Lemon Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus limon

Believed to be a species native to southern regions of China, the Lemon tree was brought to Europe and the Middle Eastern countries by crusaders in the 12th Century. Columbus then brought its seeds (along with those of the orange tree) across to the West Indies and thereby founded what remains the largest Lemon industry in existence.

This essential oil is produced from cold pressing the outer peel of the lemon fruit. The Lemon trees are grown organically in Italy. It is especially important to source organic fruit for citrus oil production as the majority of these fruits are sprayed with pesticides and waxes for the food market.

The high temperatures needed for steam distillation would destroy the subtle, fresh aroma of lemon oil and therefore this oil is extracted by cold-pressing the fresh peel. Cold pressing will yield six to seven pounds of oil from one Ton of fresh fruit.

We find this finely produced Italian organic Lemon oil to be consistently the freshest, most complex and brightest available.

This Lemon essential oil has a light, bright citrus and floral top note that melds into a deeper, lightly honeyed orange blossom middle note, supported by a slightly sweet resinous undertone.

Lemon is considered one of the lightest in aromatherapy, a nice bright 'top note'.

Constituents of lemon oil include limonene, which is responsible for the oil's tangy-fruity aroma, and citral, which is responsible for what we recognize as the lemon note in the aroma profile.

Considered the most effective scorbotic (against scurvy), British ships were required by law to carry sufficient juice or oil to treat every person on board with one dose per day as a preventative measure.

It has also been used extensively to combat any infectious illnesses, as a diuretic and to combat excess perspiration.

It is rumored to be the best cure for hiccoughs, jaundice and heart palpitations as well as arthritis, rheumatism and any liver congestion.

Antibacterial, Anti-anemic, Anti-coagulant, Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antirheumatic, Antisclerotic, Antispasmodic, Antitoxic, Antiviral, Astringent, Carminative, Cictrisant, Depurative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic (mild), Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Insecticidal, Litholytic, Lymphatic decongestant, Stimulant (pancreas, immune system, white corpuscles), Phlebotonic, Stomachic, Tonic, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• Warming, enhancing and invigorating
• Antidepressant effects
• Uplifting and clarifying
• Emotionally heart opening
• Alleviates fears of loss
• Stimulates feelings of trust and security.

Lemon oil also has a significant positive effect on concentration. In a university study conducted in Japan, various essential oils were diffused into an office. When Lemon alone was in the air, 54% fewer errors occurred during typing tests. With Jasmine oil, there were 33% fewer errors, and Lavender oil showed 20% less. In addition, diffusion of these three essential oils were found to increase test scores by up to 50% when introduced into study and test-taking spaces.

Dermatological:

• Alleviates acne
• Strengthens nails and hair
• Quells boils, chilblains, corns, herpes, mouth sores and warts
• Aids in reduction of varicose veins and cellulite

Muscles and Joints:

• Promotes healthy circulation
• Reduces blood pressure
• Prevents and alleviates toxin buildup
• Reduces pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism

Respiratory System:

• Promotes opening of airways (combats asthmatic symptoms)
• Effective in treating bronchitis and other throat infections

Immune System:

• Effective detoxification of liver, pancreas and lymphatic system
• Prevents and helps the body fight colds, flus and infection

Inhalation:

• Add a few milliliters of Lemon essential oil to a diffuser to disinfect and aromatically beautify a room. As Lemon essential oil has been shown to eliminate many types of bacteria, it is often used in disinfecting blends with other antibacterial oils such as Pine or Eucalyptus.

• Lemon essential oil has powerful antiseptic properties coupled with a lovely aroma and therefore it is a great modifier for medicinal-smelling oils such as Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. Lemon works synergistically on a therapeutic, aesthetic and emotional level. This is very important when working with blends containing strongly medicinal oils, which may have a tendency to produce a negative aesthetic or emotional effect in aroma-sensitive individuals.

Topical:

• Massage, Compress, Ointment, Bath, Skin Care
• Astringent qualities counteract the production of sebum, treating acne.
• Tones aging skin.
• Antibacterial properties beneficial to the treatment of boils.

Ingestion:

• Naturopathic remedies suggest 5-10 drops in a cup of water in the morning to detoxify the body and lift the spirits.

Lemon oil is non-toxic, a non-irritant and non-sensitizing. As with Bergamot and Grapefruit oils, the only caution is possible phototoxicity; it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight thus it is advisable to avoid direct sun exposure on areas of skin that have been treated with this oil.