Winter has finally released its icy grasp upon us, outside my window a veritable host of snow drops, crocuses and daffodils are racing each other into bloom. There is a general stir in the garden as the birds proclaim the glory of Spring, and the buds start forming upon the ash and oak trees.

My forsythia has brought my hedges blazing to life and from under the stones and logs the frogs are beginning to stir. As the nights are getting shorter and the days grow longer ,the occasional spate of sunshine reveals itself, luring us out of our winter slumbers and tempting us out into the bright fresh air. Of course with Spring comes the inevitable Spring cleaning as the returning sunlight reveals the effects of a long drawn out Winter. The golden colours of the crocuses and the bright acid yellows and deep oranges of the daffodils, make me think of the citrus fruits which I always start craving this time of year. Besides being delicious to drink, oranges and lemons also possess a wealth of medicinal and cosmetic qualities which is why I have decided to devote the greater part of this months column to them.

LEMON (Citrus Limon)

Lemons have been cultivated in India and China for thousands of years. It is popular the world over as a food, medicine and perfume. It is also a popular ingredient in many cleaning products. It comes from the Arabic name ‘limun’ which in turn probably comes from the Sanskrit, ‘Nimbuka’. Arab, Greek and Roman physicians used in the prevention and treatment of many infectious diseases. The Romans also used it as an antidote in cases of poisoning. Owing to its large vitamin C content, crates of lemons and oranges were brought onto ships by the English navy to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Lemons are acidic but during digestion they are metabolised to produce potassium carbonate which neutralises excess acidity and protects the lining of the digestive tract. It is therefore useful in many digestive problems especially heartburn, peptic ulcers and nausea. The bitter taste stimulates bile production making lemons a useful liver tonic, when the liver works well its ability to emulsify fats is improved, this may help in cases of obesity. A popular and cheap way to detox is to simply add the juice of one lemon in to warm water and drink each morning before breakfast. Traditionally a mixture of olive oil and lemon is used to dispel gallstones, the same mixture is also believed to help with kidney stones as lemon helps to reduce the levels of Uric Acid in the blood. High levels of Uric Acid in the blood can also cause Gout, another extremely painful condition. Any disease of the Liver and or Kidneys should always be investigated by a qualified doctor or medical herbalist, who will need to monitor the patient in case any serious complications arise.

Lemons contain a powerful antiseptic and are helpful in most cases of infection. It makes a soothing gargle for sore throats especially when taken with Sage. Its antifungal properties indicate its use for thrush and other fungal conditions, here it can be taken internally and also added to the bath or applied directly to the skin. It can be applied to the skin in cases of varicose veins and haemorrhoids, also for broken capillaries and spider veins. The strong bioflavonoid content helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels making them less likely to rupture and cause unsightly blemishes. Lemons are very astringent which makes them ideal for staunching bleeding. Next time you or someone in your household nicks themselves shaving try adding some lemon oil to a cotton bud and apply directly (and gently!) inside the nostril. It will sting but it does work. You can also apply lemon oil directly to bleeding gums, not only will this stop the bleeding but its anti-inflammatory action will sooth inflammation and the antiseptic properties will keep infection in check.

As lemons speed up healing it has also been said that they help to delay the ageing process and are a popular constituent of many skincare products including lotions to treat sunburn. If you don’t like your freckles, try dabbing lemon oil over them. It has a toning effect on the skin and therefore very good at improving greasy complexions. Lemon also brightens blonde hair when used as a rinse after shampooing.

One last thing for all you smokers out there, lemon oil is great for removing nicotine stains from fingers and teeth.

ORANGE (Citrus Aurantium)

The properties of Oranges were discussed in Chinese writings some 3500 years ago.

They are actually native to India and were brought to European shores by the Portuguese. Today they are grown widely throughout Spain and other southern European countries. They are mentioned in Arabic writings under the name naranj from the Sanskrit nagaranga. The oil extracted from the young leaves and shoots is known as petit grain, but when made from the flowering tops it is called Neroli and is a rather expensive but thoroughly worthwhile indulgence.

Just as in Lemon, Orange contain high levels of vitamin C and bioflavonoid. It shares many properties with those of lemon including its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Orange pulp is easily digested and is recommended for convalescence. It is useful in stomach disorders preventing both nausea and constipation and improving appetite and digestion by stimulating saliva and gastric juices production.

Cosmetically it is great for dry skin and broken veins, however those with fair skin need to be cautious as it may cause photosensitization in some individuals, this can lead to skin burning in the sun more easily, if you are fair skinned I would recommend using creams during the evenings only when you are not exposed to the sun.

The blossoms are mildly sedative, put a few drops of oil on your pillow at night to encourage a good nights sleep.

In Russian folklore it is said that people over 40 should drink the juice from one lemon and one orange in hot water every morning to prevent heart disease. There may be some truth in this as it is known that bioflavonoids have a protective and healing effect on the circulatory system.

LEMON BALM (Melissa Officicinalis)

This cooling, refreshing, lemon scented herb is common in gardens throughout Britain and Europe. A classic cottage garden herb It is a firm favourite amongst herbalists owing to its reputation as ‘cure all’. Ancient herbalist chronicle the use of lemon balm for a huge assortment of medical problems . Arabian physicians used it to treat mental illness and epilepsy, it is included in their ‘elixir of life’ preparation. In medieval times it was made into a cordial to strengthen the heart and lift the spirits. In France the leaves are added to cakes to strengthen women in preparation for childbirth. Culpepper wrote of its benefits in treating melancholy and for dog, scorpion and spider bites! It was the Greeks who gave the herb the name Melissa, meaning ‘Honey bee‘. Bee keepers still rub their hives with the balm to discourage the bees from leaving and encouraging new bees to settle. The balm is itself used to treat bee stings.

Lemon Balm can be made into a cream and is strongly active against the herpes simplex virus that gives us cold sores. It is also favoured in the treatment of shingles caused by the Herpes Zoster virus, this painful and unpleasant condition is greatly soothed and effectively treated by both applying lemon balm as a cream and taking the tincture internally.

As well as its antiviral properties Lemon Balm is one of the first choice herbs for anxiety conditions, especially nervous headache, restlessness, palpitations, and nervous stomach including irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcers. Lemon balm baths help children to relax before bedtime promoting a sound nights sleep. In fact it’s a great remedy for Insomnia taken as a tea or tincture. If you have lemon balm growing in your garden I recommend you gather a bunch of leaves , put them into a pot and pour on hot water this will make a refreshing relaxing tea, that can be drunk hot but it is equally delicious chilled with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. It lifts the spirits having an antidepressant effect. Memory and concentration are both improved making it a great remedy for those who are studying and suffering from ‘exam nerves. Lemon Balm is also indicated as a remedy for migraines and tinnitus, and it may offer some relief from period pain.

With colds, influenza, catarrh and feverishness, lemon balm is very cooling and increases perspiration helping to ‘sweat out ‘the virus. Again use the herb both as a tea and in the bath. The dried leaves are lovely in pot-pourri, add some lavender and marigold flowers for added colour and scent.

Over the Winter months many of us become inactive, so as we step into spring I thought that I would finish by discussing a herb that I would recommend for stimulating our bodies circulation.

BUTCHERS BROOM (Ruscus Aculeatus)

This Mediterranean shrub is a member of the lily family and is also known as Sweet Broom. The name ’Asuleatus’ means thorny and spiny in Latin. It has been used as a food and a medicine since antiquity. Hippocrates, ‘the father of medicine’ wrote of this herbs usefulness in treating wounds and severed tendons on the battlefield.

As a food, the young shoots can be prepared rather like asparagus and the flowers can be used as a substitute for capers. The leaves, fruit and root of this plant are diuretic making it useful in urinary tract infections and also for arthritis and rheumatism. The root is considered to be blood purifying and may help with certain chronic infections, it is often used to help the symptoms of eczema. The berries can be made into a jelly and the seeds can be used as a coffee substitute. In history it was added to water or wine to treat stomach disorders.

This herb is commonly referred to as Butchers Broom because of its history of being hung in butchers shops to deter mice and rats. Today this herb is perhaps ‘the herb’ for treating chronic venous insufficiency or put more simply ’bad circulation.’ Symptoms of this condition can include fluid retention, especially in the lower limbs accompanied by itchy skin and leg cramps. Varicose veins and haemorrhoids may also be features.

The active constituent in butchers broom is a substance known as ruscogenin which has been very well researched and documented. This constituent diminishes vascular permeability, it is also vasoconstricting, it tightens and strengthens the walls of blood vessels helping to prevent bleeding and improving their tone, this is why it is so useful in the treatment of varicose veins. As water retention is reduced and circulation is improved with this herb it may find a place in the treatment and prevention of cellulite.

With love