<<<<<<<< I LOVE LEMONS >>>>>>>>


What a miracle fruit for your daily health!!

They contain a powerhouse of nutrients, they are refreshing, zesty and clearing.

As soon as I get up in the morning I have 2 cups of water with a whole lemon squeezed in both (zola and indie have it aswell, zola says “mummy can I have my lemon morning water please”)
Which always brings a smile to my face.

This morning water is extremely beneficial, everyone should get into the habit of 2 glasses as soon as they rise, as it helps dehydrate your body after a long night’s sleep. According to Irene Hess Oats a Medical Herbalist from Canberra, dehydration today is a killer in our society, it contributes to dis-eases such as depression, MS and Parkinson's. Adding the humble lemon to your water helps the liver to produce bile, which is a mild natural laxative. It also assists with weight loss, the pectin (fibre) in lemons forms a gel in the digestive tract, where it mops up fats, reducing their absorption therefore creating a feeling of fullness. Vitamin C in lemons can also aid weight loss, as it is required in order to produce amino acids that help the body burn fat. And it also increases your immune system.

Lemons actually originated in California and Italy. How many lemons does it take to produce essential oils........... It takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of essential oil. Lemon essential oil is high in the chemical constituent limonene (along with all the other citrus oils grapefruit, orange and tangerine) Limonene is a compound with antiviral, antitumoral, anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Limonene increase white blood cells and inhibits various cancers. It improves memory, relaxation and circulation among soooo many other things.

Spiritually it sharpens the focus of consciousness, clarifying and uplifting the intellect. It calms, lightens and disperses confusion, easing stress and worry (must get my dad and mother in law a bottle! J) Like rose oil it can help to open the heart, by alleviating fears of emotional involvement and of losing oneself in another person.

Lemon essential oil has been known to help protect against and fight off cold sores (making sure not to go out into the sun within 24 hrs of applying as all citrus oils are photosensitive) Great for gingivitis and gum disease (same as myrrh essential oil) and for insomnia, try rubbing the soles of your feet, adding a few drops onto your pillow at night or diffusing it in your bedroom. It is also great for post exercise aches and pains, muscle stiffness and swollen ankles or feet.

I use my lemon oil in my cooking for extra flavour and neat in my water (with other citrus oils when im out and about, as its better than carrying around a knife and lemons in your bag!!!) I also put a few drops in my dishwashing water for extra sanitation along with the thieves cleaner, and clean my bench tops and chopping boards with it. A kitchen that is naturally fresh and clean. :)

A small glass spray bottle filled with water and about 10 drops of Lemon oil is a perfect addition to anyones carry bag. I find that spraying my fruit and veggies, (when I can't get organic), if I’m out and about is very handy to help rid pesicides, fungicides and any other nasties. It's also fabulous as a hand spray while your little ones are being toilet trained using public restrooms and smelly toilet blocks in parks, as it works as a great antiseptic if your kids touch yukky surfaces! Which they seem to be attracted too! 
And lastly, of course fantastic in your bathroom/toilet and car as a natural freshener. 


Yummy Vegan lemony Recipe: Buttery Lemon Oil Cookies
I baked these the other day for my first Monday Meditation Workshop and they were a hit!
This recipe is taken from Vegan with a Vengeance, Isa chandra Moskowitz (of course i added the Lemon essential oil and removed the vanilla essence)

You will need:

225g non-hydrogenated margerine, softened
75g icing sugar
175g plain flour
5 drops of lemon essential oil
2 tablesoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt

• In a bowl beat together margarine and icing sugar until fluffy. Add flour, beat well.
• Add remaining ingredients, mix
• Mould dough into ball, wrap in cling film and wack in fridge for about 2 hours
• Pre heat oven at about 160 degrees
• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut with fun cookie cutters....
• place on tray with baking paper and into the oven for only 6 to 8 mins.
• Allow to cool and enjoy the oily goodness :) 

If you would like any other info about the wonderful lemony benefits feel free to write a comment or connect with me from the links below:

www.naturallyjoyous.com
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

Wishing everybody a fabulous smiley day,

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy Marais**
Young Living Member 1090238

"Young Living essential oils - nature's living energy"


References: Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th edition, 2009
                      Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gabriel Mojay, 1997
                      The Miracle of Lemons; Dr Penny Stanway
                      Irene-Hess Oats; Medical Herbalist
                      And my own personal wonderful experiences

This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any illness. For your own personal interest.