Common Name: Lemon

Scientific Name: Citrus Limonum

Description of odor: Fresh, clean, bright

Method of extraction: Cold expression of peel or zest of fruit

Where it grows: Although found all over the world, lemon essential oil is primarily produced in Italy and the United States.

Introduction:
Lemon essential oil rightfully belongs in every medicine, cleaning and spice cabinet. The juice and peel of the lemon are used as cooking seasonings in countries worldwide. In Spain, lemon is considered a cure all - especially for infectious illnesses. Lemon has also been used to help break fevers, such as those associated with malaria or typhoid, and it was historically used to fight scurvy aboard British ships. When taken internally (only under the guidance of a licensed aromatherapist), lemon esssential oil helps treat problems such as arthritis and rheumatism and is also helpful in the clearing of the liver.

• First Aid. To use lemon as an antiseptic - place 3 drops into a small bowl of water, dip a sterile cloth into the lemon water, then apply the cloth to the affected area. Repeat until the wound is clear of debris. (Lemon water is not recommended for deep wounds - for more serious wounds, seek medical attention.)

   

• Internal Cleansing. Place one drop of lemon oil into a glass of room temperature water and drink to help cleanse and tonify an acidic tummy.

• Acne. Apply sparingly to acne-affected areas twice a day until the acne is gone.

• Disinfectant. Take an 8 oz. spray bottle, fill it with water, and add 25 drops of lemon oil. Shake well, and spray directly onto faucets, doorknobs, bed linens, or into the air as a disinfectant. When combined with lavender essential oil, this is also an excellent spray to use to disinfect a sick room(use 15 drops lemon, 15 drops lavender per 8oz of water).

   

• Warts. Apply 1 drop to the affected area twice a day. Repeat until wart is gone. ·

   

  Urinary tract. Place 2 drops of lemon essential oil into 1 tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba, and rub the mixture into the lower back and lower abdomen in a clockwise direction. This aids in the cleansing and toning of the kidneys.

   

• Respiratory aid. To soothe respiratory problems (asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, etc), place 10 drops of lemon essential oil into a vaporizer or diffuser and diffuse the mixture into your room.

   

• Cellulite. To help break down cellulite, add 1 drop of lemon essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Rub into the affected area, working toward the heart. Repeat daily and drink lots of water to help flush your system.

   

• Sore muscles. Lemon helps to flush the body of uric acid build-up. Just add 2 drops of tea tree oil and 1 drop of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, and rub the mixture onto any sore areas. This mixture can also be soothing for joint aches and pains.

   

• In the kitchen. Add 2 drops of lemon oil to a lemon cookie recipe, or whenever lemon flavor is required. Be aware, however, that lemon essential oil is very potent, and should be used very sparingly. Over consumption can result in serious illness. Consult a cookbook that works with essential oils for additional suggestions on proper measurements.

   

• In the bathroom. For a sparkling bathroom sink or tub, mix 10 drops of lemon oil with one cup of baking soda. Use the mixture to scrub away dirt, grime, and soap buildup. Make sure to rinse well when you've finished scrubbing. This is also a good mixture to use if you need to shine up chrome fixtures. If your bathroom surfaces are colored, we recommend testing for color-safeness in a small, inconspicuous area before applying the mixture over broad areas (lemon can have bleaching qualities).

   

• In the laundry room. When laundering whites, add 25 drops to the rinse water. Do not apply directly to clothing. Avoid adding to colored loads.

   

• Vacuuming. Drop a cotton ball sprinkled with 15 drops of lemon essential oil into your vacuum bag. The scented cotton will add a crisp, fresh scent to the air as you clean, and also will deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

   

• For the spirit. Lemon is a naturally uplifting, clarifying oil. You can either inhale it directly from the bottle or use a diffuser. Lemon is an excellent oil to diffuse in a child's environment, and when placed in a car diffuser, lemon oil can help keep you alert and your spirits high during your daily commute.

Safety:
Although it is non-toxic, lemon essential oil is high in limonene and may result in "prickling" of sensitive skin. It also has the potential of photo sensitization - meaning that you should stay out of the sun when using lemon essential oil because you may burn rather quickly.

As with many essential oils, lemon essential oil is safe to use as long as it is not abused. Use common sense when working with essential oils. When following a recipe that calls for lemon oil, use the exact amount called for by the recipe - do not exceed the recommended amount. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately; if symptoms persist, consult your physician.

Additional Resources:
Two books you can reference for additional recipes and information are The Aromatherapy Book (by Jeanne Rose) and Aromatherapy an A-Z (by Patricia Davis). We also recommend Clean House, Clean Planet found right here at greenfeet.com for additional cleaning recipes utilizing lemon and other common essential oils. You can also purchase lemon essential oil at greenfeet.com.