SWEET LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL (CITRUS LIMONUM) - ESSENTIAL OILS

Botanical Name: Citrus limonum

Common Method of Extraction: Lemon oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression.

Part Typically Used: Fresh fruit peel

Color: Pale Yellow to Deep Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Self life: 8 - 10 months

Strength of Initial Aroma: Clean smelling citrus. Sharp and sweet scent is undeniable, and one of the easier oils to discriminate quality by aroma. Strong smell.

This well-known Citrus fruit is a very common and helpful essential oil. The oil is extracted from the rind of fruit, not made from the juices. Lemon trees can grow from 10 - 20 feet tall. The fruit start off as fragrant white flowers.

Lemon trees are very common in Brazil, Israel, The United States, and Argentina. Lemon trees were not well known until the 17th century.

The name is derived from the Arabic "Laimun" or the Persian "Limun". The tree was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages and the fruit has a good content of Vitamins A, B and C - an ounce a day was given to sailors in the Royal Navy to alleviate scurvy and other Vitamin deficiencies.

They entered Europe near southern Italy no later than the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated.

They were later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700 AD. The Lemon was first recorded in literature in a 10th-century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens. It was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000 and 1150.

The shelf life of Lemon oil is only 8 - 10 months, if it is to be used in aromatherapy, but can still be used in fragrance therapies after this time, such as vapor therapy.

Dilution is recommended for topical and internal use. Dilute for use on sensitive areas such as face, mucus membranes, or genital area.

Citrus Limonum essential oil energizing and help to uplift the spirits. Emotionally and spiritually, Lemon essential oil promotes focus and clarity.

Wear diluted Lemon oil during the Full Moon to attune with its energies. Use in purification and healing oils.

Purification: Love. A Lemon may serve as a poppet.

Lemons were known to the Jews of Jerusalem, who, according to Josephus, pelted an errant high priest with them during a festival in the 90s BC.

Lemon oil works primarily with the digestive, immune, and respiratory systems, promoting healthy function in the body.

The therapeutic properties of Lemon oil are anti-anemic, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, anti-sclerotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, tonic and vermifuge.

Lemon oil can be very beneficial to the circulatory system and aids with blood flow, reducing blood pressure and helping with nosebleeds. It can help bring down fever, helps relieve throat infections, bronchitis, asthma and flu.

It boosts the immune system and cleanses the body, improves the functions of the digestive system.

Lemon oil helps to fight against infections, aids the digestive system, soothes headaches, migraines, muscular problems and is helpful for rheumatism and arthritis.

Lemon oil can be used in blended massage oils or diluted in the bath to assist with digestive problems, lack of energy, fatigue, infections, flu, obesity, overweight, rheumatism, depression, stress and as a general tonic.

Essential oils altered nervous system activity in a way that may promote the breakdown of body fat. However, due to a lack of clinical trials testing the effects of Lemon essential on fat breakdown, it's too soon to recommend Lemon essential oil as a weight loss aid.

It is helpful with constipation, dyspepsia and cellulite. This oil will boost the fat burning process and aid in elimination of waste and toxins from tissues.

Lemon oil promotes white blood cell formation, improves circulation. May aid in the prevention of cancer.

Lemon essential oil may be of some benefit to people with Alzheimer's disease.

This is a powerful, internal body cleanser that brings noticeable improvements to the skin. Lemon essential oil is exceptional for the lymph system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Excellent gall bladder and kidney cleanser.

If dispersed in a very diluted form in warm water, this essential oil can be great to use as a mouth wash or gargle to sort out mouth ulcers.

Citrus Limonum good for Athlete's foot, chiliblains, corns, dull skin, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts.

The low pH of juice makes it antibacterial, and in India, the Lemon is used in Indian traditional medicines Siddha Medicine and Ayurveda.

Side effects:

Non-toxic, but can cause skin irritation and sensitizing in some individuals. Since it is a photo-toxic oil, it should not be used (even in low dilution) before being exposed to the sun

Children: avoid topical use on children under 2.

Lemon oil can be used in a cream or lotion to clear congested skin. The astringent properties are great for oily skin conditions. The antiseptic effect of Lemon oil on the other hand, helps to treat any cuts, boils and minor wounds. The rubefacient action of the oil further helps to sort out cellulite, as well as helping with acne.

It is also used for cleaning greasy skin and hair, as well as removing dead skin cells, easing painful cold sores, mouth ulcers, herpes and insect bites. Mix a few drops with vegetable or carrier oil and apply to skin. Keep out of eyes.

Essential oils from the peel scent food, cosmetics and perfume. The seed oils are used in soaps.

Lemon essential oil can be used for flavoring. 1 - 2 drops is usually all that is needed. Taste test as you add because Lemon essential is highly concentrated. Use for salad dressings, cakes, frosting, pies, puddings, flavored honey.

Lemon Tea: Add a cup of warm water to one drop of Lemon essential oil. You can also mix the Lemon oil with some honey before adding the water. This is a great way to start your day. Wait 15 minutes before eating food. Drinking essential Lemon water or tea, on a regular basis, is highly beneficial.