Due to its yellow color, refreshing scent, ability to purify, and for the burst of energy that it provides, Lemon Essential Oil has earned the nickname “Liquid Sunshine.” Lemon Oil possibly has the most powerful anti-microbial activity of all the essential oils. The name Lemon is derived from either the Arabic word “laimun” or the Persian word “limun,” both meaning “citrus fruit.” Small and evergreen, Lemon trees are considered to be a cross between Bitter Orange and Citron and were originally grown for decorative purposes with the fruit remaining on the tree. Once the fruit’s resourcefulness was discovered, it began to be cultivated.
Lemon trees are native to Asia and were used by not only ancient Indians but also Egyptians and Romans to treat infectious diseases. Lemon trees are believed to have been brought to Europe in the Middle Ages around 200 A.D. and eventually made their way from the Middle East to North Africa and eventually, Christopher Columbus introduced them to America. At this time, due to their antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, English sailors in the Royal Navy also often used them while sailing to protect themselves against the ravages of scurvy and vitamin deficiencies.
Both the fruit and the essential oil have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat a vast range of health issues. Lemon Essential Oil is used today in perfumery, in culinary practices, and to relieve mental exhaustion while improving cognitive function and concentration. For this reason, Lemon Oil is diffused in workplaces in order to improve employee focus and efficiency and to reduce the number of errors.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
| LEMON VARIETY & BOTANICAL NAME | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | BENEFITS OF OIL |
| Lemon (Argentina) Essential Oil Citrus limon (L) Burm. |
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| Lemon (Sicily) Essential Oil Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. |
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| Lemon (Natural Blend) Essential Oil | Found in:
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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. |
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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. |
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| Lemon Organic Essential Oil Citrus limonum |
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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.