You probably saw the previous article on the Top 5 Health Benefits of Lemon but it actually has so many varied and wide-ranging uses that we decided to fill you in on a few more fascinating possible ways to utilise lemon. Its versatility allows it to be used in so much more than just a healthy diet; it is great for beauty and household chores too – keep reading to find out about these 15 Amazing Uses of Lemon!
1. Household cleaner
Lemon can be used to clean just about everything around the house, from getting stains out of upholstery to getting limescale off the shower head. Just make sure to rinse with water after to ensure no bleaching occurs.
2. Cleansing wounds
Their antibacterial properties make them a great natural way to clean cuts of any dirt and bacteria that may otherwise lead to infection.
3. Lightening hair
Its juice can be carefully painted on the hair you want highlighted and then sit in the sun. After a few treatments your hair will be highlighted at salon quality!
4. Prevent kidney stones
Its citric acid has been shown to reduce urine acidity, which in turns stops kidney stones. Lemon juice followed by water can also be used as a therapy for when kidney stones have actually formed.
5. Reduce anxiety and depression
Depression and anxiety have been linked with low levels of potassium in the blood, and the consumption of lemon water increases these potassium levels. The zesty scent alone has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
6. Soothing sore throats
Viruses and bacteria mostly cause sore throats and the acid in lemon helps kill them. Additionally, the astringent juice helps to soothe and shrink swollen throat tissue by mixing with warm water and applying it there via a gentle yet thorough gargle with will be found helpful.
7. Control oily facial skin
Lemon has a wide range of properties that make it great for controlling oily skin; astringent, antiseptic and pH balancing. Mix the juice with equal parts water, wipe over face with cotton wool and rinse after 10 minutes before moisturising – you’ll notice less shine in just a few short days.
8. Keeps bins smelling fresh
To stop yourself gagging every time you open your bin, leave some of the peel under the bag and change it every few weeks. Alternatively, chop up some lemon and put into the bag.
9. ‘Wash’ your fruit and vegetables
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant, and can be used to get rid of the dirt, pesticides, and other nasties lurking on your vegetables; much more thoroughly than water alone!
10. Helps switch out caffeine
If needed, switching your normal morning coffee with a mug of hot lemon water helps you quit the habit, as it still provides energy without the possible side-effects some people get with caffeine.
11. Removes rust
Mix one part lemon juice with two parts salt to make an all-natural, rust removal scrub – safe to use even on cooking utensils as there are no chemical nasties!
12. Removing fake tan stains
Rub half a lemon onto the dry patches where fake tan tends to stain (elbows, knees, hands) to fade the dark areas. Alternatively, mix the juice with baking powder to make a paste that you can apply wherever you want!
13. Freshens breath
The citric acid in the juice of a lemon neutralises the pH levels in your mouth, as well as killing the bacteria that causes bad breath. Be sure to rinse with water afterwards to ensure the acid doesn’t damage tooth enamel though.
14. Cleansing toner
Not only does it help treat spots and acne, it also helps balance the pH of your skin, reducing dryness and acts as a natural exfoliator.
15. Treats dandruff
The acid in lemon helps balance the pH of your scalp and protects against the microbe that causes dandruff. After a few days of massaging your head with lemon juice before rinsing you’ll start to notice an improvement.
These are just a small sample of all the possible ways a lemon can be useful – the list is almost endless! It shows just how much nature has to offer if you know how to use it and get creative – what are your favourite uses of lemon? Let us know below or @KeepfitKingdom !
