“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” We’ve all had the opportunity to use this phrase when it feels like we’ve been dealt a difficult situation. Of course, the lemons represent the negative or sour circumstances that we find ourselves in, and the lemonade corresponds to making the best of it or turning it into something sweet. I’m a huge proponent of looking for the silver lining when faced with challenges. We can always shift our perception no matter how grim the situation may seem.

But that’s actually not what this post is about. It’s also not about the fact that lemonade is typically loaded with sugar, so although it may sound sweet for a negative life circumstance, it’s not going to be helpful for your health (sorry 😬).  

Instead, let’s get back to the lemons. Although figuratively they symbolize negativity, literally they are a powerhouse of goodness and health. Sour, yes, but their healing power is amazing.

The Power of Lemons

Lemons are extremely beneficial for digestion. They jumpstart digestive enzymes and stimulate the liver. The roots of lemon trees reach deep into the earth and extract essential minerals. Consuming lemons helps the body produce electrolytes because of the trace mineral salts they contain. Since many people drink filtered water, they may be missing these vital mineral salts. Lemons are also very hydrating, so adding some fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your drinking water is a good idea.

Including lemons as a regular part of your diet will give you a boost of Vitamin C and Calcium. The phytochemicals in lemons, called limonoids, create a bond between these two vitamins, making them even more absorbable in your body. Although lemons are acidic when you eat them, they become alkaline once they have been digested and metabolized. This helps produce alkalinity in the body, creating a defense against diseases such as cancer which need an acidic environment to survive.

Lemons also effectively expel mucus if you are sick with a cold or other respiratory illness, and they do an amazing job of cleansing the liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid, and gallbladder. During a detox, it is extremely helpful to drink lemon water as it will help flush out the toxins that have been purged out of the cells overnight. A morning lemon elixir is part of the daily protocol of my seasonal detoxes for its many healthful benefits, but it can easily become part of your daily routine.

Morning Lemon Elixir

Try starting your day with a morning lemon elixir (recipe below). Drinking it warm or at room temperature allows it to immediately get to work boosting your health. I make mine in a mason jar and put the lid on right before I go to bed. Soon after I awaken each morning, I drink my room-temperature elixir. If you prefer to have it warm, you can make it in the morning using part hot water from a kettle mixed with cold water. Avoid putting the lemon juice in boiling water, as it will destroy its healing properties. I suggest swishing some plain water in your mouth after finishing the elixir to rinse your teeth. Wait at least 15-20 minutes before eating or drinking anything else to fully flush the toxins out that have built up overnight. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon to your water anytime throughout the rest of the day.

Daily Lemon Elixir

16 oz. room temperature or warm filtered water

1-2 drops of trace minerals or a pinch of Himalayan pink salt for additional minerals

Juice from 1/2 to 1 whole lemon

Optional add-ins:

1/2 tsp. raw honey

1/2 inch fresh ginger root or 1/3 teaspoon ground ginger (for added digestion support)

Though lemons have been used to symbolize difficult challenges in life, I encourage you to think of them as a refreshing way to brighten your day and boost your health.🍋

“You can either see your life as filled with sour lemons that make your eyes water

or filled with zest and energy of the refreshing juice that awakens your taste buds—

how you see life is your choice!"

~ Tanja Christine Jaeger