Goodness of Lemon Oil

Lemons have many health benefits. They are packed with nutrients, and one of the most widely used tropical fruits in the world. Their reputation mainly comes from their high concentrations of vitamin C. The lemon fruit is not the only thing that’s beneficial. The essential oil from lemons can be applied topically, and also used for cleaning and many other applications.

The lemon oil, known as Citrus limon oil, is extracted from lemon peels that have many volatile oil glands in their pits. About 1,000 lemons are needed to produce one pound of lemon oil. The citrusy scent comes from a chemical compound called limonene, which comprises the majority of lemon oil. Lemons have been used by the ancient Indians, Egyptians and Romans, as a remedy for infectious diseases. They are commonly grown in Europe and the U.S. today, and used in various products such as medicine, a gargle, treatment for calluses and warts, skin and hair products, disinfectants, spot removers and insect repellent and bite treatments.

Lemon oil is made up of 50 to 70% limonene

The lemon oil contains organic compounds as pinene, terpinene, terpineol and non-volatile compounds. This fruit is packed with a potent nutritional profile and is a low-glycemic fruit that contains citric acid, a natural preservative, which makes up 8% of the lemon. Excellent sources of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, comes from lemons. Even though they are of an acidic nature, they have an alkalizing effect when metabolized in our body.

Some nutrients that can be found in this fruit are vitamin A, folate and B-vitamins, iron, copper, potassium, calcium and pectin.

Benefits of Lemon Oil

Benefits of lemon oil are fighting respiratory infection, supporting immune function, inhibit inflammation, soothe acidity and heartburn, address constipation, relieve arthritis, lower blood pressure, detoxify your skin and body of toxins, control overactive sebaceous glands, reduce broken capillaries, sanitize wounds, calm anxiety and improve moods.

You can add lemon oil to foods and beverages or apply as a topical on your skin. Some ways to receive its magic are as follows:

• Add a couple drops to tea or warm water to relieve sore throat
• Apply a few drops to your nails to strengthen and help kill nail fungus
• Apply a drop or two behind your ears to calm you down
• Apply 2 to 3 drops to cold sores, calluses or blisters to help remove them
• Use 1 to 2 drops to help remove stains due to oil, grease and crayon marks
• Use 1 to 2 drops to help sterilize countertops and surfaces
• Soak dishcloths overnight in water with a drop of lemon oil to disinfect them
• Rub the oil on your hands to help sanitize them
• Apply a few drops on cotton balls and use for cleansing your skin
• Use in a diffuser to spread the fruity scent
• Improves mood when inhaling lemon oil

You should dilute lemon oil first before using as it can irritate the skin, and must be used with a carrier oil for direct application to skin. Coconut oil is an effective carrier oil as well as jojoba oil.

Use with caution and with essential oils especially if you have sensitive skin. Some reactions can happen, so consult your physician before using if you are sensitive. Children and pregnant women should see a doctor as well, before applying lemon oil.

–Dr Fredda Branyon