Like a burst of sunshine through the clouds, fresh and clean Lemon essential oil is brimming with vitality. A Lemon is so vibrantly yellow and glossy that it reflects light back into the world.
Lemon Essential Oil
Where is Lemon essential oil from?
Our Lemon pure essential oil comes from Argentina however Lemons grow abundantly in many locations and yield a large amount of essential oil.
How is Lemon essential oil made?
The trees bloom around August to September and harvest season is from March to September. The essential oil is in the skin of most citrus fruit, protecting it from pests and disease. The essential oil is extracted by cold press. During this process the producers press the peel of the fruit in a stream of room temperature water. The water and essential oil mix is then separated by centrifuge. Lemon essential oil is a minimally processed product and can sometimes spoil after about 12 months. It is easy to tell if an oil has gone off by the change in aroma. Some aromatherapists keep their citrus essential oils in the fridge to slow down this process especially in hot climates.
What can Lemon essential oil be used for?
Lemon is such a widely used plant, well-known in cooking and cleaning products, we may overlook its therapeutic value. Lemon essential oil makes a useful addition to any basic aromatic first aid kit alongside other medicinal essential oils such as Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.
What does Spanish Marjoram look like?
Spanish Marjoram is a perennial herb growing to over 60 centimetres high - a perennial plant is a plant that lives more than two years. It looks to have a hairy stem and small, silver-green downy leaves with tiny, pinkish white flowers.
What does Lemon essential oil smell like?
Lemon essential oil is at once a familiar and uplifting fragrance. The citrus scent has a gently sour undertone topped with a deliciously light sweet note. It suggests cleanliness, sunlight and a freshness that is cheerful and exhilarating.
What does Marjoram essential oil smell like?
With a warm, spicy, scent and a hint of camphor, Spanish Marjoram is what is known as a middle note and sits with the herbaceous types of essential oils.
History of Lemon
Many essential oils we enjoy today have a long history of medicinal use. The origin of the lemon tree is not exactly known. They were probably first found in what is now northeast India and China. Lemon was used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine and before that, Ayuvedic Medicine.
Lemons are thought to have been introduced into Roman society in 2nd century AD as there are records of the fruit being described as medicinal at that time.
Lemons integrated into early European healing modalities and were prized in the treatment of colds, arthritis, and digestive complaints amongst other conditions. Lemons, and other citrus fruit, were famously used on long voyages to prevent Royal Navy sailors from developing scurvy due to its high vitamin C content.
Today, researchers are interested utilising Lemon essential oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
What are the benefits of Lemon essential oil?
- Lemon essential oil can be added to treatment blends and skin care products that help manage acne. Acne is an inflammatory condition with an overproduction of sebum making it easier for infections to set in. Acne tends to be caused by a bacterial infection and Lemon has excellent antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Lemon is also indicated for the treatment of boils which can sometimes accompany more severe cases of acne. The astringent quality is useful to tone the skin and help reduce excessive oil (sebum) production.
- Lemon is traditionally associated with cleansing and detoxification. Lemon is thought to clean the blood and regulate its consistency. As a blood vessel tonic, Lemon is used to treat varicose veins and other surface veins such as spider veins. Lemon may assist in the reduction of plaque build-up in arteries.
- Lemon has been used to support the immune system through its broad spectrum antimicrobial action; it helps the immune system fight off germs. From thrush, boils, skin infections to colds and flu, Lemon is a powerful helper to the immune system. Lemon essential oil is reported to increase the production of white blood cells which are part of the immune response. We can benefit from Lemon during times of illness by massaging diluted essential oil into feet or affected areas, in steam inhalations or in the diffuser.
- Lemon is a useful addition to homemade cleaning products such as surface sprays and disinfectants.
- There is some evidence that Lemon essential oil may be useful in the management of asthma and bronchitis possibly due to the anti-inflammatory nature of the oil. It is thought that the high content of limonene in all citrus oils contribute to their anti-inflammatory action.
- Lemon essential oil can support the digestive system in many ways. Generally, the anti-inflammatory action can soothe upset stomachs and irritations caused by food allergies or an unhealthy balance of gut flora. In fact, Lemon is recommended for mild morning sickness during pregnancy. The toning and astringent action of Lemon makes it a good remedy for diarrhea and poor digestion. Lemon essential oil is reported to have a toning action on the stomach and can help calm the stomach and reduce wind.
- In a well-documented experiment from Japan it was found that burning Lemon essential oil in an office reduced typing mistakes by around 50%. Lemon has long been used for students of all ages to help them focus and concentrate. The vibrant fragrance does seem to clear away foggy and fatigued thoughts and allow fresh inspiration to come through.
- On a more subtle note, Lemon essential oil is beneficial for the overthinkers who find it hard to come to the heart of the matter. Lemon can assist when logical thought is needed and especially useful for making big decisions. During times of emotional overload Lemon can revive and comfort us. A companion to those experiencing burnout, melancholy and unhelpful reoccurring thoughts.
How do you use Lemon essential oil?
- Diffuser:Add 6-8 drops of Lemon essential oil to a diffuser.
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Quick fix: A few deep inhalations from the bottle can help when you are at work, in the car or anytime you need a quick break.
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Shower:Add 2-3 drops to the corner of the shower and enjoy the benefits of steam inhalation.
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Bath:Add up to 5 drops in a dispersant such as oil, to the bath to create a relaxing atmosphere while nourishing your skin. Recommend to do at night time.
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Massage: Use a 2.5% dilution; 15 drops per 30ml carrier oil.
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Hand or foot bath: Add 2 drops of Lemon to a bowl of water and soak feet. Lemon may be useful in the treatment of nail infections or gout.
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Compress: Add 2 drops of Lemon essential oil to a bowl of water. Agitate a face washer in the water, wring out excess moisture and apply washer to the affected area. Repeat two or three times as the compress cools down or warms up.
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Steam treatment: For face and respiratory, add 2 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Caution due to risk of burns or scalding.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
Lemon essential oil is great for aromatherapy beginners. It can be used to uplift a blend that has become too heavy with bass notes such as with Patchouli and Vetiver. The sweet top note can help smooth out jagged tones of herbal essential oils like Rosemary, Thyme and Juniper Berry. Lemon seems to compliment any essential oil and really gives most blends a vibrancy without overpowering. Lemon and other citrus oils are very volatile. They tend to evaporate quickly, especially if using a heat source such as hot water or an oil burner. To ensure a blend diffuses consistently, use more drops of Lemon and less of the bass and middle notes.
Contraindications of Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil is generally considered to be safe. This essential oil can be used during pregnancy, for children and for those with serious health complaints. It may cause skin sensitivities in some and can cause photosensitivity. Avoid topical application before sun exposure. Citrus essential oil that has gone off may increase the risk of skin irritation so best to use older bottles of oil in the diffuser or in cleaning products.
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Author: Alissa Geddes
Aromatherapist
Alissa is a fully qualified Aromatherapist with further qualifications in Remedial Massage & Myotherapy. She qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2005 and has worked in hospitals, day spas and in clinical practice. Alissa contributes her extensive knowledge to ECO. and helps with detailed education to our ECO. community. Alissa is passionate about assisting and teaching others how to restore and maintain their health and wellbeing.
