Ailment: Keratosis
Remedy: Citrus oil
Lemon, lime, orange, bergamot and other citrus fruits provide valuable oils. They have valuable medicinal uses, as well as being delightful in aromatherapy.
Lemon oil, made from the rinds of lemons, has documented medicinal applications dating back to 900 BC. It has astringent, antiseptic, detoxifying and anti-fungal properties. Throughout recorded history lemon oil has been used by medical practitioners to treat circulatory, digestive, liver and respiratory diseases, infections, fevers and skin disorders. It is also a rich source of vitamin C.
More recent research has found that flavonoids found in citrus peel have a potent cholesterol-reducing affect, in particular lowering LDL.
Sources of oils
- Chew a small piece of the skin of a lemon or other citrus fruit
- When making a vegetable or fruit juice or smoothie, use a whole lemon or other citrus fruit. Include the pips, and some or all of the peel. Yes, it tastes sour. If it is too strong, remove half the peel
- Lemon or other citrus essential oil. A convenient source of lemon oil, but not always food-grade or fresh. Some of the terpenes in citrus oil oxidise within hours, but most other components are more stable