Benefits of Lemon Oil
Lemon Essential Oil’s active chemical components contribute to its therapeutic benefits that give it the reputation of being an invigorating, cleansing, and purifying oil. These constituents make it ideal for use in cosmetics, aromatherapy, massage, and home cleaning products to purify the air as well as surfaces. These healing benefits can be attributed to the oil’s anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic, stimulant, antiseptic, soothing, energizing, and balancing activities, among other valuable properties.
The main constituents of Lemon Essential Oil are: Limonene, α-Pinene, Camphene, β-Pinene, Sabinene, Myrcene, α-Terpinene, Linalool, β -bisabolene, trans-α-Bergamotene, Nerol, and Neral.
α-Pinene is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-septic
Expectorant
Bronchodilator
Camphene is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Soothing
Anti-inflammatory
Sabinene is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Anti-microbial
Anti-fungal
Anti-inflammatory
Myrcene is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Anti-biotic
Sedative
Anti-mutagenic
Linalool is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-anxiety
Anti-epileptic
Analgesic
Sedative
Limonene is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Stimulant
Digestive
Detoxicant
Appetite suppressant
Nerol is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Sedative
Anti-inflammatory
Balancing
Analgesic
Neral is known to exhibit the following activity:
Apoptotic
Anti-nociceptive
Anti-inflammatory
Used topically after dilution in a carrier oil or in a skin care product, Lemon Essential Oil boosts circulation, metabolism, and digestive function. It relieves constipation and reduces blood pressure as well as cellulite. It can inhibit or soothe inflammation such as headaches and can ease the discomfort associated with arthritis.
Its anti-bacterial properties can sanitize not only wounds but also objects. Its astringent properties rejuvenate dull complexions, making Lemon Oil effective for restoring the luster to tired or sagging skin. Lemon Oil’s high vitamin content boosts immunity by stimulating the body’s ability to combat harmful bacteria.
Used in aromatherapy, it can reduce fever and flu and relieve throat infections and cough. By clearing the nasal passages, it promotes easier breathing for those with respiratory issues or infections. This rejuvenating, clean-smelling essential oil is commonly used to enhance concentration and energy. When diffused indoors, Lemon Essential Oil eliminates toxins in both the air and on surfaces. It can be used as a non-toxic cleaner and air freshener throughout the home for a mood-elevating, cooling, and revitalizing effect. It has a calming effect that can subdue negative moods such as anxiety.
COSMETIC: Antiseptic, Tonic, Detoxifying, Anti-fungal.
ODOROUS: Anti-microbial, Anti-rheumatic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Febrifuge, Astringent, Calming.
MEDICINAL: Anti-microbial, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-septic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Depurative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Anti-infection, Astringent, Disinfectant, Calming, Anti-anemic, Anti-sclerotic, Cicatrisant, Diaphoretic, Haemostatic, Hypotensive, Tonic, Vermifuge, Detoxifying, Anti-fungal.
CULTIVATING AND HARVESTING QUALITY LEMON OIL
Lemon trees have dark green leaves that are oval in shape and are serrated around the edges. They grow to a height of approximately 6 meters (20 feet) and grow highly aromatic flowers that are usually pink or white in color. The fruit of these trees – the lemons – are green and gradually become yellow as they ripen. Compared to other citrus trees, Lemon trees have a heightened sensitivity to the cold, become dormant at temperatures below 13 ᵒC (55 ᵒF), and require protection against frost. They need full sunlight in order to grow and they thrive in a temperature range between 21 ᵒC (70 ᵒF) during the day and 13 ᵒC (55 ᵒF) at night.
Lemon trees generally prefer slightly acidic soil with adequate drainage, but they can also grow well in a wide range of soils. Ideally, they are planted slightly higher than ground level, thus the holes into which they are placed should not be as long as their root balls. Lemon trees need deep watering once a week and, to help them retain moisture, mulch can be added to their bases.
Lemons continue to be hand-picked; however, they cannot be picked while they are wet. They are usually picked while they are still green and unripe, as they ripen and turn yellow while they are being transported to the essential oil production facility. The pulp also produces more juice in the interim.
HOW IS LEMON OIL EXTRACTED?
Lemon Essential Oil is obtained by the cold expression of fresh lemon fruit peels – also called skins or rinds – which contain volatile oil glands. Nearly 1000 lemons are needed to produce 1 lb. of Lemon Oil. After extraction, Lemon Oil has a thin, watery viscosity, a pale, greenish-yellow color, and gives off a sharp yet fresh fragrance, which can largely be attributed to the chemical constituent Limonene.
USES OF LEMON OIL
The uses for Lemon Essential Oil are abundant, ranging from medicinal and odorous to cosmetic. Its many forms include oils, gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos, and sprays, to name a few suggestions for homemade products.
When diluted and used topically in cosmetic products, Lemon Essential Oil provides skin with many benefits such as a complexion that looks vibrant and feels healthy and smooth. It can be added to massage blends or diluted in relaxing baths to moisturize chapped skin, relieve fatigue and flu symptoms, boost energy and metabolism, enhance the mood, and generally tone the body. In creams or lotions, Lemon Oil can reduce the appearance of cellulite, and in face washes it can act as a tightening and toning astringent that reduces the amount of oil production. Used in hair products, Lemon Essential Oil works as a tonic that helps achieve hair that is strong and healthy-looking. Lemon Oil removes dandruff and leaves hair shiny without looking or feeling greasy. To balance oil production on the scalp, Lemon Oil can be diluted with Apple Cider Vinegar and water to create a hair rinse.
In aromatherapy, Lemon Essential Oil can be used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, depression, and stress, among other ailments. Diffusing Lemon Oil can clear nasal passages and lungs and boost energy levels. In a similar vein, it can release feelings of irritation by uplifting moods and it can improve concentration by clearing the mind, which can facilitate easier decision making. To relieve allergies, combine Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint oils and rub the blend on the bottoms of feet and behind the neck daily. Lemon Essential Oil can be added to natural homemade scented candles or potpourri to steadily diffuse a diluted yet refreshing scent.
As a household cleaner, Lemon Essential Oil acts as a natural disinfectant. Dilute Lemon Essential Oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray it onto shower walls, windows, wooden furniture, metal surfaces, and countertops to eliminate mold and achieve a streak-free shine. Lemon Oil can also be blended with Tea Tree Oil and again diluted in water and vinegar to create a cleaning spray. For its antiseptic quality, Lemon Essential Oil can be added to homemade soaps.
A GUIDE TO LEMON OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS
LEMON VARIETY & BOTANICAL NAME COUNTRY OF ORIGIN BENEFITS OF OIL
Lemon (Argentina) Essential Oil
Citrus limon (L) Burm. Found in:
Argentina
Believed to:
Moisturize
Smooth dry skin
Relieve fatigue
Boost energy
Lemon (Sicily) Essential Oil
Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. Found in:
Italy
Spain
Believed to:
Enhance metabolism
Tone the body
Reduce appearance of cellulite
Balance oil production
Lemon (Natural Blend) Essential Oil Found in:
Italy
Believed to:
Relieve gas
Reduce fever
Balance moods and emotions
Promote easy breathing
Lemon 5 Fold (Natural Blend) Essential Oil
Natural Blends are blends of oils from various natural sources to achieve an economical product that resembles the aroma of the pure oil.
Found in:
Italy
Believed to:
Purify air and surfaces
Energize the mind
Enhance focus
Cosmetic applications
Scenting soaps and candles
Lemon 5 Fold (Sicily) Essential Oil
5 Fold indicates that the oil’s Terpenes have been removed through extended distillation, making its scent five times stronger.
Found in:
Italy
Believed to:
Nourish and condition skin and hair
Cool and revitalize skin
Cleanse and refresh the air
Lemon Organic Essential Oil
Citrus limonum Found in:
Italy
Believed to:
Relieve cold and flu symptoms
Tighten skin
Clear nasal passages
Improve concentration
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR LEMON OIL
As per NAHA guidelines, New Directions Aromatics (NDA) does not recommend the ingestion of essential oils. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using Lemon Essential Oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women and those taking prescription drugs are especially advised not to use Lemon Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician. The oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.
Lemon Essential Oil must be used in dilution, as it can potentially cause skin irritation. Prior to using Lemon Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or Jojoba Oil, and applying a small amount to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Once applied topically, sun exposure should be avoided, as Lemon Oil may sensitize the skin to UV rays. Lemon Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.
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