Lemon (Citrus Limon)
History & Character
A small citrus tree with glossy, evergreen leaves, small white flowers, and an abundance of yellow fruit. native to Asia, it now grows wild in the southern Mediterranean and is widely cultivated. It is very nutritious fruit and a great pick me up.
Traditionally, it has been used to protect against typhoid, malaria and scurvy. Physically, one of lemon's strongest actions is as an immune stimulant. It also has the ability to break down excessive buildup of calcium - for example, kidney stones.
Energetically, lemon is light, cleansing, refreshing, uplifting. It sharpens focus and reduces confusion, helping to assimilate change and increase trust in one's self and others. lemon is a simple soul with a wide range of uses and one of my personal favourites.
Principal Uses
Physical: Bony growths - immune tonic - Kidney and liver congestion - Kidney stones - Behavioural - Hyper alert dogs - Issues of trust - Over reactive dogs.
I most often use lemon for:
hyperactive dogs who tend to run when scared, especially if they are underweight or prone to illness or lack trust in themselves or their owner.
Bony growths.
Extraction and Characteristics:
Cold-pressed from the outer part of the fresh peel.
Fragrance:
Sharp, sweet, clean with a bitter bottom note.
Actions:
Anti-anemic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifugal, anti inflammatory, antisclerotic, antiseptic, (air) antispasmodic, (stomach) antiviral, astringent, calmative, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, immunostimulant, litholytic, pancreatic stimulant, phlebotonic, stomachic.
Safety & cautions:
Non-toxic, may cause dermal irritation in some individuals. Possibly photo-toxic. Dilute below 2% on exposed skin
Maximum Dilution:
3 drops in 5ml/1 tsp.
Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag