LEMON (CITRUS LIMONUM)

This oil refreshes and cools, bringing clarity to mind and emotions, whilst restoring vitality and acting as a tonic to the circulatory system. It has beneficial effects on the immune system and is cleansing on the skin. Lemon essential oil is extracted from the Citrus limonum (a.k.a. Citrus Limon) from the Rutaceae family.

The fragrance of lemon is sharp and fresh smell, it is pale greenish-yellow in colour and is watery in viscosity. The shelf life of Lemon oil is only 8-10 months if it is to be used in aromatherapy, but can still be used in a vaporiser. A native of India, this evergreen tree grows up to about 6 meters (20 feet) and has dark green serrated oval leaves. The pink/white flowers are highly perfumed and the trees have thorns and fruit that turn from green to yellow on ripening.

Lemon is derived from the Arabic 'laimun' or Persian 'limun' and was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages. Lemon has a high content of vitamins A, B and C and an ounce a day was given to sailors in the Royal Navy to alleviate scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies.

In Japan Lemon oil is used in diffusers in banks to reduce worker-error and is a popular flavouring agent for food and perfumes.

Lemon oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression. The main chemical components of Lemon oil are: Limonene, Citronella, Phellandrene, Citral and Citroptene.

Precaution

It is non-toxic, but can cause skin irritation and is sensitising in some individuals, and since it is a photo-toxic oil, should not be used (even in low dilution) before being exposed to the sun.

Therapeutic Uses

The therapeutic properties of Lemon oil are: anti-acid, anti-sclerotic, antibiotic, sedative, carminative, anti neuralgic, diuretic, astringent, digestive, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, febrifuge, laxative and vermifuge.

Lemon oil is very beneficial to the circulatory system, it aids with blood flow and brings down blood pressure, it can help to reduce fever and relieve throat infections, bronchitis, asthma and flu.

It helps the immune system, cleanses the body, it improves the functions of the digestive system, and is helpful with constipation, dyspepsia and cellulite.

Lemon oil can soothe and relieve headaches and migraines and it can be helpful for rheumatism and arthritis.

For the skin it is useful in helping to clear up acne and cleansing greasy skin and hair, as well as removing dead skin cells.

Lemon oil eases painful cold sores, mouth ulcers, herpes and insect bites.

It may be used in burners and vaporizers, for colds, voice loss, flu, depression, stress, lack of energy and fatigue.

It can be used in blended massage oils or diluted in the bath to assist with: digestive problems, lack of energy, fatigue, infections, flu, obesity, overweight, rheumatism, depression, stress and as a general tonic.

Lemon oil can be used in a base cream, in a lotion or as a mouthwash, for mouth ulcers and throat infections and for oily skin.

Note: Top note