apples.

Drink immediately after juicing to ensure you get all of the Vitamin C.

Properties:

Energy: cool
5 Elements: wood
5 Flavors: sour

General Information:

Nothing to report.

Cautions & Suggestions:

Chinese herbalists suggest that lemons should be avoided by those that suffer from gastric or duodenal ulcers along with excessive gastric acid.

The lemon seeds are said to help stimulate energy and relieve pain.

Chinese herbalists have long known that lemon juice (lemonade) is beneficial in helping cool the body on hot days. Thus lemonade, as a traditional summer drink, is in fact quite beneficial. Unfortunately, most people buy commercially prepared lemonade rather than making it themselves.

Benefits:

Photo by André Karwath.