Make Lemon Everything!
Lemons are our latest and greatest obsession, so we thought we’d share the love in this spotlight. Lemons are not only super tasty, but they’re incredibly useful for the home and the body.
We know that lemons are packed with vitamin C, but did you know they also fight cancer, help the heart, prevent aging, detoxify, and also restore pH balance? And that’s just from eating them!
Lemons are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which can help prevent cancer, fight infection, and even neutralize free radicals which are linked with aging. They also have one of the highest amounts of potassium, which is great for the heart.
When used as part of a beauty regimen, lemons can cleanse, remove buildup, brighten, and create shine. The low pH and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) make lemons the perfect way to balance and restore skin.
One of the most surprising ways we’re using lemons is around the house. Lemons are the perfect multi-purpose cleanser with their antibacterial properties, and they have an incredible ability to remove stains and mineral buildups.
If you’re looking for ways to use lemons other than the obvious like Lemon Curd, Cocktails, and Slushies check out some of our fav uses…
BEAUTIFY
Sugar Scrub – Skin has a way of getting a little dry and flaky in the Summertime sun, but that’s no match for a little lemon power. The AHA’s in lemon juice can help exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and leav you bright and beautiful. Mix the juice from half of a lemon with ½ cup organic sugar and 1 tablespoon olive oil to create the perfect scrub. Use on your body or face by rubbing in circular motions for 3 minutes then rinsing.
*Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin, avoid using on your face.
Hair Rinse – Suffering from a flakey scalp, yucky build-up, or even just dull hair? Grab some lemons. Lemon juice works to balance pH to create shiny hair and remove build-up. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of water. Massage the mixture in your hair for several minutes before rinsing.
*Pro Tip: Be sure to fully rinse before going outside. Lemon juice + sunshine can un intentionally (or intentionall! looking at you Sun In…) lighten your hair.
Sun Spot Treatment – While we most definitely encourage using plenty of SPF in the Summer (and year-round), we know that sometimes sun spots are inevitable. The good news is lemons are age-fighters. The vitamin C in lemons is super great for the skin, neutralizing free radicals linked to aging. AHAs and citric acid can work to brighten skin, getting rid of all those sun spots caused by past damage. Our solution involves mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Carefully apply the mixture to sun spots and let sit for up to 15 minutes before rinsing.
*Pro Tip: This is great for most skin types, but super sensitive skin or open wounds should be avoided.
CLEAN HOUSE
All-Purpose Cleaner – We loath all the harmful chemicals in cleaning products, so we’re always looking for great alternatives. The high citric acid content in lemons make them the perfect antibacterial household cleaner. Grab those leftover lemon peels from your Lemon Curd and combine with distilled vinegar. Let the mixture steep for a few weeks then remove the peels. Spray on hard surfaces and wipe with a cloth. It’s perfect for removing mineral deposits, stains, household cleaning and more.
Stain Remover – Don’t throw away your helplessly stained garments! Turns out, lemons can save them. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply to the stained area. Scrub a little, then place the garment in the sun. Once the material is dry, your clothes will look brand new!
Pots and Pans Scrub – There is nothing quite like the look of shiny pots and pans proudly on display in the kitchen. Too bad the minute you use them they never look the same…. Or so you thought! A mixture of lemon juice, salt, and baking soda can fight through any stains, making your pots look brand new.
*Pro Tip: This mixture also works on showers, sinks, and any other metallic surfaces with rust or mineral stains.
Fresh Fingers – Chances are you’re doing plenty of summer entertaining this season, and that means lots of onion and garlic chopping. But who wants the smelly fingers to go with them? We love to keep the leftovers of a squeezed lemon by the sink when working with garlic. Simply rub your fingers all over with the lemon and scrub well. A quick rinse and your hands will be fresh and even healthier from all that vitamin C and AHAs!
HEALTH
Detox – There’s a reason you always hear about people kicking off their day with warm lemon water. Lemons have incredible cleansing abilities for the kidneys and digestive system, and are known to reduce bloat. We definitely don’t recommend any crazy dieting, but adding a cup of warm water and lemon to your morning is sure to improve your wellness.
Post-Workout Relaxation – Sometimes your muscles need a little TLC after an intense workout. We love to run some hot water, add a few lemons and Epsom salts, and soak. The lemons will help cool and refresh the skin while the Epsom salts soothe aches. Added bonus? You’ll smell amazing!
Infection Fighter – We all know how great vitamin C can be for the immune system, and lemon is a great source of vitamin C. Check out our winter cold remedies featuring lemon and ginger. It’s good year-round for fighting the common cold and all sorts of infections and illnesses.
Now that you’re a believer in the power of lemons, go forth and spread the love with some amazing lemon swag, delicious vegan lemon curd, and refreshing lemon cocktails.
