Lemon seeds are usually an afterthought, often tossed aside as we enjoy the zesty flesh and juice of lemons. But these tiny and overlooked seeds actually hold a surprising number of practical uses, offering benefits for home, garden, and even skincare.
From growing your own indoor lemon tree to creating natural pest repellents, lemon seeds have a lot more to offer than you might expect. If you’re curious about how to make the most of this often-discarded part of a lemon, explore these easy and eco-friendly ideas.
#1. Growing Your Own Lemon Tree
One of the most delightful uses for lemon seeds is to plant them and grow your own lemon tree. You simply dry the seeds, plant them in nutrient-rich soil, and place them in a sunny location, then keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet.
After a few weeks, you’ll notice small sprouts pushing through the soil. Indoor lemon trees can brighten your home, bringing a fresh, citrusy scent and a touch of greenery.
#2. Natural Pest Repellent
If you’re an avid gardener, lemon seeds can come in handy as a natural pest repellent. Lemon seeds contain limonene, a compound that has natural insect-repelling properties.
To create a homemade pest deterrent, grind a handful of dried lemon seeds into a fine powder and sprinkle it around plants or areas where pests are a concern.
#3. DIY Lemon Seed Face Scrub
Lemon seeds can even become a part of your skincare routine. With their natural abrasiveness, crushed lemon seeds make a fantastic base for a gentle exfoliating scrub.
To make this at home, you simply grind the seeds and combine them with sugar and a few drops of honey or coconut oil. This mixture helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin refreshed and glowing.
#4. Infusing Oils and Vinegar
Lemon seeds can subtly infuse a citrus essence into cooking staples like olive oil or vinegar. Start by lightly crushing the seeds and adding them to a bottle of oil or vinegar, then let the mixture sit for about two weeks to absorb the flavor.
The resulting infusion carries a gentle lemony aroma, perfect for drizzling over salads, or seafood dishes. The seeds add a unique taste without overpowering, allowing you to enjoy a nuanced flavor that elevates everyday recipes.
#5. Fragrant Sachets for Drawers and Closets
For a natural way to freshen up your closets or drawers, dried lemon seeds can be used to make aromatic sachets. You place a handful of seeds in a small fabric pouch, and for extra fragrance, add other dried herbs or citrus peels.
Then you just tuck these sachets into drawers or hang them in closets to add a subtle, natural lemon scent to your clothes or linens.
