Hi, over the last few months I have been eating the lemon rind (or skin) of whole lemons - sometimes two or three a day. I'm happy to have some of the lemon included, but I would say the craving is mainly for the lemon rind. I've trawled my books and homeopathic website, but they all mention cravings for lemons - like ars alb - and that just doesn't strike me as correct, though I'd have to say that ars alb is a helpful remedy for me (I'm defintely way too tidy, reproachful, and so forth). Other than that my tummy's bloated and gets worse after these lemon experiences. But I'm generally in great health, physically, mentally and emotionally. But this particular craving is getting me down because it feels like it's controlling me and I feel annoyed with it. Like a smoker who wants to give up - I can't seem to go a day without it. Any ideas?? Thanks.

The only reference I could find to lemon peel was in Ipec - worse lemon peel (causing indigestion). I cannot imagine why they are eating lemon peel and getting indigestion, unless they are craving it!! Was lemon peel used medicinally?

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David Kempson.<br />Dip.Homoeopathic Medicine.<br />Lecturer Australian College of Natural Therapies (Brisbane Campus)<br />Member AHA, AROH, HMA<br />Member Australian Homoeopathic Association. Member#0442.

Have you used lemon peels or lemon essential oil previously in any form either medically or in aromatherapy?

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Hi David and Kayveeh,

Thank you both for taking the time to help. I'm not sure if lemon peel was used medicinally, though I wouldn't be surprised. As for using it for aromatherapy - no, however I am crazy for certain smells, all of them rather astringent, such as lemon but my favourite is lavender. But then again I also love the chemical smell of cleaning products (now you'll think I'm mad!!) and burnt matches. I prefer intense tastes and some would say strange tastes. I mix food in weird ways, and will eat any citrus peel like orange and lime, but lemon is prefered. Other than that I do have times when I get tongue tied and I say the wrong word, or find that I'm not able to talk fluently (mainly with my kids, because I am actually known for being well spoken as a trainer of CEOs and other business leaders). I'll read up on ipecac - but other remedies that are helpful to me are the calc triangle (calc phos - in my case, sulphur and lycopodium) perhaps I need a remedy to cut through and then move me back to my usual constitutional? Thanks again if you have the time to reply. Ali

Some lemon properties are given as;
&gt;&gt;Psychologically, Lemon has calming and clarifying properties. It can help one to think clearly and aid concentration. It is also thought to be helpful in promoting spiritual and psychic awareness. It may be helpful when one is faced with anger, anxiety, confusion, depression or general feelings of being run down.

On the physiological level Lemon has anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal and calming properties and could be helpful for combating warts, boils and corns. It is often included in formulas for nail and hair products. Also may be helpful for fighting sore throats and sinus and respiratory infections.


Contraindications: Cold expressed Lemon Oil has mild phototoxic properties so care should be taken not to expose the skin to sun or UV rays for 12 hours after use. Steam distilled Lemon oil is considered safe to use on the skin.&lt;&lt;

I have a faint remembrance that some one has asked on this BB the details of some remedy made from 'Lemon/orange Rind' something Citrus....I think Shirley?? if not mistaken. I think it was 'Citrus Vulgaris'. Some other Citrus remedies may have some link to this problem.

[ 28. September 2003, 05:27: Message edited by: kayveeh ]

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Homeopathic & Biochemic system existed because Drs.Hahnemann & Schuessler thought differently.
Successful people don't do different things, they do things differently..Shiv Khera

No that was me. I was asking about a remedy called Citri succus (lemon juice) which is listed as an antidote to Stramonium in the Therapeutic Pocketbook. You, or some lookalike Scheussler devotee, gave me the relevant information. Thanks.

I think for a case like this a rubric pertaining to desire for acids would apply, but only in conjunction with a proper casetaking, and then it might make sense.

Ali bev,

Lemon peel is flavoured as bitter and sour. If concerned that this craving is a problem, then Natrum mur is a remedy you may wish to read of in the Materia medica.

Nat-m desires bitter; desires sour; and anxious of inappropriateness.

if you consider what occured before this , then you may give yourself a lead.

John

ali bev,

I may have been to hasty to just steer you towards nat-m. It comes to mind ,after re-reading,that Ign and Puls seem to stand out (more Ign than puls); because of the wording ; concerning the characteristics. The wording gives me the impression of doing something one does not like to do; yet does it anyway and still able to relate this to others clearly. This is why Ign stands out to me.Still causation (period before lemon rind eating) will help guide the way. Sometimes a mere 'infraction' could be a cause.Of course this not is basing the remedy upon the taste of lemon rind . I hope this helps you.

The peel of lemons and other citrus fruits contain an aromatic oil akin to turpentine (just see how it attacks some plastics). Additionally, most citrus fruits normally sold are treated with various pesticides and fungicides. All in all, it is certainly not a healthy thing to eat in any quantity!

I would suggest that you have a compulsive disorder, and to get rid of the craving, you need to see a therapist.

Also, the oil mentioned is a solvent and could be adictive, like glue sniffing.

To stop eating, you might simply try to take a "cold turkey".

You should seek help as your present habit might cause severe long-term effects.

Hans

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<i>You have a right to your own opinion, but not to your own facts.</i>

Alibev,
MRC Hans is not a homeopath.

Regards,
Lisa

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Carroll Dunham