10 Good Uses for Lemons Besides Making Lemonade

I love lemons.  I  love to put them in my tea, make lemonade, and just just generally like everything about them.  If you are lucky enough to have a surplus of lemons, whether from your own tree or because of a gift from family or a neighbor, then there are several other things you can do with lemons that you may not have ever heard of.  Here are ten good uses for lemons besides making lemonade:

To aid in digestion and prevent constipation, add a few drops of lemon juice to warm water and drink before meals.

1. Lemon juice poured directly on a poison ivy rash will relieve itch and discomfort
2. Spray lemon juice in the hair and sit out in the sun to create natural highlights.
3. Lighten, smooth and soften elbows by rubbing with lemon juice (you can put it on a loofah, too)
4. Remove foul odors (like those from fish and garlic) and the stains of berries from your hands by first rinsing your hands in lemon juice… then use the soap and water.
5. Lighten age spots and freckles by rinsing the face with lemon juice before bed.  Rinse with cool water in the morning and apply moisturizer.  (Also helps with drying out acne)
6. Correct nail yellowing from frequently polished nails by soaking them in lemon juice for ten minutes.  Follow up with a dip in warm water and vinegar.  Not only will this remove yellowing, but its said to strengthen them as well.
7. Ant-proof your home naturally by squirting lemon juice on window sills and thresholds, and anywhere ants are entering (holes, cracks, etc).  Additionally, cleaning floors, countertops and cabinets with a mixture of 4-5 lemons (including rinds) to a 1/2 gallon of water will having the insects marching out to find another home (Thanks to an old Reader’s Digest for that tip!)
8. Keep apples, avocado (guacamole) and other fruits from browning by quirting lemon juice on them.
9. Polish chrome faucets with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice.

These are just the tips that I already knew of, there are up to 31 listed on another blog here.  I still have my favorite use for them though, and that’s making lemonade!