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Lemon Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Lemon essential oil is extracted by cold pressing the fresh green peel or rind of citrus limonum or citrus limon fruits. Lemon oil is used in aromatherapy, colognes, fragrances, furniture polish, detergents, skin care and hair care products such as hand lotions, shampoos and shaving oil. It is also used for flavoring with the terpenes removed.

One of the constituents of lemon oil is d-limonene and it is the chemical that produces the lemon-orange fragrance. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that limonene has anti inflammatory and anti cancer properties. It has the potential to fight against prostate cancer cells and as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux namely heartburn and GERD.

Lemon essential oil also contains citral and linalool. Various studies have shown that these two compounds produce antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiviral activities. There are many other chemical compounds and other therapeutic properties of lemon oil which include antiseptic, carminative, antidepressant, antifungal, antirheumatic and diuretic actions.

Lemon Oil Uses

Aromatherapy

When used as massage oil, direct inhalation, vaporization or in the bath, lemon essential oil helps soothe and refreshes the body and mind. You can use it as a remedy for mental and physical fatigue, loss of concentration or focus and emotional issues.

You can blend lemon oil with other citrus oil, lavender oil or neroli oil. Other ways to revitalize with lemon oil include adding 1 drop to your beverage as a pick-me up.

Cleaning

Use lemon oil as a natural cleaning agent and disinfectant. Mix 3 drops of lemon essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use to clean and sanitize your home. You may also add vinegar to the mix. It's helpful in removing glue, grease, oil and stains.

Deodorizing

Lemon oil helps mask odor and makes a good air freshener. Use it as a mist spray in your home and carpet deodorizer. Add 2 drops to a cotton ball and place it in your refrigerator to eliminate odor.

Skin Care

Lemon oil is phototoxic because of the presence of coumarins and furocoumarins. When using pure lemon oil on your skin, always dilute it or blend with any carrier oil such as almond oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil or add it to a neutral skin care product or aloe vera. It is wise to avoid sunlight.

Adding 1 drop of lemon oil with distilled water, jojoba oil, olive oil or aloe vera may help minimize oil production and control blemishes. It is a great remedy for treating acne. You may also want to try using rubbing or massaging lemon oil to remove cellulite and soothe corns and calluses.

In Cooking

Lemon oil may help stimulate the digestive system and prevent constipation, heartburn and indigestion. To take it internally add a drop or two to your beverage or use a few drops to marinate your chicken.

Lemon Oil Remedies

1. Dilute the oil in warm water and use it as a mouth wash to provide relief from sore throat, cold sores or mouth ulcers.
   
   
   
2. It is helpful as a remedy for motion sickness and nausea. Add 1 or 2 drops on a tissue and inhale the scent.
   
   
   
3. To treat headaches and migraine, diffuse the oil in an oil burner and inhale the aroma.
   
   
   
4. Dilute a few drops in water and use it as a skin wash to treat bites, cuts, stings and wounds.
   
   
   
5. Inhaling lemon essential oil may also help improve the circulatory system and boost the immune system. It may help prevent, provide relief or treat the symptoms of bronchitis, cold, fever, flu and high blood pressure.