If you swallow a lemon seed, you may experience an unpleasant reaction. The seed will travel down your throat and lodge in your stomach. The acidity of the lemon will start to dissolve the seed, which will result in a burning sensation in your stomach and intestines. The seed may also become lodged in your intestinal tract, causing intense pain and possible obstruction. If untreated, the lemon seed may eventually cause perforation of the intestine and even death.
![](https://explorewhathappens.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/What-happens-if-you-swallow-a-lemon-seed.png)
A big seed inside a lemon may get lodged in the throat. This may happen when you eat a lemon or pick it out of a tree, but it’s a much less common occurrence than eating an apple seed. If this happens, you need to find the seed before it reaches your stomach. The lemon seed may not have been consumed yet, but it’s likely already passed through your digestive system.
If you can’t find the seed, you may swallow it later, but it may lead to serious consequences when the seed is much bigger, such as blockage of the esophagus, food poisoning, and vomiting. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting, which could cause dehydration, shock, or a ruptured spleen. If the seed is larger than a marble, it could block the esophagus and cause food poisoning.
If a lemon seed is stuck in your mouth,
The following are some steps you can take to prevent your mouth from becoming blocked.
1. Find the lemon seed.
You should see any seeds in the pulp of your lemon. Remove any pulp that is still attached to the seed and place it in a cup of warm water. Gently squeeze the lemon to see if any seeds drop out. The seeds of a lemon are smaller than an apple seed.
If you can’t find any seeds, try another lemon.
2. Rinse your mouth.
Place your hand on your forehead and tilt your head back. Gently press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, but not too hard. It should be just firm enough that you can’t feel it pressing on your gums. Gently rinse the inside of your mouth with water.
3. Take your temperature.
Take your temperature every half hour after you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Your doctor may also give you a prescription to take to make sure your symptoms resolve within 24 hours.
4. Drink water.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Water also helps flush your system of any leftover seeds.
5. Eat bland foods.
Eating spicy or hot foods will increase the flow of saliva in your mouth, making it easier for you to swallow the lemon seed. Avoid foods that have a lot of spice, like chilies, garlic, onion, and hot sauces. You may want to hold off on spicy foods until you’ve finished eating and drinking.
6. Don’t chew.
Don’t chew your food. Chewing reduces the risk of swallowing a seed. If you find yourself chewing before swallowing, stop.
7. Call your doctor.
If you can’t find the seed and it’s getting bigger, it’s time to call your doctor. It’s important for doctors to know about the seed in case you end up swallowing it. They can advise you on the best course of action to take next.
Can you eat the lemon seeds?
Lemon seeds are full of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and potassium. They also contain small amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. They are also rich in the amino acid, citric acid. Lemon seeds are known to have medicinal qualities.
Lemon seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They are used in the making of many dishes, especially in Indian cuisine. Some people use them for medicinal purposes, for instance, in treating dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, and stomachaches.
Lemon seeds have many health benefits. They can be consumed as a snack, along with your meal. You can also use them in salads, smoothies, and soups.
Some people, however, are allergic to lemon seeds, and even an occasional contact with them can cause irritation. People who are sensitive to citrus fruits should avoid eating lemon seeds altogether. Those who are allergic to lemon should also avoid eating them.