We all encounter obstacles. Sometimes they are small, easily surmountable and leave little residual effect. Sometimes they are larger, require a little more effort and have a lasting impact. Then there are those obstacles that act as blocks, preventing us from moving forward. What do obstacles and blocks have to do with lemons?

Citrus x limon, commonly known as lemon, has a wide range of benefits. Lemon is cooling, full of vitamin c and is effective at removing blocks, both literal and figurative.

Physically lemon is a great ally during cold and flu season. It acts as an antiseptic, working to rid the body of bacterial invaders. This is one of the reasons why both lemon juice and lemon zest are active components of most fire cider recipes. Lemon is also a febrifuge, which means that it is used to reduce fever.

Lemon also has nutritive benefits in the form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is antioxidant and helps in cell repair and renewal.

Lemon also has the ability to disolve calculus in the body. Used as lithotriptic it can reduce calcium deposits, gall stones and kidney stones.

Get your dose of lemon through freshly squeezed lemon juice, or from a tincture or glycerite made with lemon peel.

The sunny yellow color of lemon connects it to the Solar Plexus Chakra and our sense self-confidence and self-esteem. Energetically, it can remove blocks that prevent us from accessing and stepping into our personal power.

Lemon juice can have a clearing effect on lingering residual energy, specifically on items previously owned, used or worn by another. Wash them in lemon juice diluted in filtered or spring water.

My favorite way to take in the benefits of lemon is through lemonade. I make my own with fresh lemon juice and honey. I also add herbs that compliment the benefits of lemon, perhaps lavender which is a relaxant and anti-spasmodic, or lemon balm which relaxes the nervous system, or mint which soothes both the nervous and digestive systems. You can make herbal lemonade with fresh or bottled lemon juice and any herbal tea that pairs with lemon.

This is my favorite recipe for herbal lemonade. I hope you enjoy it too!