When life hands you lemons, you can do a whole lot more than make lemonade! A staple in most bars and restaurants, lemons can be used for so much more than just a drink garnish. From lightening your hair to soothing a sore throat, read on to discover 10 amazing uses for lemons.
8. Remove Stains
Combine lemon juice with a little salt and this powerful mixture can take the stain out of anything!
“You can use lemon juice and salt to clean coffee stains from the glass coffee carafe in your coffee maker,” suggests Danna Norek, the owner of AuraSensory.com. “It works because of the acid/alkaline balance of the salt with the lemon juice.”
7. Freshen Up
Lemons are known for their refreshing aroma and deodorizing capabilities, but they can be used for so much more than freshening up your fridge.
“Put discarded lemon rinds down your garbage disposal and run it to freshen up your drain,” suggests Norek. “It prevents odors from building up. This also helps to clean out the disposal, especially when you add some ice with the lemon rinds.”
6. Make Your Own Dish Soap
Looking to use something slightly less abrasive on your dishes? Use lemon water to create your own gentle dish soap.
“Since I am allergic to all commercial dish soaps and recently moved to a place without a dishwasher, I was in a bit of a pickle,” explains blogger Leanna Reece. “I tried making my own dish soap previously and failed miserably, but I finally figured out what works – lemon water!” Click here for Leanna’s natural-dish-soap recipe.
5. Cleanse Your Pet
Lemons can be used to clean a whole lot more than just your dishes. How about a cleanser for your animals?
“Each time we cut up a lemon, we keep part of the rind and rub it all over our cat,” says Monika Wahi, a public health reporter. “She enjoys the not-so-wet spa bath, licks it off a little, and then smells lemon-fresh all day!”
4. Make Your Own Deodorant
Not interested in using artificial, aluminum, or paraben deodorant? Go natural with lemons!
“A friend of mine suggested I use lemon juice,” says Noisette who was looking to make a natural deodorant. “At first I thought she was mad! Only to find out it works like a charm. The lemon has such a strong fresh scent and it is a great way to deodorize.” Click here to see how you can make your own lemon-based deodorant.
3. Exfoliate Your Skin
Lemon juice may have the power to lighten your hair, but it also can lighten those dark spots on your skin.
“Rich in vitamin C and citrus acid, lemons help promote the turnover of dead skin cells to reveal soft, smooth skin with an even complexion,” shares Chanelle White, a holistic beauty expert. “A tip I give my clients is to store used lemons from morning lemon water in the refrigerator for an evening facial mask. With clean skin, take half a lemon and massage onto the face avoiding the eyes, then leave it on for ten minutes and rinse.”
2. Soothe Stings
If you’re stung by a wasp, hornet, or bee, reach for a lemon.
“Make sure the stinger is gone, and quickly rub the area with some lemon juice,” suggests Bruce Lubin, a best-selling author who shares several amazing uses for lemons in his book, Who Knew? “It will neutralize the venom and soothe the sting.”
1. Lose Weight
From adding a sweet aroma to giving you glowing skin, we’ve learned lemons can do some amazing things, but did you know they can also help to keep you svelte?
“To help my clients reach their fitness goals, I advise them to drink a cup of warm water with lemon in it upon rising in the morning,” says Joy Dixon, a health and lifestyle coach. “It jumpstarts their digestive system and gently cleanses the liver.”
Dixon suggests adding a teaspoon of organic lemon juice, or two lemon slices, to your water and sipping on it throughout the day. You’ll stay hydrated and satisfied between meals!
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