Calamansi is a tropical native citrus fruit popularly used as an ingredient in juice, dipping sauce, jellies, jams and marmalade. In Southeast Asia particularly in Philippines, it is widely used in a number of dishes because of its sweet and sour taste.
But aside from being used as an ingredient, calamansi, which is rich in Vitamin C, can be used to prevent certain diseases. Moreover, calamansi has tons of practical uses that it’s a must-have in Philippine households.
Here are some surprising uses of calamansi.
1. It protects from common cold and flu.
Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, calamansi is often given as a juice to boost the body’s resistance and prevent common colds and flu.
2. It helps in weight loss.
People who are trying to shed the extra pounds drink calamansi juice every day as it is a healthy and low-calorie drink that purifies the organs, detoxifies the colon, improves bowel movement, prevents constipation and helps eliminate stored fat.
3. It can be used as a skin bleaching agent.
A mild, natural and effective skin bleaching agent, calamansi extract can be applied on the face and body without causing irritation. However, it is advised that you apply the pure extract on the affected area just twice a week for about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. It prevents tooth decay.
Calamansi extract can help prevent dental problems like tooth decay, bleeding gums, loose teeth and even gets rids of plaque and teeth stains.
5. It’s an all-natural body odor eliminator.
Because it prevents profuse perspiration, calamansi extract can be used as an alternative to deodorants containing harsh chemicals. You may rub calamansi on the affected area like your armpit or add it to your bathing water to eliminate body odor.
6. It can be used to get rid of dandruff.
If you have an itchy scalp and dandruff, you can rub a halved calamansi gently on it. You may use a cloth cover to prevent the pulps from stick into your hair.
7. It can be used as meat tenderizer.
Aside from adding flavor to your dish, calamansi extract can be added to your meat to make it tender.
8. It increases hair volume.
Apply it on your scalp, the same way you apply it for dandruff, to increase hair volume.
9. It removes stain on clothes.
New and fresh stains can be removed by rubbing the pulp of calamansi into the stained area of the clothes.
10. It evens out skin tone.
When applied topically, calamansi extract can help remove acne, freckles and pimples.