The mighty lemon is a simple ingredient but provides a myriad of benefits, flavor, and usages that have benefited humanity for centuries. From lemon herbal tinctures to lemon desserts and decadent sauces, lemons are one ingredient I will ALWAYS have on hand.

Not only do lemons add a fresh flavor with a zest that can bring life to any dish, they also have various holistic health and home benefits to help support the mind, body, and soul. Finding ways to incorporate lemons in your day to day can be easy and very beneficial.

What are the benefits of lemons?

Lemons are highly regarded for their numerous benefits and versatility. Here are some of the key benefits associated with lemons:

• Rich in vitamin C: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Digestive health: Drinking warm lemon water in the morning can aid digestion and stimulate the production of digestive juices. The citric acid in lemons may also help relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
• Hydration: Lemons are mostly composed of water and can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Adding lemon slices to your water can make it more flavorful and encourage increased water intake.
• Alkalizing properties: Despite being acidic in nature, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized. They can help balance the body’s pH levels and promote overall alkalinity, which is associated with good health.
• Good Source of Minerals: Lemons contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are important for various bodily functions, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining healthy bones.Lemons contain various antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants may have potential anti-cancer properties and contribute to overall well-being.
• Antiseptic Properties: Lemons can be used in a range of chemical-free cleaning recipes. 

How can I use lemons?

Lemons can be used in essentially every room of your house, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Here are some essential ways to use lemons in your everyday life. Keep your lemon peels to make simple cleaning solutions and don’t be scared to eat the whole lemon- but make sure to wash it properly before.

5 Simple Ways to Use Lemons

Here are some simple and affordable ways to use lemons in your everyday life, from incorporating in your daily morning routine to crafting your go-to multipurpose non-toxic cleaning agent…these solutions are aimed to be easy and affordable ways to incorporate this powerhouse ingredient.

1. Lemon Water

This may seem like the obvious, but it is honestly such a game-changer (especially if you make it a daily habit). Starting the day with warm lemon water is essentially gearing up your digestive for the day and helps break down any leftover food or mucus in our bodies. Use the juice from ½ lemon and mix with 8 oz of warm water. For an extra boost add 1 tablespoon of fermented lemon honey (see recipe below). 

For all the coffee drinkers, starting with a glass of lemon water will hydrate your body and prepare it for your first cup of joe. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not recommended and one may find a difference in their overall wellbeing by starting the day with lemon water (and then following with their beloved coffee ritual). 

2. Lemon Vinaigrette (3 ways)

All of my favorite salad dressings incorporate this citrus fruit in one way or another. Here are three super easy recipes with lemons. Never get bored with these 3 variations of lemon vinaigrette. I recommend investing in glass mason jars to store. Avoid plastic if you can and opt for these glass vinaigrette jars for storage.

Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette

Simple blend the following ingredients together. Store in a jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. 

• 1 Lemon Juiced
• 2 Tbsp Mustard
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 
• Salt/ Pepper
• 1 Garlic clove 
• 1 Tbsp Honey, Agave, or Maple Syrup 
• Water (add water to thin out according to your preferences) 

Cilantro Lemon Yogurt Vinaigrette

Blend ingredients and store in refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cilantro 
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon juiced 
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ½ cup yogurt 
• 2 tbsp honey, agave, maple syrup 
• salt/pepper to taste
• Water (add for thinner consistency) 

Lemon Ginger Vinaigrette

Simple blend the following ingredients together. Store in a jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. 

Ingredients 

• 1 Lemon Juiced
• 1-2 inches of ginger (grated) 
• 1 orange juiced 
• ⅓ cup olive oil 
• Salt/ Pepper
• 1 Garlic clove 
• 1 Tbsp Honey, Agave, or Maple Syrup 
• Water (add water to thin out according to your preferences) 

3. Raw Lemon Tarte

This super healthy and easy lemon tarte recipe is a perfect summer dessert. It is fresh, light and has a beautiful citrus flavor. This cake can be made vegan, gluten free and dairy free which makes for an all around great cake that everyone can indulge in. This lemon tarte is also gluten-free and has a beautiful date walnut crust that can be used for many different recipes. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of lemon juice 
• 1 cup cashews (soaked overnight)
• Lemon Zest (1 lemon) 
• 1/4 cup maple syrup 
• ⅓ cup coconut oil 

Crust

• 1.5 cups raw nuts (walnuts, cashews or mix)
• 2 cup dates
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Pulse all crust ingredients until small enough to form little balls.
2. Press procesed crust into baking dish. Let crust set in fridge for 1-2 hours.
3. Blend pie filling then add to crust. Let refrigerate or 3-6 hours until fully set.

4. Lemon Fermented Honey

Lemon Fermented Honey is an excellent way to nourish your body, makes a delicious addition, and offers a holistic way to help soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system. Add to your vinaigrettes, toast, or in your tea! This is a great way to get a boost of vitamin c and some powerful probiotics. 

Ingredients: 

• 1- 1 ½ Raw Local Honey (https://www.localhoneyfinder.org/) 
• 3 Meyer Lemons (thinly sliced with seeds removed) 

Instructions

1. Cover the bottom of your jar with honey.
2. Add handful of lemons slices and add more honey. Continue process until jar is filled.
3. Make sure lemons are properly coated and mix well to remove any air pockets. 
4. Stir honey 1-2 times daily for 7 days. Then store honey in refrigerator (this will stop the fermentation process). 

5. Lemon Vinegar Cleaner

Never throw out your lemon peels! Simply store them in a mason jar or any container in the fridge until you have enough to make this lemon vinegar cleaner (a few 64oz mason  jars or ½ gallon of peels would work best). If it takes you about a week to gather your peels, add the vinegar on day 4-6 to avoid mold. Enjoy this non-toxic effective cleaning solution that also helps reduce food waste! 

Step 1: Gather peels. Feel free use whatever mason jar you have on hand(16 oz, 32 oz, or 64 oz jar). 

Step 2: Submerge peels in white vinegar. Let steep for 1-3 weeks. Shake a few times during the process to make sure all peels are well submerged. 

Step 3: Strain the lemon peels either using a mesh colander or cheese cloth. 

Step 4: Transfer mixture to spray bottle. Feel free to fill spray bottle half way and dilute with water. Or seperate amongst various bottles for different rooms. 

How to source lemons?

Try to source organic lemons in bulk or bags which tend to be cheaper than buying individually. 

It is also worth checking out your local CSA (community supported agriculture) delivery programs or checking out companies like Misfit Market or Imperfect Foods or other online platforms that offer organic food at discounted prices. It all depends on where you are located but sourcing organic and local foods can be easier and cheaper than you realize (especially if you research your options).