How Lemon Became Part of My Wellbeing Rituals
There are scents that people simply enjoy and then there are others that slowly become an integral part of our life. For me, that scent is lemon.
Years ago, I attended a stress management group. One day, our therapist brought essential oils and invited each of us to test them and find the one that resonated with us. She passed around small containers, each with a different scent, lavender, patchouli, sandalwood and, to my surprise, lemon.
We were asked to try them and focus on how they made us feel.
I had always associated lemon with zest, with high energy, and I thought it was unusual to include it among calming oils. It was even more surprising to discover that lemon gave me something I had long been searching for, a feeling of returning to myself.
At the time, I could not fully explain why. It made me feel both happy and stronger. The scent seemed to clear mental fog and soften anxious thoughts almost immediately.
Even now, many years later, I still keep lemon oil nearby.
Life has changed since then. I have learned other ways to regulate stress and calm my nervous system, including tapping, acupressure, 4-7-8 breathing, and long walks. Lemon oil is no longer my only coping tool, but it still feels comforting to have it around the house.
Lemon remains part of my life because of its versatility. I can use it as an air freshener or to clean my carpet, and it creates an instant uplifting feeling of cleanliness, peace, and security.
Lemon in My Self-Care Routine
Lemon has naturally found its way into my self-care routine.
I have used it to lighten my hair in the summer, as the combination of lemon and sunlight tends to give quicker results. It is an inexpensive way to achieve a sun-kissed look without using chemical products. There is something satisfying about choosing something so simple that already exists in nature to subtly transform the way we look.
I use lemon in homemade cleansers and face masks when my skin feels tired and dull, in need of a bit of freshness. It brings a sensation of brightness and clarity, as if the skin itself is being reset.
I also love lemon in warm water infusions and detox drinks. While some question whether these truly help eliminate toxins, there is something undeniably revitalising about lemon. However, it is best enjoyed in moderation, as its acidity may affect tooth enamel and, for some people, can contribute to heartburn.
Around the Home
Lemon’s place in my life extends beyond beauty and wellbeing.
I use lemon-scented laundry and cleaning products because they instantly make a space feel fresher and lighter. Interestingly, I am quite sensitive to certain chemical fragrances, and some rose or apple-scented products can give me headaches or make me feel nauseous, yet lemon never does. Perhaps this is why lemon has become psychologically connected, in my mind, with safety and comfort.
Even ordinary household chores feel lighter and more enjoyable when that familiar citrus scent is in the background.
The Psychology of Lemon
Lemon occupies such a powerful place in the imagination that it often appears in personal development and mindfulness exercises. This is likely because it is so familiar, and most people have handled lemons and are already acquainted with its texture, smell, and taste.
In many self-help books, lemons are used in visualisation exercises to demonstrate the power of the mind. Readers are asked to imagine a lemon, to picture themselves touching it, cutting it open, and tasting it. Something remarkable then happens. The body reacts, as the experience feels so real, even though no lemon is physically present.
I have always loved this exercise because it reveals something profound about the connection between mind, memory, emotion, and the senses. Lemon is so vivid and distinctive that even imagining it can awaken the body. Perhaps that is part of its enduring magic.
A Source of Comfort and Joy
Of course, my affection for lemon is not only about wellbeing.
There is also lemon marmalade spread generously on warm toast. At home, my mum always favoured lemon marmalade over orange marmalade. We have tried many different brands and I am always on the lookout for new options.
Soft lemon muffins enjoyed during a quick break in a busy day. And lemon meringue tart, a sharp and sweet dessert that I once made for my housemates as a young adult and that they really enjoyed.
Lemon somehow manages to feel both energising and comforting at the same time. Perhaps that is why it has remained such a constant throughout different periods of my life.
A small fruit that feels grounding in my hand.
A bright spot of yellow on a white plate
A bit of sunshine on a stressful day.
Vive le citron!
Daphne
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