Our Lemon Tea

Directions

1. LEMON TEA RECIPE
   
   Add the juice of one lemon to 10-12 ounces of boiling water or cold water, with or without ice, or the juice of 1/2 lemon to 6-8 ounces of hot or cold water.
   
   If you're using the Minute Maid lemon juice from the freezer section,  2 Tablespoons equal the juice of one lemon.
   
   Instructions:
   
    Firmly roll the lemon with the palm of your hand on the counter to help release more of the juice before slicing it in half for juicing. You also can put it in a plastic bag and roll it under your foot to help release the juice before cutting if you have pain, mobility or strength issues.
   
     Sweeten to taste only with sugar, brown sugar, honey, real maple syrup or even 100% fruit juice. Stevia, available from a health-food store, is also a terrific alternative if it's something you are familiar with. We like Sweet Leaf's Stevia Liquid in Lemon Drop, Valencia Orange and Vanilla flavors.
   
    Do not use artificial sweeteners such as Equal, Aspartame, Sweet'n'Low, saccharin or Splenda at any time before or after your surgery. You do not want chemical additives in your body during this time. Please read information on Splenda before assuming it's natural and safe. It is produced by chlorinating sugar and chemically altering its structure. How it interacts with surgery medications and pain medications/antibiotics is unknown.
   
     Many people ask if they can prepare it cold instead. Yes, you can. You can make "lemonade" with cold water, add the lemon, sugar, and pour it over ice. While some feel it works better hot, we find it really depends on what time of year it is being consumed. People with summer surgeries prefer it cold. Those with winter surgeries prefer it hot. If you're using it cold and you're not getting the water retention relief you think you should, try it hot or switch to our Lemon Recovery Juice.

2. Quick Tip: Make ahead for use during recovery. Freeze lemon juice into 'ice cubes' that you make yourself. Add the juice of either one half or one whole lemon into each ice-cube tray and use accordingly.

3. Dental Caution: Usually one cup of Lemon Tea a day is plenty, along with approximately 8 additional glasses of water. We recommend using a "bendy straw" to direct it to the back of your throat in order to keep it off your teeth, as lemon juice is very acidic and can etch your tooth enamel. Be sure to gently rinse your mouth and teeth with plain water after drinking lemon tea or when using a lot of lemon juice. Since lemon juice is powerful enough to temporarily raise the enamel on your teeth, it is very important to wait an hour or so before brushing your teeth so the enamel can re-calcify.  Excessive amounts of lemon juice, or Lemon Tea, are not needed and are not recommended. One to two cups per day are sufficient, and remember to take the suggested precautions for your teeth. Using a couple 'Spry' mints (pure Xylitol) will also recalify your teeth after Lemon Tea (still rinse first and don't brush) as well as whiten them. Xylitol mints really will rebuild and whiten teeth - we highly recommend it.
   
     Many people ask if they can prepare it cold instead. Yes, you can. You can make "lemonade" with cold water, add the lemon, sugar, and pour it over ice. While some feel it works better hot, we find it really depends on what time of year it is being consumed. People with summer surgeries prefer it cold. Those with winter surgeries prefer it hot. If you're using it cold and you're not getting the water retention relief you think you should, try it hot.

4. The Power of Lemons
   
   Lemon can aid in the clearing of infections; it has antibiotic and antiseptic properties and can aid in digestion, as well. It can also aid in weight loss and reduce cellulite.
   
   Lemon juice is helpful during cold and flu season; it is detoxifying and it stimulates the immune system.

   Kidney stones are a more common complaint than heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The numbers of people suffering has doubled. Lemon juice has the highest citrate levels of any citrus juice. Citrate helps dissolve calcium deposits, that eventually may become kidney stones. We're seeing urologist start to recommend Lemonade and our Lemon Tea, always made from fresh lemons, to combat this problem naturally.
   
   Lemon juice is an astringent and can reduce acne and other skin disorders when taken internally or applied directly to the skin. It can lighten skin when applied topically as well. It is helpful for oily complexions. It strengthens skin function, assists in circulation, stimulation and purification. It helps promote collagen and elastin and aids in the health of connective tissue. It also promotes shiny, healthy hair and nails.
   
   Lemon juice is also considered a scent that promotes relaxation. It's used as a sedative, antidepressant and calmative. It is helpful with fatigue and is a stimulant to the brain and nervous system. Squeeze and sniff a freshly washed lemon rind - it's a good thing!
   
   In our case, we've found it to be a powerful diuretic, helpful to post-op patients to rid themselves of excess IV fluids and swelling caused by surgeries. We've had a few patients even have better diuretic effects from lemon tea than their prescription diuretics, and a few have had their doctors switch them over to lemon tea!
   
   We've had some questions about limes. Limes have similar properties as lemons. We suggest using both if you're interested in using limes as well. Some members felt that lime in their water worked very well to reduce the inflammation of their incisions as well as helping with itching. It's worth a try!