College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Lemon Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


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How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Lemon: Lemon, Carrot & Ginger Juice Zinger
Recipes with Lemon: Lemon, Carrot & Ginger Juice Zinger

Stimulating & Juicy

Lemons have a strong sour flavor, a vivid zing that puckers the lips. The potent lemon flavor has an equally strong effect on the body. Consuming the juice encourages saliva in your mouth which makes your mouth watery. It also encourages secretions in stomach and digestive tract organs, improving taste and digestion while freshening the breath. Lemon Juice softens stools as well, aiding regular elimination. The juice in hot water is a mild morning laxative choice for many, helping to keep your gut clean. Lemons nourish deficient blood plasma and help rebuild fluids.

Lemon & Cleansing

The fresh scent of lemon evokes the very icon of cleanliness and purity. The sour taste of lemon increases the flow of bile, flushing the liver and gall bladder. Since bile stores many blood born toxins, lemons also detoxify the blood. Flushing bile also helps to prevent gallstones, and improves fat metabolism. Every drink lemonade in the summer? Lemons have a cooling effect on the skin because they help you sweat. Sweat facilitates the elimination of toxins through the skin.

Lemon & the Lungs

The fruit has an effect on other body systems as well. Lemons promote fluid secretions in the lungs and blood plasma. The thick, muzzy mucus buildup of a spring Kapha imbalance can be broken up by consuming lemon juice. The juice aids in liquefying and expectorating the dense mucus. Dry and dehydrated Vata conditions, like Dry Stomach Syndrome, exacerbated by the crisp autumn months, are also aided by the fluid-giving nature of lemons. You may also turn to the sour fruit for cold and flu relief - lemons are loaded with vitamin C.

A Panacea?

Lemon juice is in fact an excellent remedy to have around for many complaints. For instance, lemon juice may be applied to sores to help the healing process, and relieve itching from bug bites. It may be used as a antibacterial gargle for sore throats. Lemons reduce acidity in the stomach. They reduce bleeding of the gums and internal mucus membranes, and reduce output of urinary calcium which helps to prevent kidney stones. They also reduce uric acid. Where limes soothe the lining of your digestive tract, lemons can aggravate Pitta when the digestive tract is already inflamed.
Recipes with Lemon: Asparagus with Mustard & Tarragon
Recipes with Lemon: Asparagus with Mustard & Tarragon

About Lemon

The origin of lemons are a mystery. Do they come from southern india? burma? or china? Speculation abounds. Genetic study reveals lemons are a hybrid of a sour orange and a citron.

Cooking Lemon

Many food cultures, such as Moroccan cuisine, are in love with the sour juice and zingy zest, so in love that an excellent meal will include several lemons no matter the season. Lemons bring the sun-kissed brightness that is an indescribable factor, transforming a meal from blah to beautiful. California cuisine, a popular way of preparing fresh and seasonal food simply, relies heavily on good olive oil, quality sea salt, fresh herbs, and of course, lots of lemon juice, to great acclaim.

Lemons may be eaten raw by the brave, squeezed into drinks to lighten up sweet juices, as a finishing touch in a bean dish, or in fish and tofu marinades. Many would not consider a cup of tea proper without a wedge of lemon. The juice is favored in salad dressing and the essence of the American favorite, lemonade. Lemon zest appears in unlikely places, like in apple pie filling, or in more likely preparations, adding a lightness to aioli. Lemon tenderizes meat by breaking collagen fibers. Salty and sour preserved lemons are popular in Moroccan cuisine, elevating stew dishes from heavy into heavenly.

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Is Lemon Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Lemon' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Lemon

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

Other

Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Bowel Poop Elimination,
Skin Care

SKIN-CARE

Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).

SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Lemon
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Quenches Thirst

QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Sialogogue

STRONG SIALOGOGUE

A sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.

SEE ALL 'SIALOGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stool Softener

STOOL-SOFTENER

Softens hard and difficult to eliminate stool. Stool softeners are the safest and most gentle type of laxative. Examples include warm milk with ghee.

SEE ALL 'STOOL-SOFTENER' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Relaxes Eyes

RELAXES-EYES

Eases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.

SEE ALL 'RELAXES-EYES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Wakes You Up

WAKES-YOU-UP

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.

SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS

,
Improves Focus

IMPROVES-FOCUS

Reduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha).

SEE ALL 'IMPROVES-FOCUS' FOODS / HERBS

Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Refreshes Skin

REFRESHES-SKIN

Flushes the lymphatic system to cool, awaken, and revive the skin.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHES-SKIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Emollient

EMOLLIENT

Soothes & softens the skin. Often a topical demulcent or oil.

SEE ALL 'EMOLLIENT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Antitussive

ANTITUSSIVE

Cough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.

SEE ALL 'ANTITUSSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flushes Membranes

FLUSHES-MEMBRANES

Herbs in this category stimulate mucus membranes to release fluids, flushing them out.

SEE ALL 'FLUSHES-MEMBRANES' FOODS / HERBS

Calms Heart

CALMS-HEART

An herb that literally calms the heart. These herbs are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, sadness, depression, or other emotional imbalances in the heart. Related to the Chinese Herbal Category 'calms spirit.'

SEE ALL 'CALMS-HEART' FOODS / HERBS

,
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Refrigerant

REFRIGERANT

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

STRONG CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Rutin

STRONG RUTIN

Rutin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Commonly used to treat conditions such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and high blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'RUTIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Lemon

  • Lime

    Lime has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Flushes-membranes, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Wakes-you-up, Cholagogue, Emollient, General-laxative, Quenches-thirst, Sialogogue, Alterative, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Improves-focus, Refreshing, Stool-softener, Appetizer

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Wine Vinegar

    Red Wine Vinegar has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Expectorant, Improves-focus, Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Emollient, General-laxative, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple Cider Vinegar has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Expectorant, Improves-focus, Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Emollient, General-laxative, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • White Vinegar

    White Vinegar has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Expectorant, Improves-focus, Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Emollient, General-laxative, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Strawberries

    Strawberries has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Quenches-thirst, Sialogogue, General-laxative, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Alterative, Improves-focus, Relaxes-eyes

    LEARN MORE

  • Acai

    Acai has these Actions in Common

    General-laxative, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Alterative, Improves-focus, Refrigerant, Cholagogue, Quenches-thirst, Relaxes-eyes

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes, Carminative, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Decongestant, Expectorant, Wakes-you-up, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Decongestant, Expectorant, Wakes-you-up, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Decongestant, Expectorant, Wakes-you-up, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Flushes-membranes

    LEARN MORE

  • Salt (Mineral Salt)

    Salt (Mineral Salt) has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, General-laxative, Stool-softener, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Flushes-membranes, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Lemon

  • Amalaki

    Amalaki has these Actions in Common

    Quenches-thirst, Refreshing, Alterative, Refrigerant, Carminative, Relaxes-eyes, Digestive, Sialogogue, General-laxative, Stool-softener, Improves-focus, Wakes-you-up, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Haritaki

    Haritaki has these Actions in Common

    Flushes-membranes, General-laxative, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Sialogogue, Appetizer, Stool-softener, Carminative, Vulnerary, Digestive, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Triphala

    Triphala has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Sialogogue, Stool-softener, Alterative, Vulnerary, Digestive, Flushes-membranes, General-laxative, Improves-focus

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Decongestant, Digestive, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Alterative, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Appetizer, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Improves-focus, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Vulnerary, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

  • Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam

    Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam has these Actions in Common

    General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Stool-softener, Alterative, Antitussive, Carminative, Digestive, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Breathing Exercises

    Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Alterative, Decongestant, Digestive, Expectorant, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

    Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Appetizer, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama)

    Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Alterative, Decongestant, Digestive, Expectorant, General-laxative

    LEARN MORE

Lemon Impact Statistics

In each study below, students from the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the effects. See other studies of food & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Lemon affect your temperature?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
12
16
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your ear temperature?

27
22
17
12
7
2
7
22
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your sweat quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
24
5
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
7
0
22
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your tongue body?

25
20
15
10
5
0
3
10
0
19
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the swelling of your tongue body?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
5
26
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
9
13
2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your digestion speed?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
19
12
1
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

TOXINS

How did Lemon affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
11
17
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your stool smell?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
29
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
15
15
1
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
2
3
24
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your throat soreness?

29
24
19
14
9
4
5
22
5
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your urine smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
3
27
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
26
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your sweat smell?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
2
29
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your acne?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
28
4
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your freckles/moles?

40
32
24
16
8
0
0
32
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
0
0
3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
29
No Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of the lower eye lid?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
31
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

HYDRATION

How did Lemon affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
5
17
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the dryness of your skin?

27
22
17
12
7
2
3
5
24
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
27
4
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
20
8
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Lemon affect your ear pressure?

31
25
19
13
7
1
2
25
5
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
14
16
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
14
16
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Lemon affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
12
17
2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your muscle tension?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
6
24
1
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your anxiety?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
7
21
3
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the stillness of your tongue?

32
26
20
14
8
2
3
26
3
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

DIGESTION

How did Lemon affect your digestion speed?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
19
12
1
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
11
17
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
9
13
2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
22
4
2
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

TONGUE

How did Lemon affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
2
3
24
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the swelling of your tongue body?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
5
26
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the stillness of your tongue?

32
26
20
14
8
2
3
26
3
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
15
15
1
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
20
8
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your tongue body?

25
20
15
10
5
0
3
10
0
19
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

STOOL

How did Lemon affect your stool lightness?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
5
24
3
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your stool smell?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
29
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your stool consistency?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
13
13
5
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your stool frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
19
9
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your stool color?

35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
0
1
29
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

URINE

How did Lemon affect your urine clarity?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
23
7
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your urine smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
3
27
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your urine lightness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
10
21
1
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
5
17
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
26
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

SWEAT

How did Lemon affect your sweat quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
24
5
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your sweat smell?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
2
29
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

SKIN

How did Lemon affect your freckles/moles?

40
32
24
16
8
0
0
32
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your acne?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
28
4
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the dryness of your skin?

27
22
17
12
7
2
3
5
24
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
7
0
22
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

EYE

How did Lemon affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
0
0
3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
29
No Change
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the color of the lower eye lid?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
0
31
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
27
4
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

ENT

How did Lemon affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
14
16
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your ear temperature?

27
22
17
12
7
2
7
22
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
14
16
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your ear pressure?

31
25
19
13
7
1
2
25
5
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your throat soreness?

29
24
19
14
9
4
5
22
5
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

SYSTEMIC

How did Lemon affect your muscle tension?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
6
24
1
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your anxiety?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
7
21
3
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your temperature?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
12
16
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
12
17
2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

HEART

How did Lemon affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

40
32
24
16
8
0
0
0
32
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your heart rate?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
4
25
3
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

How did Lemon affect your heart rhythm?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
28
4
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 32 Study ID:138 (2022-04-30 - 2023-06-20)

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Lemon may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Lemon may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Lemon. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Lemon is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Lemon'

Do you like 'lemon'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'lemon'?

(4.67 out of 5 stars) 3 ratings, 483 likes
Sign in to review or comment

andrea nicole Montebello, CA
2012-11-09
“Why is lemon and cucumber an incompatible combination? I see some recipes that call for lemon and cucumber (as in the tea) but read very often on Ayurvedic websites that these two ingredients do not combine well. Why is that?"
Dahlia Donnelly, MN
2020-12-30
“Does lime has the same proprieties and effects as lemon?"
Katie Clinton Ferndale, sligo, AL
2021-01-06
“Hi Dahlia, while both lemon and lime are sour in taste there's some important differences between them. You can see the qualities of lime here: https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Lime/40"
Digit
2025-03-30
“Lemon, superb medicine fruit. Great cleaning agent too. Careful how much cleaning agent you consume and how. Protect the teeth. If not for that caution point, Lemon for sure would be 5 stars. So many ailments alleviated with the help of adding lemon into remedy concoctions, such that it's an easy first go-to, for almost whatever ails."
“Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful feedback on lemon—it truly is a superstar in so many remedies! You're absolutely right about its powerful cleansing properties and versatility in supporting a wide range of ailments. And yes, such a great reminder about protecting the teeth—it's always about balance and mindful use. We really appreciate you sharing both the benefits and the caution so clearly."
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.