If you’ve been to my site, you’ll notice that I have long reported the health benefits of lemons.
Packed with nutrients, lemons are one of the most widely used tropical
fruits in the world. Their positive reputation mainly comes from their
high concentrations of vitamin C.
But it’s not just the lemon fruit that’s beneficial. When used as an
essential oil, lemon oil can be applied topically, used for cleaning,
and used for many other applications.
Lemon essential oil, also known as Citrus limon oil, is extracted
from lemon peels, which have many volatile oil glands in their pits.1 Approximately 1,000 lemons are needed to produce one pound of lemon oil.2 The citrus scent of lemons comes from a chemical compound called limonene, which comprises the majority of lemon oil.3
Lemons were used by ancient Indians, Egyptians and Romans as a
remedy for infectious diseases. Today, they are commonly grown in Europe
and the United States, and are used in various products.
Uses of Lemon Oil
Apart from being used in making lemonade, lemon oil can be used as: 4,5
Food ingredient
A tasty addition to pastries like pies, cakes and marinades
Used to treat health problems like headaches, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory problems and asthma
Gargle
To relieve sore throat, mouth inflammations and tonsillitis
Treatment for calluses and warts
Applying it to affected areas regularly can help reduce the appearance of these on your skin
Skin and hair product
Can help treat blemished skin, exfoliate dead skin and reduce acne.
It can also improve appearance of hair and used to remove dandruff.
Lemon oil is also added to personal care products
Disinfectant
An ideal disinfectant for chopping boards, countertops, public bathrooms and even hospitals
Spot remover
Can help remove gum, oil and grease stains from clothes and surfaces
Limonene makes up majority of lemon oil (about 50 to 70 percent).
Lemon oil contains organic compounds, such as pinene, terpinene and
terpineol, and non-volatile compounds.
Lemons are packed with a potent nutritional profile and are a
low-glycemic fruit. The fruit contains citric acid, which is a natural
preservative and makes up 8 percent of the lemon.
Lemons are also excellent sources of vitamin C
or ascorbic acid, a potent water-soluble antioxidant. In spite of
their acidic nature, they have an alkalizing effect when metabolized in
your body.6
Lemons also have phenomenal antioxidant properties due to unique
flavonoid compounds. In a study published in the Journal of Food
Composition and Analysis, lemons, as well as other citrus fruits,
contain a dominant flavonoid class called flavanones, such as
hesperidin and eriocitrin.
These nutrients are found to have anti-inflammatory and free-radical
quenching properties. Lemons also contain other antioxidants, such as
alpha- and beta-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein.
Other nutrients that can be found in these citrus fruits are:
Vitamin A
Folate and B-vitamins
Iron
Copper
Potassium
Calcium
Pectin (a type of fiber)
Benefits of Lemon Oil
Because of lemon’s outstanding nutrient profile, it helps treat numerous health conditions. Lemon oil helps:
Fight respiratory infections like bronchitis, coughs and sore
throat. It can also bring relieve to discomfort from colds, fevers, flu
and asthma
Lower blood pressure and promote healthy blood circulation
Support immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells
Detoxify your skin and body of toxins
Inhibit inflammation
Control overactive sebaceous glands that contribute to acne and poor hair conditions
Soothe acidity and heartburn, as it is helps balance your stomach pH level
Reduce broken capillaries and varicose veins
Address constipation and promote elimination of waste
Sanitize wounds, household objects and hospital rooms due to its antibacterial properties
Relive arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory properties
Calm anxiety, improve mood and prevent emotional outbursts and violent behavior
How to Make Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is made by cold-pressing the peels. Heat processing, as
opposed to cold pressing, negatively affects the quality of the oil by
stripping its nutrients, flavor and color. Because of this, cold-pressed
oils have higher quality and price. Lemon oil can also be produced
through distillation. Distilled lemon oil is used in soluble essences
in lemon drinks. However, this type of lemon oil has an inferior scent
compared with its cold-pressed counterpart.
How Does Lemon Oil Work?
Lemon oil can be added to foods and beverages, or applied topically
on your skin or on surfaces. Below are some ways on how lemon oil works
its magic:7,8
Adding two to three drops of lemon oil to tea or warm water can help relieve sore throat
Soaking dishcloths overnight in water with a drop of lemon oil can disinfect them
Applying a few drops of lemon oil to your nails can strengthen them. It may also help kill nail fungus
Rubbing lemon oil on your hands can help sanitize them
Applying a drop or two of lemon oil behind your ears can calm you down
Apply a few drops of lemon oil on cotton balls and use on your skin for cleansing
Applying two to three drop of lemon oil to cold sores, calluses or blisters daily can help remove them
Use lemon oil in a diffuser to spread its fruity scent
Using one to two drops of lemon oil can help remove stains due to oil, grease and crayon marks
When inhaled, lemon oil can help improve mood
One to two drops of lemon oil can help sterilize countertops and surfaces
Is Lemon Oil Safe?
It is advisable not to use lemon oil without diluting it first, as
it can irritate skin. It must be used with a carrier oil for direct
application to skin.9 Effective carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil and jojoba oil.
There are findings showing that lemon oil may promote
photosensitivity, which increases your sensitivity to the sun and may
lead to sunburn and uneven darkening of the skin. I also recommend you
to avoid applying lemon oil and other citrus oils to your skin when
outdoors, as blistering may occur.
People with sensitivities should use essential oils with caution.
Reactions can vary from person to person. Some may experience skin
reactions, while some may have respiratory problems.10 Consult your physician first before use. Pregnant women and children should also see a doctor before applying lemon oil.
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