It's lemon zest time!

The common lemon is most commonly known for its high Vitamin C and Bioflavanoid content, but it also has other numerous health benefits and uses around the home. Here are some of my favourites:

• The simple act of drinking water and freshly squeezed lemon will have numerous benefits for your body. Most importantly, you will be creating a more alkaline condition (due to lemon's high ion content). By ingesting lemon your body creates a more alkaline environment. This reduces the risk of acidosis - an environment that promotes arthritic conditions, caused by poor dietary choices.
• Lemon is also a tonic for the liver, drinking lemon water will stimulate toxic release from the liver, as components of lemon bind to toxic substances, and we all know if the liver isnt functioning to its optimum we will feel tired and sluggish.
  
• Lemon also binds to toxins, unwanted bad salts, bacteria and most parasites within the digestive tract, so is a great aid for your digestive system.
  
• Lemon is antibacterial and drinking a daily glass of lemon water will boost your immunity, due to its high vitamin c content. If you have a sore throat, gargling a concoction of lemon, water and a quality honey will soothe.
• Lemon is also beneficial for the gall bladder by aiding removal of cholesterol and calcium deposits.
• Drinking Lemon at night will aid a peaceful deep sleep - Something we could all do with!
  
• Lemon is also good for sanatizing chopping boards (directly rub half a lemon over the board) and for naturally lightening your hair (squeeze fresh lemon onto your hair then sit in the sun for 10 minutes)

*please note it is best to drink lemon and water first thing in the morning as your stomach is empty and will asborb the lemon better.

So doing something as quick and cheap as including fresh lemon in your diet, is something to think about - ask your grandma she will agree!

By Sue Battersby - Dip Nat Medicine - Christchurch