Six Great Alternative Ways to use Lemons

The late Tammy Faye Messner always fell back on the old saying: "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade". True. However, I've done a little research on that wonderful citrus fruit and found you don't have to make just lemonade This very versatile, zesty fruit can keep you both healthy and clean. 
Here are six (6)  alternative uses: 
1. Astringent. Squeeze some lemon juice into a clean glass jar and dab some on your face every morning. Leave it on for ten (10) minutes, then wash it off with some warm water followed by a moisturizer. This is great in the summer months to keep the excess oil at bay and keep your pores clean. It also works on your scalp as a great cleanser and astringent. If you use a lot of styling products, lemon juice will help remove excessive mouse, gels, ect. Use two (2) cups of water and the juice of one half of a lemon. Rinse the mixture through wet hair let the mixture stay on your hair for about 5 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and follow up with conditioner. You'll have a squeeky clean scalp, shining hair with beautiful highlights. 
2. Deodorizer. Place a dried lemon slice under each seat in your car to freshen your vehicle. You can hide it in your teenager's stinky shoes, or if you're the one that smells, rub a slice under your arms (don't do this if you have shaved under your arms). Also, sucking on a lemon slice or wedge can help with bad breath, however, don't do this everyday because it will weaken your tooth enamel, according to my wonderful dentist, Dr. Mortell. Wonder how many people can lavish praise on their dentist? Hmm. 
3. Cure a hangover. OK, you had a fun time last night and (yeah, that was you wearing the lampshade). However, daybreak and the morning sun is peeking through your blinds, shade or curtains. Oh, no, you feel like hell. Here's what you can do. Fix a glass of hot water with some lemon juice and do this first thing in the morning. This can help purify the liver and calm that queasy feeling too. 
4. Cold fighter. You've contracted some evil Cooties and you're miserable. To calm a sore throat, mix lemon juice with one (1) tablespoon of sea salt and warm water to create an acidic environment that is hostile to bacteria and viruses. Shallow what you have gargled to get an immune boosting shot of Vitamin C. 
5. Nutrient Booster. Adding lemon juice to green tea can increase the amount of catechins available for the body to absorb, according to some research. Catechins are anitoxidants belived to help decrease the risk of heart disease. Adding lemon peel to your tea may reduce your risk of skin cancer. 
6. Cutting Down the Risk of Kidney Stones. I've heard from friends that have suffered a kidney stone the pain is worse than giving birth. I've heard the same about gall stones and gallbladder attacks. The acid in lemons apparently cuts down on the formation of kidney stones. By drinking a small glass of warm water and lemon juice every day, this reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.