Citrus limon | Lemon

Botanical Overview of Lemon

• Scientific Name: Citrus limon

• Common Names: Lemon, True Lemon

• Family: Rutaceae

• Description: A small evergreen tree with glossy, oval leaves, fragrant white flowers, and bright yellow, oval-shaped fruits. It grows up to 6 meters tall.

Properties of Lemon

• Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, essential oils (limonene, citral), pectin, and coumarins.

• Edibility: Fruits are highly edible and widely used in culinary applications for their juice, zest, and pulp.

Distribution and Habitat of Lemon

• Native Range: Originally native to Asia, particularly Northeast India, Northern Myanmar, and China.

• Preferred Habitat: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil in full sun. Widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions around the world.

Medicinal Properties and Uses of Lemon

• Traditional Uses: Known for its high vitamin C content, lemon has been traditionally used to prevent and treat scurvy, aid digestion, and support immune health.

• Modern Applications: Employed in herbal remedies and nutrition for its antioxidant properties. Lemon juice is used to aid digestion, detoxify the body, and enhance skin health. Lemon essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and cleansing properties.

Magical Correspondences and Uses of Lemon in Magical Practice

• Element: Water

• Planet: Sun, Moon

• Magical Properties: Purification, love, healing, and happiness.

• Uses: Lemon is used in magical practices for purification and cleansing rituals. It can be added to baths, floor washes, and incenses to clear negative energy. Lemon is also used in spells to attract love, promote healing, and bring joy and happiness. The peel and juice can be used in amulets and charms.

Folklore, Legends, and Mythology of Lemon

• Historical Context: Lemons have been cultivated for thousands of years and have a long history in both culinary and medicinal traditions.

• Folklore: In various cultures, lemons are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against the evil eye. Lemon trees are often planted near homes to bring good luck and protection.

• Mythology: Associated with lunar deities and water spirits, lemons are used in rituals to honor these entities and invoke their blessings. Lemons symbolize purification, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.

Historical Literary Sources

• Hippocrates' Writings: Mention the use of citrus fruits, including lemons, for their health benefits.

• John Evelyn's "Acetaria" (1699): Discusses the culinary and medicinal uses of lemons in early modern Europe.