Lemon essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of the fruit of the lemon tree, which is thought to be native to south eastern China, distributed through Persia and the Middle East to Europe in the 12th Century by crusaders. Columbus took lemon and orange seed to the West Indies in 1493. The lemon tree grows fruit all year round, and is now mostly cultivated in California, Florida and Southern Europe. Lemon essential oil is yellow/greenish yellow in colour and has a very light, refreshing, sharp yet sweet aroma, which is just like the aroma from the ripe peel.
Lemon juice was considered the best treatment for scurvy, and English ships were required to carry sufficient lemon or lime juice for each man on board to have once daily. The juice was used as a diaphoretic and diuretic, and is highly recommended for acute rheumatism and sometimes given to counteract narcotic poisons. It's a good astringent, is said to be the best cure for severe, obstinate hiccups and is helpful for jaundice and hysterical heart palpitations.
Lemon essential oil is widely used in pharmaceuticals as a flavouring agent, and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, detergents and perfumes.
Lemon's main actions are as an antidepressant, anti-microbial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and hepatic * See below for meanings.
For the circulatory system, lemon essential oil is a fantastic tonic; it helps reduce blood viscosity and break up plaque deposits in the arteries, reducing cholesterol. It tonifies the blood vessels and aids the treatment of varicose veins, broken capillaries, haemorrhoids and nosebleeds.
Lemon's antimicrobial and immune stimulating properties make it extremely useful for the immune system, and treating symptoms of cold, flu and bronchitis. It makes a very useful air antibacterial, helping to prevent the spread of bugs, and its' mind-reviving properties mean it's also very helpful during convalescence.
Along with the above mentioned benefits to the immune system, lemon essential oil is also useful for the respiratory system, particularly for the treatment of asthma and hay fever.
For the lymphatic system, it's also useful as a detoxifier, and especially beneficial for treating toxaemia and cellulite.
Lemon essential oil aids the digestive system through its' ability to treat gingivitis, mouth ulcers and oral thrush. It is also an excellent gum tonic. It's also useful for obesity, diarrhoea, travel and morning sickness.
For the skin, lemon essential oil counteracts the over-production of sebum, making it very useful for teenage/problem skin. It tones ageing skin and its' antibacterial properties mean it's also helpful for acne and boils. It is recommended for treating warts and verrucas.
It's incredibly uplifting and refreshing for the nervous system, helps to overcome mental and emotional fatigue and/or congestion. It aids concentration, clears the mind quickly, brings clarity and aids decision making without overstimulating the mind, meaning it can be very calming for emotionally overwrought people. It acts as an antidepressant and helps to harmonise the emotions when you're feeling vulnerable.
Lemon essential oil refreshes and cleanses the air and our minds. It tones, revives and encourages us to be full of life, positive and confident. It is like a breath of fresh air, and helps us not to be pulled down by day to day struggles.
Blends well with most oils; other citruses, floral, woody/earthy oils, cleansing oils such as eucalyptus, juniper berry and cypress, as well as herbal and spicy oils.
Safety
May cause dermal irritation in people with sensitive skin, so keep dilution low - especially in the bath. Do not use on the skin before going in the sun or using a sun lamp - it's phototoxic, and makes the skin burn more quickly than usual. Safe for pregnancy.
*Generally a blending ratio of 2.5% (5 drops of essential oil in 10ml of vegetable oil or base cream) is safe for application to the skin, but this varies greatly depending on age, health issues, other factors of each individual and avoiding exposure to the sun after application. If in any doubt always err on the side of caution and/or consult a qualified aromatherapist. Always test on a small area of the skin first, when applying to the skin or using essential oils in the bath.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com.
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
* Terms:
antidepressant - uplifts and counteracts melancholy
antimicrobial - resists or destroys pathogens
astringent - contracts, tightens and binds tissue
diaphoretic - promotes perspiration
diuretic - increases the secretion and expulsion of urine
hepatic - stimulates and aids liver function
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