Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Sugar Scrub

Here in the sunny Mediterranean, lemons grow wild. Their flowers smell amazing, they grow quickly, and their strong limbs can support huge quantities of lemons even before the trees are fully mature and large. The Roman goddess of youth was symbolized by the lemon. This recipe is high in vitamin C, which is great for the treatment of acne, supports aging skin, lightens brown spots, and helps balance oil production. I use cardamom ALL THE TIME and in EVERYTHING. So I was excited to try adding it to a body scrub with this recipe.

The smell and nature of this sunny fruit is light and bright, with an uplifting scent; it makes a great addition to your Summer body care ritual. When I say ritual, I mean that literally. As you make this scrub, notice the uplift in mood as you mix in the lemon zest and juice. I love body-care products that are so natural we could eat them… and yum, this one is especially edible.

When you are ready to use the scrub, consider your skin type and use care. One would likely not want to exceed three uses in a week. As you apply the scrub, tune into your body; bring awareness to the experience. Connect with the act of caring for yourself. Notice the sensation of the grit, the tingle of the lemon, the texture of the oil. Maybe taste a little and feel these sensations in your mouth as well. This invigorating experience reminds us we are alive.

A body scrub is a great addition to a cleaning, releasing, or otherwise clearing ritual or in preparation for a ceremony. When we show up to honor ancestors, cast a spell, or even simply to meditate, we likely arrive with an ask for our Spirit Guides, or others we connect and commune with during spiritual journeys or work. In order to show them the most respect, we cleanse, clear, and create space for what is to come. This is a very important step. Think of removing your shoes as a guest at the door of someone you have just met. We also do this before entering spaces for worship in many traditions. This is similar.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, lemon is a bright, cooling, sour fruit that can be especially supportive during the expansive energy of Summer. Its sour flavor is associated with the Liver and has an astringing, gathering quality, helping to preserve fluids when heat and activity cause us to sweat and disperse our resources. The lemon itself is considered cooling, and its vibrant, sun-filled nature can complement the Yang energy of Summer—bringing brightness, movement, and freshness while helping to balance the tendency toward excess heat. Used in water, dressings, or alongside lightly cooked foods, lemon can be a simple way to bring the qualities of Summer into the body while supporting hydration and the natural rhythm of the season.

Makes about 2 cups or 16 ounces

4 T poppy seeds

1 c granulated sugar

Heavy shake of Cardamom

Zest of 1 lemon

2 t lemon juice

½ c grapeseed oil (substitute for olive oil, jojoba oil, or a mix)

Combine all of your dry ingredients in a bowl with the lemon zest. Mix. Add oil, then lemon juice. Place your scrub in a jar or other container to keep it fresh and dry. Use within one month.

Use throughout the body, applying with small circular motions to your wet skin. Using the same theory as Dry Brushing, start at your fingers and toes, then work your way inward toward your heart. Avoid any sensitive areas or skin conditions. Rinse well and use care; the oil might make your shower slick.