Lemon oil: aromatherapy, health benefits and uses of lemon essential oil
Introduction
Lemon essential oil, derived from the genus Citrus, provides an array of health and aromatherapy benefits.
The English name comes from the lemon's Latin name, citrus limon (linnaeus), lemon oil is derived from the fruit of the tall lemon trees.
Historians have found that the earliest traces of lemon were found in China, India, Italy, the Mediterranean, and regions of Arabia.
Historians tend to agree that the lemon was introduced to Europe during the Crusades, eventually gaining common popularity by the 16th century.
Experts believe that the lemon was not introduced to the Americas until 1493, when the lemon seeds were brought to the “new world” with Columbus.
With the subsequent Spanish conquest, lemon seeds were gradually planted and spread across the new lands.
A Victorian botanical drawing of the lemon tree, fruit, and flowers.
Lemon flowers. This image is in the public domain.
Historical Use of Lemon Essential Oil
The use of lemon and its precious oil has been noted throughout history, as even famous authors and poets from the past have written of lemon's enticing aromas and benefits.
Noted by the renowned Maude Grieve in her 1931 book on herbal medicine, Grieve reported that the lemon is the most powerful fruit that can be used to preserve health.
Historically, lemon essential oil was used to treat various health concerns, and in fact, the oil was even used as an antidote for some poisons. With its antiseptic properties, lemon oil was commonly used as cleansing and healing agent.
Perhaps most famously, James Lind, starting in 1747, performed experiments using lemon oil while studying seamen who suffered from scurvy.
Through these investigations, Lind discovered that by adding lemon juice to sailor's diets, seamen were more able to fight off scurvy, as lemon provides bodies with a strong dose of vitamin C.
Throughout various cultures and regions of the world, lemon was used as a treatment for some illnesses, as an aromatic fragrance, and as a general food / beverage flavor additive.
Aromatherapy and lemon oil
While lemon oil is known to have powerful antiseptic properties, the lemon is also able to stimulate a variety of health and wellness benefits.
Most popularly, lemon essential oil is used for its many aromatherapy benefits, as the fragrance has an uplifting effect.
Many aromatherapy experts use lemon oil to promote wellbeing enhancements, such as:
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced awareness
- Improved mood
- Increased energy
- Decreased psychological distractions and fatigue
- Reduced stress / anxiety / nervousness / tension
- Helps refresh the mind and remove negative feelings
- Helps alleviate symptoms of insomnia while enhancing the body's ability to sleep more restfully
An unripe lemon still on the tree. This image is in the public domain.
Lemon Essential Oil Benefits Immune Systems
In addition to emotional and mental benefits, lemon essential oil is also used to boost the body's immune system response.
As lemon oil contains an array of vitamins, an intake of lemon oil (only as directed) can help improve the body's immune system, enabling the body to ward off illnesses and infections.
Adding to the health benefits, many people use lemon oil to reduce fever, as well as to treat stomach disorders, such as indigestion and upset stomach.
- Lemon - Herb Profile and Information
Providing botanical, folk-lore and herbal information, plus organic herbs, and herbal products. - Lemon Oil excerpt from Aromatherapy
Lemon Oil and Beauty
Many men and women use skin care products that contain lemon oil, as this ingredient helps to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin.
In addition, lemon oil is commonly used to reduce pimples and eliminate oil from oily skin.
On the other hand, to add gloss to one's hair, lemon oil can be used to remove dandruff and boost the hair's healthy appearance.
Lemon oil is extremely useful as a pre-shaving product. It helps soften the hair on the face, and protect the skin from the razor. It therefore reduces the risk of ingrowing hairs, or razor burn.
Lastly, for men and women seeking to lose a few pounds, lemon oil may even be helpful in reducing one's body weight.
How to Use Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil can be used in a variety of manners, although this oil is most commonly used in a vaporizer, in the bath, or as an ingredient in aromatherapy products.
When using with a vaporizer, simply add 4 to 8 drops of essential lemon oil, or use the 4 to 8 drops with water on a burner.
For a bath, 3 to 5 drops of lemon essential oil can be mixed in with warm water, while 2 drops of oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil can be combined for the application of essential lemon oil as a shampoo or body cleanser.
In aromatherapy products, lemon oil is frequently blended with other citrus oils.
Potential Dangers of Lemon Essential Oil
While many individuals often believe that the simple ingestion of lemon oil will promote benefits, all consumers must be careful to follow specific dosage and usage guidelines when using any form of lemon herb.
Although lemon oil can deliver an array of benefits, there are various precautions that should be taking when using this agent.
- Lemon oil should not be consumed or applied directly to the skin without being diluted
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Avoid contact with children
- Seek
medical attention if oil is directly ingested, comes in contact with
eyes, or inhaled to an excess degree (unless it is food grade lemon oil, designed to be used as a cooking ingredient)
- Oil should be stored in a tightly sealed container, away from any contact with fire / heat. Lemon oil must also be stored away from any flammable chemicals / objects
Comments
Aryan Singh from Noida on October 21, 2019:
Nice article, we are manufacturing and supplying oil at wholesale price.
Peter geekie on July 12, 2016:
I find your article very interesting.
I use a blend of lemon zest and lemon juice with a dash of honey to make it palatable - drink a quarter of a small glass each day to heal wounds, operation scars which are slow to close up.
Kind regards Peter
Fiona from South Africa on May 19, 2016:
I enjoy the fresh scent of lemon essential oil - I always use it in the cleaning water when wiping down the kitchen counters
Sleepylog from Australia on March 12, 2013:
I just love lemons. I love everything about them, their colour, their scent, their flavour, their juice...
They are one of nature's true wonders. I drink the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon every morning to keep my immune system healthy and to kick start my digestive system before breakfast.
Krista on November 30, 2011:
Thank you so... much! For sharing what you know, in order to help others, it really helped a lot...
PaperNotes on June 22, 2010:
I love the smell of citrus lemon oil blends. Thank you for pointing out all the benefits. I think I will use lemon oils more often now. Great hub!
nely foronda on May 20, 2010:
Thanks for mentioning about lemons. For me lemon is everything to me.Can be juice,recipe,lotion shampoo and most especially my own medicinal home remidy.It work better than drugs or prescribe.
Research Analyst on April 07, 2010:
Lemon oil has so many great benefits
Nisha shan on August 30, 2009:
Thanks for mentioning both the do's and don'ts while using the lemon oil. Lemon is extremely helpful in many ways for our body. Thanks for the hub.
Plants and Oils (author) from England on August 17, 2009:
You can buy it both as a food-grade oil for cooking, and as an essential oil for aromatherapy.
Amanda Severn from UK on August 17, 2009:
I love lemon and use a great deal of it in cooking and food preparation. It's nice to know it's so good for me. I've never tried it as an essential oil, but will look out for it now.
