Fresh lemons may very well be hard to get a hold of during a crisis unless you live in an area that has mature lemon trees. If you do live in an area that can sustain lemon trees then why not plant one or more if you have the space.
You can stock up on 100 percent lemon juice, however, and store it unopened in your pantry. There will be a use by date on the container. This date does not mean that the product is no longer palatable after this date, but is rather a recommend use by date for optimal freshness.
Once opened it should be stored in the refrigerator in its original container with the cap on tightly. Lemon juiced commercially packaged can last up to nine months in the refrigerator once opened.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice lasts up to four days in the refrigerator and if kept at zero or below it can last indefinitely frozen. Freeze your juice in manageable quantities such as in ice cube trays or small containers. This way, you can remove just what you need without having to thaw the entire amount or have to chip away at a hunk of frozen juice.
Uses
1.) The juice and skins of the lemon alkalize, in other words, the acid in the lemon juice works with your body fluids to restore your body’s pH levels.
2.) Known to improve digestion and encourages regular bowel movements. Adding lemon juice to a glass of warm water and consuming every morning will have you well on your way to eliminating waste from your body on a regular basis. Waste build up in the intestinal tract can cause sickness from toxins in the waste and cause tiredness, cranky moods, skin problems, and stomach cramps.
3.) Lemons like any citrus are high in Vitamin C. Your body does not produce nor store Vitamin C so it is important that you get the recommended amounts daily.
“Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
4.) The citric acid, which is what lemon juice is has been known to kill intestinal parasites/worms.
5.) The acid has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat insect bites, skin rashes, and dark skin blotches. It is also known to destroy some common bacteria found on the hands and body.
6.) Stimulates and detoxifies the liver. Lemon juice dissolves uric acid and essentially liquefies liver bile so it can be removed more easily from the body. Lemon juice added to warm water is a great way to start the day.
7.) Spray lemon juice on cut up apples, avocados, and lettuce to prevent browning, which is nothing more than oxidation.
8.) Rub a cut up lemon or rub the juice on clothing stains, particularly whites, or add the juice to the wash water to help brighten your whites, and to remove stains.
9.) Make a paste using lemon juice and baking soda to whiten teeth, and to refresh your breath, and to help destroy bacteria in the mouth. Leave the mixture on your teeth for one minute then brush and rinse well. Do not use lemon juice every day because the acid will erode your tooth enamel if over used. Rinse well after using to remove the acid from your teeth and then brush with your favorite paste.
10.) Lemon juice will reduce throat inflammation. To help with a sore throat and to reduce bacteria in the throat add the juice to hot tea or gargle with lemon juice and warm water.
11.) Make your own air freshener by bringing cut up lemons to a boil. After the lemons have boiled for several minutes shut off the burner and leave the pot of lemons on the stove for a few hours. The lemon oil that is released will diffuse throughout the house helping to eliminate smoke and cooking odors just to name a few.
12.) Mix lemon and honey to create a facial or skin mask. The mixture helps with acne and helps to moisturize the skin as well. You can use the mixture on other parts of the body such as on elbows and knees to eliminate dry scale. Leave on for 20 minutes.
There are more uses for lemons, of course, but we wanted to bring you what we thought might be the most relevant uses during a crisis. Remember, lemons contain antioxidants and high concentrates of Vitamin C, so they are a good addition to your diet at any time.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Retrieved 2017, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/