Chances are, you have this incredible fruit in your kitchen right now. But I'm pretty sure that you have little or no idea about the far-reaching benefits it has. This fruit is incredibly good for you on its own and it has many uses around the house, including little known home remedies for common ailments.
Read on to find out more...

This incredible fruit was first cultivated in tropical Asia over 2,500 years ago. It slowly migrated west where the early Christians considered it a sign of fertility, even though it was surrounded by superstitions and considered it a "forbidden food". But here are the little known uses (I bet you never knew) for lemons.

Health benefits

• Digestion and detox. To get your digestive system ticking, drink lemon juice with hot water every morning before breakfast. Add two teaspoons of honey for a natural fever-fighting remedy.
• Immune benefits. One lemon contains 80% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. Up your daily fresh lemon juice intake for a fortified immune system and to prevent infections, fevers and illnesses
• Poached perfection. For the perfectly shaped poached egg, put a few drops of lemon juice into boiling water. Stir to create a mini whirlpool, adding your egg to the middle of it.
• Great taste. Sprinkle lemon juice over your mushrooms (while cooking) for an intense flavour.
• Insomnia brew. Before bed, drink lemon tea to relax and unwind.

Quick home remedies

• Acts as antiseptic. If you suffer from bad breath or a sore throat, make an impromptu mouthwash. Gargle, rinse and then swallow. The citric acid will alter the pH level in your mouth, killing bad bacteria and bad breath. But be careful, long term exposure will harm tooth enamel.
• Stop bleeding. Apply a slice of lemon to external cuts to stop the bleeding. It also has a natural antiseptic property so remember that the sting is good!
• Hangovers. Cut a lemon into quarters and sprinkle with salt. Eat the flesh before breakfast for an effective stimulant. But if possible, drink a glass of water with lemon juice before going to bed. The vitamin C will help your liver recover.
• Reduce cellulite. Massage lemon juice into the affected areas.

Helping hand in the kitchen

• Clean and disinfect your wooden chopping boards. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side on the wood. Let it dry and then rinse.
• Dustbin pongs. Put a slice of lemon peel into your dustbin to remove smells.
• Fresh fridge. Place half a lemon at the back of your fridge to soak up  odours.
• Clean your microwave. Put half a lemon in a bowl of water in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. The grease and grime will be easily removed by wiping the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth

Laundry benefits

•   Remove stains. Soak your stained clothes in lemon juice and baking soda for 30 minutes and then wash normally.
•   Make whites whiter. Add lemon juice to your wash as a natural and safe bleaching agent.

Last tip
When picking out lemons, feel them. The ones with smooth skin and small points on either end are best. Good lemons have an oily, fine texture and a deep yellow colour. They should be firm but not too hard.

But why not plant a lemon tree in your garden, or even a large pot plant, to have access to this versatile fruit whenever you need it!