Lemon Peel Profile
Also known as
Citrus limon, Lemon, and Limon.
Introduction
Lemon peel is the familiar cut and dried yellow outer layer of the lemon. Although orange peel is more commonly prescribed in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, lemon peel also stimulates the appetite by encouraging the release of gastric juices to digest food, and helps provide vitamin C. Lemon peel is added to scores of herbal teas and herbal formulas for aroma and taste enhancement.
Constituents
Limonene and at least 45 other antioxidant flavonoids, pectin, vitamin C.
Parts Used
Dried peel.
Typical Preparations
Teas or aqueous extracts for flavor.
Summary
Many people eat lemon peel. A recent study in Arizona found that the regular consumption of lemon peel greatly reduced the risk of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Lemon peel also provides citrus bioflavonoids that help stabilize capillaries, helping to heal varicose veins, bloodshot eyes, and hemorrhoids (when the lemon peel is used to make a tea that is drunk).
Precautions
If you also use St. John's wort or take a blood pressure medicine in the ACE inhibitor class (in the United States, this is most often lisinopril), be sure to take precautions to prevent sunburn.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
