Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is extracted from the lemon herb. Lemon is highly rich in citric acid. The name ‘Lemon’ was extracted from the Arabic word ‘laimun’ or the Persian word ‘limun’. The Crusaders of the Middle Ages brought this tree to Europe initially. One ounce of lemon juice was given to the sailors to prevent them from scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies. This citrus tree is a member of the Rutaceae plant family. Lemon is indigenous to India. This evergreen tree grows up to a maximum height of 20 feet. The oval-shaped leaves of this tree are serrated and dark green to pale green in color. Lemon flowers are white or pink in color. These flowers have a sweet aroma and are highly scented. This tree can be called as a thorny bush as the tree has thorns all over. The Lemon flowers are followed by the round fruits that are green initially. These fruits turn to a deep yellow color when they are ripe. The fleshy part of this fruit is built with 6 to 12 sections. Lemon fruits also contain seeds in them.
Lemon oil is extracted from the fresh peel of the lemon fruit by cold expression. This is pale-greenish yellow in color with a watery viscosity. Lemon oil is fresh, gentle, citrusy, sharp and herbaceous in nature. It blends well with rose oil, lavender oil, geranium oil, eucalyptus oil, benzoin oil, elemi oil, fennel oil, neroli oil and juniper oil.
Latin name: Citrus limonum
Alternative names: Cedro oil, Citrus Limon
Lemon tree prefers to grow in slightly acidic and well-drained soil. It requires full sunlight and is always advised to grow Lemon trees slightly higher than the ground level. It is easy to cultivate Lemon tree with stem cuttings rather than seeds. This is because it takes more time for the seedlings to rise from the seeds. Lemon oil contains myrcene, b-bisabolene, trans-a-bergamotene, limonene, a-pinene, a-terpinene, neral, sabinene, camphene, b-pinene, nerol and linalool. This oil has febrifuge, anti-anemic, carminative, astringent, antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-rheumatic, anti-fungal, stimulating, detoxifying, anti-sclerotic, diaphoretic, antimicrobial, calmative, disinfectant, haemostatic, depurative, anti-infection and diuretic properties.
Uses: Lemon essential oil is very effective in burning the excess fat and cholesterol in the body. It reduces excess weight and is the best aid in controlling obesity. This oil is powerful in curing respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, congestion along with infectious disorders like fever, typhoid, jaundice and malaria. With its calmative properties, this oil relaxes the mind and body. It soothes painful muscles and calms down the mind and senses. Lemon oil is used for treating insomnia, mental depression, stress, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, tension and other sleeping disorders. It increases concentration power, mental stability and stimulates a positive feeling with its refreshing aroma. Lemon oil is also used in the treatment of acidity, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, cramps, vomiting, stomach upsets and other indigestion problems. This oil enhances blood circulation and increases the count of RBCs and WBCs, contributing to the increased immune power of the body. Lemon increases the complexion of the skin, rejuvenates dead cells in the skin and gives life to them. It has antiseptic and disinfectant properties that heal wounds and cuts through the skin. It also works effectively to remove pimples and marks on your skin. Lemon oil is also very useful in treating the drawbacks of dull oily skin and strengthens hair follicles while controlling dandruff as well.
