Lemon
(Citrus limon)

Plant Family: Rutaceae

Plant Part Used: Rind of the Fruit

Distillation Method: Cold Pressed, Distilled

Countries of Origin: Italy

Properties: Anxiolytic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Immune Boosting

Therapeutic Uses: Mood Enhancing, Respiratory System Opening and Clearing, Wound Cleansing, Clearing and Freshening the Air

• Cold pressed Lemon Essential Oil is a phototoxic essential oil. This means that exposure to the sun after applying the diluted oil to the skin can cause irritation, burning, and skin damage. It is recommended that you use no more than a 2% dilution (12 drops per ounce of carrier) for topical use for any area that will be exposed to sunlight. (Butje, A)

Limonene is the main chemical component in lemon essential oil. It is an antioxidant found in citrus that helps remove damaging free radicals in the body. (Web M.D., 2022) Limonene is what is responsible for creating the crisp scent associated with citrus fruits. It provides us with the bright and sunny feeling that comes from inhaling lemon.

Limonene combined with other components found in lemon essential oil like the Pinenes and Camphene contribute to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Try adding a few drops to a topical blend when those cricks in the joints act up. Keep your dilution to 1-2% of the blend to reduce skin irritation (6-12 drops per liquid ounce of carrier) and always protect the area from sun exposure.

Lemon essential oil cleans the air of unwanted odors while naturally freshening your household. Its chemical properties help disinfect while it deodorizes. Its many benefits include being antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial. It is also a great alternative to the harsh and toxic chemical disinfectants found in the store. Make a homemade spray cleaner using white vinegar, water, and some lemon essential oil. Add castile soap and baking soda for a powerful scrubbing cleanser *
*Test cleaner on a small area before using.

It is a great way to get through cold and flu season. Lemon is a wonderfully natural way to open our respiratory airways. A 2015 study review states “Because of volatility, EOs can easily reach the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract via inhalation. Moreover, due to their antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory potency, they offer an effective treatment in respiratory tract infections (RTIs).” (Horvath, G., 2015) The study was performed in hope of finding treatment for the many drug resistant respiratory pathogens that are emerging. Diffusing a blend during winter months not only helps to lift moods, it can help combat the aerial microbes that attack our respiratory systems.

Lemon’s beneficial actions continue

According to Healthline, a study done in 2016 found that lemon essential oil helped relieved stress and anxiety in patients after having orthopedic surgery. It is also stated that inhaling lemon essential oil may help reduce nausea associated with morning sickness. For women who suffer from morning sickness throughout their pregnancies, this is amazing news. Diffuse a lemon blend to ease that queasy feeling that can happen at any time during the day. Perhaps a combination of lemon and lavender will reduce the nausea and provide an air of calm to soothe the stress reflex. Add the blend to a personal inhaler to have with you when you are out and about.
*As always check with your doctor before using any essential oils or herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Evidence in a small Japanese study showed improvement in cognitive function for people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. (Jimbo, D.K. 2009) In the study lemon and rosemary essential oils were inhaled in the morning and orange and rosemary were inhaled in the afternoon. The oils were used for 28 days. The results: “In conclusion, we found aromatherapy an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia. Aromatherapy may have some potential for improving cognitive function, especially in AD patients.” Lab results also showed no side effects with the use of the essential oils. I can personally attest to the benefit of diffusing lemon essential oil with dementia. I combined it with Sandalwood and diffused it for my mother when she first moved in with us. It helped immensely with Sundowning.

As you can see, lemon essential oil has a wide variety of uses. It is easily accessible and not extremely expensive. It blends well with other essential oils, increasing the versatility of this amazing oil. Give lemon essential oil a try. You can find it at Aromatics International, Plant Therapy, Rocky Mountain Oils, and Starwest Botanicals.

Words of caution

When choosing your lemon essential oil always purchase from a company that will readily provide you with a GCMS report for that oil. If you must buy an oil from a store shelf, ask the owner or manager if they have the report for that oil. Know and research the company whose name appears on the bottle. Is the company involved directly with the whole process or are they buying oils in bulk and rebranding? In the case of the latter, the oil may have been adulterated or rebottled along the way. Even in a very good wellness store, the oils may have been frequently exposed to extreme or fluctuating temperatures, direct sunlight, or have been sitting on the shelf for a long time. I think many of us have had to buy an oil from a store in an emergency. I know I have. Know what brands are stocked by reputable wellness stores. Know and understand the oil many not be at it’s peak when you purchase. Once you open that bottle be prepared store it in a cool dark place and use fairly quickly. Lemon also has a relatively short shelf life. According to Robert Tisserand, the clock starts ticking once the bottle is opened and the contents exposed to air. DO NOT buy from any of the big box chain stores. DO NOT USE LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL INTERNALLY.

References

Are There Health Benefits to Taking Limonene. (2022, September 19). Retrieved from Web M.D.: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-limonene

Butje, A. (2017). The Heart of Aromatherapy. Carlsbad: Hay House Inc.

Horvath, G. &. (2015). Essential Oils in the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Deseases . Flavour and fragrance journal, 331-341.

Jimbo, D. K. (2009). Effect of Aromatherapy on Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease. Psychogeriatrics: the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society, 173-179.

Kamrani, F. N. (2016). Effect of Aromatherapy With Lemon Essential Oil On Anxiety After Orthopedic Surgery. Retrieved from https://sid.ir/paper/262192/en

Lemon Essential Oil. (2024). Retrieved from Aromatics International: https://www.aromatics.com/products/lemon-essential-oil?sca_ref=5387325.pHKOGT8GJ9

Robbins, W. (2024). Lemon Essential Oil. Retrieved from Aromaweb: https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemon-essential-oil.php

Watson, K. (2023, May 31). What You Need To Know About Lemon Essential Oil. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-essential-oil