Lemons are a delicious addition to drinks, meat and soups. They are cheap and easy to find. But are there other ways you can use a lemon besides the traditional flavor boost to drinks and other foods?
The are lots of other ways to use this delicious citrus fruit.
Coffee Stains
You know what I’m talking about. Those stains that look unsightly on the inside of your coffee pot, carafe or thermos? Want to remove those stains? Just add a couple of lemon wedges, ice cubes and salt. Stir it all together vigorously. The acid in that lemon juice will get rid of that disgusting stain and leave the pot shiny and clean.
Sink Disposal
When you have peeled an orange or used your lemon slice, remove the “peel”. Throw them into the disposal, and then run it. The oils from the lemon peel make those horrid disposal smells a thing of the past! Plus it keeps your disposal clean because the acid helps to eat at any caked on food.
Dry Skin
Oddly, my grandmother taught me this and it works. You can squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl and use it to rub on your elbows, knees and other dry patches on your skin. Strangely – it actually works and your skin feels refreshed and moisturized.
Dry Them
First, dry a couple of lemon slices. What you do from there is up to you. They can be added to potpourri, use them to decorate a wreath or place near a candle wreath, or adorn your Christmas tree with a few. Just place slices on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 175 for 4-6 hours. You might also throw in some lime slices and orange slices. You’ve got a whole citrus theme going!
Disinfectant
A lemon is a natural disinfectant. If you run out of what you normally use, try some lemon juice. Just gently wipe it on your skin, your counters, whatever needs some disinfecting. The acid is they key.
Throat Hurt?
You can use a lemon to help soothe a sore throat. Squeeze one lemon and dilute with 1 cup of hot water. Use this concoction to gargle three times a day. You’ll be feeling better in no time!
Nosebleeds
I have never tried this but someone told me it works and how. Next time you or someone you know has a nosebleed, take a cotton ball and sprinkle some water and lemon juice onto it. Dab it onto your nasal passage as best as you can. Apparently, the lemon’s astringent effect brings the tissues together, restricting the blood flow and stopping the nosebleed.
What do you do with your lemons?
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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