Lemon is a really noteworthy citrus. By right it is called the well of health and beauty. Yogis for example advise to eat one lemon a day. In ancient Chinese annals it is called a universal remedy from all diseases. There are many legends about lemons.

For example one old oriental story tells that a favorite of one king when fell into disgrace and was imprisoned was offered to choose the food by his taste. To a general surprise he chose lemons telling that their smell gives joy, their rinds and seeds are good for heart and their juice quenches a thirst. In XVIII century Arabs presented a few lemon trees to king of France and Europe became acquainted with lemons.

The present was not appreciated by king but court ladies at once widely adopted it to their needs. They used lemons for fragrant lotions, stored up their rinds and then dried them, pounded and poured into stockings. At that time it was also customary that ladies and gentlemen chewed lemon rinds before kiss to disinfect oral cavity and to impart it pleasant smell.
And in fact, is this sour citrus really so health-giving? It is well known that lemons are full of vitamin C. This vitamin protects organism from free radicals and decomposes cholesterol. It is also indispensable for formation of collagen proteins which are strengthening cells of vessels, bone stocks and skin and assist in wound repairing. But do you know that ascorbic acid in this fruit is going well together with vitamin P, which is also called vitamin of permeability. Friable vessels can be strengthened just by injecting two these vitamins together, so lemon can protect us not only from avitaminosis but also from strokes, infarctions, varix dilatations and many other dangerous diseases. Moreover this unique combination of vitamins prevents aging, as it promotes generating of collagens, which are responsible for our skin being smooth and elastic, and which strengthens connective tissue and assists in cells renovation. Lemons pulp contains pectins which are taking out cholesterol and toxic substances and thus protect organism from cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Citric acid has evident antibacterial effect and ameliorates the work of gastrointestinal tract.

So eat lemons to be healthy! One more important thing to know: lemon is more effective if to eat it together with rinds; lemon rinds contain two and half times more vitamins than pulp.

You still do not believe in wonder-working power of lemons? Try it!

Health-giving and tasty lemon drink can be a good substitution for coffee in the mornings. Take one lemon, put it into a cup and pour it over with fiercely boiling water and leave for 1-2 minutes. Then cut the lemon and squeeze the juice out of it, add some sugar to your taste and drink.

One more drink for your health is loved by wives of Roman patricians ??� hydromel. Its recipe is very easy: juice of one lemon mix with a glass of water and spoonful of honey. Till nowadays this drink is used as a relaxing and sedative remedy. It is better of all to take hydromel in the morning and in a couple of months of such therapy your self-control and self-restrain would jaundice.

Sore throat can be removed with such homemade sweets: take a bit of sugar and rub against the lemon rind, then put it to you throat and let it melt.

Inhalation with lemon essence is effective against cough. For it: take ?? liter of water and boil it, then add one tea-spoonful of salt and 5 drop of lemon essential oil. Breathe over the steam.

For those who are dreaming to loose in weight lemon also can be useful. One glass of hot water with lemon juice, drunk before the meal, improves digestion, neutralize cholesterol, and promote natural liver clearance.

Lemon is good and for ext ernal use. If you have got bad sunburn and your skin red and inflamed, lemon bath can help you. Cut one big lemon and put it to the water for bath. Take this bath for about 15-20 minutes.

To make nevus pigmentosis lighter rub them every morning and evening with fresh lemon juice. The rind that is left can be used for nails polishing. They will become shining and less fragile.

If you are going for a party and want to look fresh, use this mask: two white-eggs beat up with 1 spoonful of lemon juice and rub it over your face skin. In 15 minutes wash it off with cool water. To fight with acne you can also use lemon. Vapor bath in this case could very effective. Take a small basin with hot water and add there 5 drops of lemon and lavender oils and 3 drops of Melissa essence and hold your face over it at least for 10 minutes and do not forget to cover yourself with a towel. Then dry you face with coarse towel.

Eat lemons and be healthy and beautiful!