Put a Lemon with Salt in the Middle of Your Room

Many people believe that simple rituals can change the energy or atmosphere of a home. One popular practice involves cutting a lemon into quarters, sprinkling it with salt, and placing it on a plate in the center of a room. It is sometimes promoted as a “cure-all” for everything from unpleasant odors and stress to so-called negative energy and household germs.

But how much of this is actually supported by evidence? Let’s separate the practical effects from folklore and