When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade honey.
Let’s talk, lemons: How many times have you purchased more lemons than you could make use of? This vibrant, citrus produce has many uses that most people don’t fully take advantage of. Believe me, I’ve been there. However, you’re a part of my tribe and so consider yourself in the know on how to maximize your lemon stock in every area of your life. From cleansing to treatments, keep reading to learn the many ways that lemons can perform for you and make life a little easier:
BEAUTY
Clear Up Your Complexion
Lemon juice has natural lightening properties which can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun spots and overall discoloration. You can squeeze lemon juice into your favorite mask, which I have done before. Or simply cut the lemon and rub it on your face for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water!
Clear Up Blackheads
Lemon juice can tackle those blackheads while evening out your skin tone in the process! Apply a simple mixture of lemon juice, baking soda, and honey and give your pores a good steam. If you don’t have a facial steamer, apply before taking a hot shower. Afterwards, remove the remaining blackheads with care for clear, glowing skin.
Brighten Your Nails
Could your nails use a little brightening? The acid in lemons can help clear up buildup on your nails. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with your favorite oil to create an activating serum for you to use at will. The oil will condition your skin.
Reduce That Dandruff
A mixture of water, ginger root, lemon juice, and olive oil can help slow down cell turnover and decrease the amount of skin shedding from your scalp. Pour the treatment all over and let it dry before you shampoo it out. I’ve tried this once before and although it did help, I prefer a simpler hair routine. Black hair is already a process on a basic level.
FASHION
Whiten Your Clothes
Did you know that mixing lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can be a homemade recipe for a safer bleach alternative. It is an all-natural mixture that is great for whitening whites and removing stains. I love to give our sheets a boost with this mix over time.
Ink Removal
Has ink gotten on your clothes? Hopefully it is not too late to try this trick. The sooner you pour a ton of lemon juice on the stain the better. And if it is too late, now we know what to do in case it ever happens again.
Rust Stains
If rust ever stains your clothing, it is best not to bleach or use detergent, as it could actually make it worse. Lemon juice is your friend! Cover and drench the area with the juice. Bring the water of a small saucepan to a boil, and hold the stain over the steam to aim in penetration. After this spot treatment, you can throw it in with the rest of your laundry for a good wash.
LIFESTYLE
The Perfect Salad Dressing
In my early days of motherhood, I had this craving for a salad that had apples, cucumbers and tomatoes in it. I walked into the fridge and made it with a lemon-based dressing that I still use today. Squeeze one whole lemon, drizzle oil and season with salt and pepper. That’s it! It’s so light and refreshing and just brings the whole thing together.
Eliminate Fridge Odors
Once you’ve squeezed the juice from a lemon, don’t throw it out! Use that same lemon to absorb lingering odors in your refrigerator. You could also Soak a sponge or cotton ball in some fresh lemon juice, and place it in your fridge for several hours to absorb those odors.
Keep the Bugs Out
Use lemon juice to repel those uninvited insects in your home! Use a dropper to apply lemon juice into holes and cracks where you see ants coming in. The insects will pick it up in the future and avoid it.
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