Utrujj (Citron)

In the Sahih it is narrated that the Prophet said:

“The example of the believer who reads the Quran is the example of the Utrujj: its taste is delicious and its scent is pleasant.”

The Utrujj has many benefits. There are four elements in the utrujj, the peel, heart (or pulp), the pith and the seed. Each of these four elements has its own tendency: the peels, for instance,a re hot or dry, while the pulp is hot and wet. The Utrujj pith is cold and dry, while its seed is hot and dry.

The peel of the utrujj has many benefits. For instance, when its is placed within the clothes it prevents molding. The peel’s scent refreshes decaying and polluted air. The peels of the utrujj In addition improve the flavor of the foods and dissipate foul scents. In addition, when the peels are mixed with the food they help the digestive process. The author of the Qanoon said, ‘The pith of the (Utrujj) peels benefit in cases of snake bite, while the peels are used in bandages for snakebite. The ashes of the peels are used as an effective ointment against leporesy.’

The pulp of the citron (Utrujj) soothes the heat of the stomach, helps those who suffer from bile and subdues hot vapors. Further, Al Ghafiqi said, “Eating the (Citron) pulp relieves hemorrhoids.”

The extract of the pith contained in the citron constipates, relieves bile, soothes hot pulsation, controls bilious vomiting, and when taken as a drink or a Kohl, relieves jaundice.

The Extract of the pith is in addition a good appetite stimulant, constipates and helps in cases of bilious diarrhea. The citron pith extract In addition soothes the lust of the woman and relieves and combats skin spots when used as a lubricant. It In addition cures herps. The proof of the pith’s effectiveness against ink is that when it touches the ink on the clothes, it effectively removes the stain. The pith contained in the Utrujj In addition soothes and has a chilling effect, cools the hotness of the liver, strengthens the stomach, eliminates bile and the accompanying depression and in addition quenches the thirst.

The seeds of the utrujj have a decomposing and drying effect. Ibn Masawaih said that Utrujj, “When the skin of the seed is removed and cooked and taken as a drink with warm water, helps agaisnt deadly poisons when one drinks as much as two measures, each around twenty five grams. When the seeds are ground and placed on a sting, they In addition help. The seeds Ina ddition constipate and add good scent to the taste. Most of these benefits are In addition present in its pulp.”

It was In addition said that,”The seeds help against scorpion stings when two measures of it are taken with warm water, and In addition when it is ground and placed on the affected area. “It was In addition said, “Its seeds help against all types of poisons and all types of venomous stings.”

It was In addition reported that one of the Persian rulers was angry with his doctors and that he ordered them be jailed. He gave them the choice to have only one type of food and they choose the Utrujj. They were asked, “Why did you choose it in particular?” They said, “Because it turns into a type of perfume shortly, its sight is pleasant, its peel smells good, its pulp is fruit, its pith is a food, its seeds an antidote and it contains fat.”

Truly, such a beneficial substance deserves to be compared with the best of creation, meaning the believer who recites the Quran. We should mention that some of people used to like looking at the Utrujj because its sight is pleasant and comforting.