(Current Affairs For SSC Exams) Sci & Tech, Jan. 2013 - How do citrus fruits

Science & Technology

January 2013

Topic : How do citrus fruits like lemon/orange reduce vomiting sensation when smelled?

Usually the vomiting sensation is associated with nausea. The list of causes of nausea and vomiting is endless. Some odor can make one person vomit while it might not affect another person at all. Drugs for the treatment of certain diseases, such as cancer, can cause nausea and vomiting.

People with migraines always experience this. Common infections or equilibrium disturbance, such as motion sickness can also be a cause. Pregnancy often brings on periods of nausea.
It is otherwise called as “morning sickness.” Nausea and vomiting may also be psychological in origin. Some people vomit under such conditions of emotional stress as family arguments, academic tests, airplane travel, and some high-stress situations. In addition, some eating disorders are characterized by self-induced vomiting.

There are some simple treatments to reduce any discomfort due to nausea and vomiting. One such treatment is, smelling the citrus fruits (lemon). Limonene, an essential oil present in lemon has a refreshing smell, which prevents the onset of nausea.

This essential oil is produced in specialized glands found more in the rind of these fruits. It has been found that this essential oil has certain physiological effects.

These include brain stimulation, anxiety-relieving sedation and antidepressant properties as well as increasing cerebral blood flow.

So it is better to put some lemon essential oil into a handkerchief and keep it in our pocket or hand bag. When we feel a bout of nausea coming on, we should wipe our nose to breathe the essential oil.
It is also better to consume little amount of lemon juice. Though lime is acidic in nature, it has an alkalizing effect in our body. It is this nature of lemon which makes it stomach friendly and prevents nausea, heart burns, indigestion and vomiting.

Citronella, the essential oil present in the lemon grass imparting the characteristic refreshing aroma, can also prevent nausea and vomiting. Lemon grass tea is an excellent drink and helps to cleanse the bowel and flush out toxins in the system.

Thus the lemons serve as super inexpensive agents for natural calming effect that can reduce nausea, and can leave us feeling clean and refreshed. 

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