Lifting your Spirit with the Lemon!

The lemon has been long known for its healing powers and used in so many different ways from recipes for food we eat to recipes we use for cosmetic healing purposes. In fact, the lemon is so powerful that it was used by the Romans as their cure for all types of poison. It has also been known to heal hiccups and to cure nausea. It's also high in Vitamin C! These are only a few benefits of the wondrous miracle we call lemons! There are so many fun uses for lemon. Let's look at a few. :)

Aromatherapy

Did you know sniffing or smelling a lemon will naturally lift your spirits? You don't need those anti-depressant pills. You can reach for a lemon, slice it in half and put it up to your nose for that citrusy, refreshing scent!

If you want to fill your little cottage with the scent of fresh lemons try making these gentle inviting natural candles by Martha Stewart.

Lemon Candles

12 Lemons
1 lb Beeswax
Lemon essential oil

1. Cut the lemons lengthwise. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible without tearing the skin. Hollow out the lemon halves with a melon baller.

2. In a double boiler, heat beeswax until melted, about 180 degrees. Check temperature with a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat, and add lemon oil (about 5-10 drops)

3. Cut 3 inches of wick; tie a knot at one end. Thread the loose end through a wick holder, and pull so the knot is secure under the holder.

4. Dip the wick and holder with wax until coated; this will stiffen and straighten the wick. Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon half to affix. Let the wick dry.

5. Pour the wax into the lemon half, and fill to the edge. Use a small paintbrush to coat the rim of the lemon with wax. Let the candle dry for about 4 hours.

Photograph and Instructions courtesy of Martha Stewart

Fresh Fruit Topper

Have you ever tried honeydew with squeezed lemon juice over it? Delish!

As a Refreshing Drink!

Try this refreshing twist on Lemonade!

Ginger Lemonade

2-4 inch piece Ginger, fresh
8 cups Water (boiling)
1/2-1 cup Fresh squeezed Lemon juice* (to taste)
1/3-1 cup Sugar or Honey (to taste)

Directions

1. Peel and grate fresh ginger with a fine mesh grater.
2. Squeeze the grated ginger to obtain the juice, discarding the pulp.
3. To the boiling water add the lemon and ginger juice.
4. Turn the temperature to low and allow mixture to steep for 20-30 minutes.
5. Dissolve the sugar/honey into the mixture.

Chill. Serve in your best and beautiful pitcher, garnish with lemon slices. Serve over ice!

As a Beauty Treatment

Make your own natural lemon sugar scrub. This is great for the elbows that are rough.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 TBS lemon zest (grated)

Mix all and scrub on your body to soften. :)

And most important....

"When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade."

~Dale Carnegie~