Lemon Oil it is most definitely in the list of the must have oils in your Aromatherapy Kit and one of my most used. It’s beautiful fresh aroma lifts the sprit.
Lemon Oil is produced all year round through cold expression of the citrus peel. A good use for the discarded rinds after juicing. The rinds are pressed by sponges, the oil gathers in the sponge and then is squeezed out.
You need about 45 lemons to produce a 15 ml bottle of essential oil.
HISTORY:
Originating in China the medieval crusades and travels introduced lemons to Spain and Sicily. Today Lemon oil is produced in Italy, Spain, Israel, Argentina and the USA, Australia is now beginning to cultivate lemon oil. My favorite is the organic Spanish Oil. With it’s fresh aroma I am instantly transported to the family farm, generations of family love and passion in beautiful mediterranean landscapes.
THERAPEUTICS
Traditionally lemon juice was used to prevent Scurvy on ships and used as a diaphoretic and diuretic. It was used in acute Rheumatism.
Lemon oil is my first port of call as a defendant when I feel the humble beginnings of a cold or flu. Consistently with in 24 hours has stopped it in its tracks. It is a refreshing and invigorating oil to freshen a room. Studies have shown that 40% of airborne microbes are killed in the first 3hrs of diffusing lemon oil and 90% after 3 hours.
The main chemical component of lemon oil is the secondary metabolite of Limonene. Secondary metabolites are integral to supporting life by carrying the plants messages, influencing the enzymatic activity of the targets organism’s mechanics. Limonene in clinical trials indicates that it removes carcinogens, inhibit tumor growth and will treat herpes lesions.
Other uses: Antidepressant, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, depurative diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, rubefacient, tonic.
HOW TO USE
Inhalation: Add 6-8 drops into an aromatic diffuser, can include other oils to blend. Place 3 drops on a handkerchief or tissue to hold and inhale. Place 3-6 drops in a bowl of steaming water next to you or for steam inhalation. Use inhalation for: chest infection, colds, flu, clean the air, refresh and uplift mood, immunostimulant and mental fatigue.
Compress: Very tonifying to our blood vessels. Can use as a compress for varicose veins, broken capillaries, hemorrhoids and nosebleeds. Add 6-8 drops in cold or warm water. Add your compress cloth squeeze out excess water and apply.
Creams and lotions: Lemon oil is astringent counteracting the overproduction of sebum, combined with antibacterial properties is excellent for teenage skin. Recommended for treating warts, boils and verrucae. Add to a good cream or lotion base. (see safety)
Massage: Is mild detoxifier and can be used for toxemia or cellulite. Blended with other oils it will support liver regeneration and detoxification. Restorative for the Pancreas to help manage hyperglycemia and diabetes.
BLENDS WELL WITH
Is a versatile essential oil, a top note to be added to just about all of your blends. The blending factor is 4 parts to total blend. Examples;
Energising and uplifting – Black Pepper, Ginger, clove bud and cinnamon oil., lemongrass, peppermint.
Detoxing – Juniper, Sweet Orange, Sweet Fennel, Rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint.
Antiseptic – Tea Tree, Fragonia, Lavender, thyme, Lemon Myrtle.
SAFETY:
Is photo-toxic, do not use on skin exposed to sunlight. Skin care use no more than a 2% dilution. Highly susceptible to oxidation which becomes sensitising. Do not use old lemon oil and store below 30 degrees. Use only organic Lemon oil as pesticides are used heavily with citrus plantations so source a good organic oil
