Few scents are as refreshing as that of a lemon. As it turns out, that smell is not only refreshing – it’s also good for you! In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits of making your very own natural lemon air freshener.
How might one create such a thing, you ask? Easy! All you’ve gotta do is grab a lemon, slice it into quarters and sprinkle some salt on it. Boom. Done.
Plop those slices on your nightstand and brace yourself for these 7 benefits.
#1 – Stress Relief
I know I’m not the only one whose stresses and anxieties tend to build up around bedtime. Some lemon slices on the nightstand will take care of that in a jiffy, though. You see, according to research, the smell of citrus relaxes one’s brain waves and emotions.
This leads nicely to the next point.
#2 – Increased Focus
Why would you need focus at bedtime, you ask? Well, it’s actually quite helpful – especially if you’re an insomniac whose brain tends to race all over the place. If that’s you, psychologists say a good night’s sleep depends on a few key things.
For one, you’ve got to focus on positive things – and, perhaps, relaxation exercises – that will get you in a state of mind conducive to rest. That’s where focus-boosting lemon fragrance comes in handy.
#3 – Better Breathing
Every time I try to sleep with a stuffy nose, I’m reminded of the times I took the simple pleasure of breathing for granted. Luckily, for those less-than-clear moments, we can call on lemons. Just let the gentle scent of that anti-oxidizing, anti-bacterial fruit waft through your nostrils and sleep, child. Sleep.
#4 – Insects-Be-Gone
Tired of mosquitoes making a meal of you at night? Or maybe it’s that fly buzzing around your ear that’s got you going insane. Fear no more! Our friendly neighborhood yellow fruit repels all sorts of insects. Those slices will keep them on the other side of the room.
You can add cloves for added insect-repellent effects, as seen in the video above.
#5 – Increased Energy & Positivity Come Morning
I know, morning is the last thing you want to think about as you climb into bed. But those slices on your nightstand will make wake-up time a lot less painful. That’s because the smell of lemon boosts your brain’s serotonin levels. This is a surefire way to ditch those morning blues.
#6 – Improved Air Quality
When’s the last time you thought about your home’s air quality? Not sure? Quick, get those slices! Lemon not only smells great – it also purifies air. It’s so powerful, in fact, that you can use it to quickly draw paint fumes out of a room.
#7 – Blood Pressure Reduction
Lemon aroma reduces blood pressure. Considering 32% of all Americans suffer from high blood pressure, that makes lemon one handy fruit for a lot of people.
Check out this video to learn more about the awesome benefits of lemons!
Sources:
How Stuff Works
Greenopedia.com
The Daily Mail
Sleep.org
Entrepreneur.com