Science behind boiling lemon peels with bay leaves: What studies say about this popular practice and its benefits

A saucepan filled with lemon peels, bay leaves and gently simmering water has become one of the latest household trends on social media. Supporters claim the simple mixture naturally freshens the home, removes unpleasant smells and even keeps mosquitoes and other insects away.

The hack certainly fills a room with a pleasant citrus-herbal fragrance, but how much of the online advice is backed by science?

Research shows that both lemon peels and bay leaves contain aromatic compounds that are released when heated. However, studies also suggest there are limits to what this homemade remedy can actually do. Here's what the evidence says.

Why do boiled lemon peels and bay leaves smell so fresh?

The pleasant aroma comes from naturally occurring essential oils found in both ingredients. Lemon peel contains high levels of d-limonene, the compound responsible for the fruit's distinctive citrus scent. A review published in Frontiers in Plant Science explains that limonene typically accounts for 48–70 per cent of the essential oil found in lemon (Citrus limon) peels, although the exact amount varies depending on the variety and growing conditions.

The review also notes that lemon peel contains several other volatile compounds, including ß-pinene, myrcene and linalool, all of which contribute to its fresh aroma.

Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are equally rich in fragrant compounds. Studies analysing bay leaf essential oil have identified 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), linalool and eugenol among its major constituents.

When the ingredients are heated in water, these volatile compounds evaporate with the steam, creating the distinctive herbal-citrus fragrance that spreads throughout the room.

Can it really remove bad smells from your home?

Not exactly. According to experts, simmering lemon peels and bay leaves does not eliminate the source of unpleasant odours. Instead, it masks them by filling the air with stronger natural fragrances.

This is why the trick can temporarily make kitchens smell fresher after cooking or reduce stale indoor odours.

Natural "simmer pots" made with citrus fruits, herbs and spices have long been recommended as an alternative to scented candles or synthetic air fresheners because they release pleasant aromas without added fragrances.

However, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the best way to improve indoor air quality is to remove the source of pollution and increase ventilation rather than relying on fragrances to cover unwanted smells.

Does boiling lemon peels and bay leaves repel mosquitoes?

This is where many social media claims go beyond the available scientific evidence. Several laboratory studies suggest that citrus essential oils possess insect-repellent properties.

An MDPI-indexed study investigating essential oils extracted from eight citrus cultivars found that oils rich in limonene demonstrated mosquito-repellent activity against Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species responsible for spreading diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Researchers reported that essential oils extracted from Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinensis var. Malta provided protection against female mosquitoes for up to 45 minutes under laboratory conditions.

Similarly, scientific studies have shown that bay leaf essential oils and extracts may have insect-repellent properties.

However, these studies used highly concentrated essential oils produced through steam distillation, not ordinary bay leaves simmered in water.

There is currently no strong scientific evidence showing that boiling lemon peels and bay leaves at home produces enough active compounds to repel mosquitoes throughout an entire room.

Why laboratory studies cannot be directly compared with this kitchen hack

One important difference often overlooked online is concentration. Most scientific research investigates purified essential oils or laboratory extracts containing much higher levels of active compounds than those released during everyday cooking.

Steam distillation concentrates limonene, cineole, eugenol and other chemicals far beyond the small amounts produced by simmering fruit peels in a saucepan.

As a result, laboratory findings cannot automatically be applied to this household practice.

While your kitchen may smell pleasant, it does not mean the mixture delivers the same antimicrobial or insect-repelling effects observed under controlled laboratory conditions.

Could there be any health benefits?

Both lemon peels and bay leaves have attracted scientific interest because of their natural bioactive compounds.

Studies have explored the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds extracted from citrus peels and bay leaves.

Researchers are investigating their possible applications in:

• Food preservation
• Natural antimicrobial products
• Pharmaceutical research
• Cosmetic formulations

However, these potential benefits largely come from concentrated extracts rather than ingredients gently simmered in water.

There is currently little evidence that simply boiling lemon peels and bay leaves indoors provides comparable health effects.

How to try the lemon peel and bay leaf simmer pot

If you simply want your home to smell fresh, the method is straightforward.

Add:

• Peels from one or two lemons
• Three or four bay leaves
• Water to fill about half a saucepan

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to heat for around 10–15 minutes.

As the water gradually evaporates, top it up to prevent the pan from drying out.

Some people also add ingredients such as:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Fresh rosemary
• Orange peel

to create different seasonal fragrances.

Is it safe?

Generally, yes, provided it is used responsibly. The biggest risk comes from leaving a saucepan unattended.

As the water evaporates, the pan can eventually boil dry, increasing the risk of overheating or fire.

People with asthma, allergies or fragrance sensitivities may also find strong aromas irritating, so good ventilation is recommended.

Boiling lemon peels and bay leaves is an inexpensive way to create a fresh-smelling home while making use of kitchen scraps that might otherwise be discarded.

Science supports why the mixture smells pleasant, both ingredients naturally contain aromatic compounds released through heating.

However, there is little evidence that this simple kitchen hack purifies indoor air or works as an effective mosquito repellent.

Most research highlighting antimicrobial or insect-repellent properties has been carried out using concentrated essential oils and laboratory extracts, not ingredients simmered in ordinary tap water.

In other words, this viral trend works well as a natural home fragrance, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for proper ventilation, air purification or scientifically tested insect-control methods.

Inputs from TOI