Friday, May 2, 2014

Lemon: An Amazing Fruit



Lemons have a number of properties that make them a great ingredient in many organic beauty recipes. Also, there's the added benefit that all the ideas below smell great. I hope you try some of these home remedies. However, in no way are these tips intended to cure or teat any type of skin, hair, or nail issue. Before trying any of these, please seek out the approval from your health care provider.


       ELBOW AND KNEE BLEACHER: Discoloration and hyperpigmentation happens to people when there is more melanin in their skin. The more melanin a person has in their skin, the darker it will be. Since lemon acts as a bleaching agent, rubbing a cut lemon on armpits, knee or elbows will help to lighten the skin in those areas.
       BLACKHEAD TREATMENT: It may sound too good to be true, but because lemons are antibacterial, they can help treat acne. Just slice a lemon, and squeeze the juice on your face. Your blackheads will start to fade before you know it.
       TEETH WHITENER: Mix baking soda and lemon juice, and apply it to your teeth with a clean Q-tip. Then, use your toothbrush to scrub your teeth and rinse. It's way cheaper than going to your dentist's office. ** Leave on for no more than one minute because excessive use of the lemon’s acid can be detrimental to your teeth’s enamel.  
       SKIN BRIGHTENER: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so they can help brighten and lighten your skin when used over time. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals and boosting collagen production. That means it can help lighten age spots, dark spots, or a fake tan gone wrong. Remember to wear SPF when using lemon juice on your skin, though.
       NAIL STRENGTHENER: Soaking nails into lemon juice for about 10 minutes and rinsing them with warm water once a week will not only help them to grow but will also remove any discoloration..
       HAIR LIGHTENER: Score dye-free DIY highlights with lemon juice. Apply it before you expose your hair to sunlight to score a sun-kissed color. The lemon juice can also help treat a dry scalp and dandruff, so apply it liberally.
       FACIAL SCRUB: Sugar lemon face scrub 1 cup of sugar or baking soda 1/2 cup of coconut oil or olive oil 1 teaspoon of lemon zest

       LEMON HONEY MASK: Lemons citric acid closes pores and keeps skins PH levels in check, while honeys enzymes and nutrients add an antibacterial factor to zap zits and moisturize.  1 tbsp. organic honey - 1 fresh lemon
       LIGHTEN DARK SPOTS & BLEMISHES. Acne scars and marks are embarrassing and a pain to get rid of. The citric acid from the lemon’s juice will gradually fade spots and even skin tone. Be cautious of open wounds or cuts on the face, as it can sting real bad.


       LEMON BODY SCRUB:  You will need 5 tablespoons sea salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 lemon. Mix the sea salt in olive oil. Then, squeeze in the lemon juice. Tip: roll your lemon on the table or counter top to concentrate the juice before extracting.

       LEMON - CUCUMBER TONER: Another way to use lemons to fight acne and get happy skin is to make a soothing toner. In a jar, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a half cup of cucumber slices, and 3 cups cold water. You can also add some lemon slices if you like. Apply with a cotton ball or pad. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Lemons are not just great for beauty uses.  They are great  in teas to sooth a sore throat or your days's stress away.  Not to mention that they are amazing to in the kitchen to cook or bake with (i.e. lemon spaghetti, lemon and garlic baked chicken,  lemon bars).  Lemons can also be used in water as a detox or dietetic agent.   Overall, lemons are an inexpensive beauty / health powerhouse that are great for you  inside and out. Let me know what or how you use this amazing fruit.  

Till next time, Ciao!!
Yolanda-Monique