Lemon is among the 16 different species belonging to genus Citrus. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is intimately associated to lime as well as citron - also known as 'nippled' fruit. The lemon trees often grow up to a height of 15 feet and bear extremely fragrant fruits. The trees blossom throughout the year. This species thrives well in arid and sub-tropical climates, while it is sensitive to cold and high humidity. While lemon is extensively cultivated in orchards in the Mediterranean region, but it is believed that the species had its origin in China from where it was introduced to Italy and the Mediterranean region by Arab traders.
The peels of the lemon fruit yield an essential oil that is regarded by many as the 'golden gift of the sun' owing to its aptitude to induce energy and vivacity to the body, mind as well as the soul. As aforementioned, the lemon tree is indigenous to the Asian continent, but presently grows naturally all over the Mediterranean region, especially in Portugal and Spain. In addition to these places, this plant species is widely grown in different tropical regions of the world, especially in California. According to historical records, the ancient Egyptians used lemon essential oil as an antidote to food poisoning as well as treat fever epidemics. In most of the European countries people generally use this natural obtained from lemon fruit peel to treat contagious ailments and many consider it to be a panacea.
Lemon essential oil is basically multipurpose natural oil that is highly beneficial when used in a diffuser to diminish the consequences of mental exhaustion and lethargy. At the same time, this oil helps to regulate the immune system of the body and its capacity to resist against different diseases. Lemon essential oil is very useful in relieving mental conditions, such as nervous anxiety, confusion and depression. When any one is suffering from any illness or is recuperating, use of this oil brings in optimism, cheerfulness and potency. Lemon essential oil possesses antiseptic properties which makes it a natural substitute to artificially-made domestic disinfectants. In fact, this natural oil helps to sterilize stale air effectively, eliminate bacteria and also refresh the atmosphere almost everywhere where it is used. When lemon essential oil is used in steam facials, it proves to be an effective treatment for acne as well as crammed arid skin. In addition, this oil is helpful in curing wounds and contagions.
The aroma of lemon can be easily identified and is generally a favorite with most people around the world. Like its reputation as the 'golden gift of the sun', this oil helps to elevate the physical, mental as well as spiritual levels of an individual and makes one cheerful and energetic.
Here are some basic facts regarding lemon essential oil. Like any other essential oils which are unadulterated extractions of the chemical substances present in the plants that give them their aroma, lemon essential oil is obtained from the peels of the lemon fruits and possesses a very high intensity of fragrance. Owing to its aroma, this oil has multiple uses, including therapeutic, cosmetic and household products. Especially, it is very useful in aromatherapy. This oil possesses an unsullied and fresh aroma and is frequently made use of in domestic or green cleansing products.
The chemicals found in the essential oils are used by the plants to manufacture their own food/ nourishments, protect against raiders or hunters, and attract insects and animals that aid them in pollination and/ or convert the soil around the place where they are growing as uninviting to other competing plants. In fact, essential oils may be obtained from the leaves, stems, flowers, roots and seeds of the plants. The essential oil may be obtained by means of cold pressing, steam distillation or a process known as solvent extraction using alcohol or carbon dioxide.
Usually, lemon essential oil as well as other oils extracted from citrus is derived by the cold pressing process. To extract lemon essential oil, first the peel of the fruit is removed and drenched in hot water to make it softer. One of the processes of obtaining the oil from the peel is by placing a sponge against the yellowish side of the peel and compressing it till the sponge is completely saturated with lemon essential oil. There is another process by which you may extract lemon essential oil. This process involves using machinery. To extract lemon essential oil by this process, first remove the peels and then roll them in a machine filled with pins. The pins will shatter the oils cells in the peels and force the oils to collect in a bowl placed below. In fact, in the present day scenario, most people extract lemon essential oil using this machinery. This machine not only helps to grate the peel off the pith, but also pushes it into a spinner that compels the oil to come out and collect in a container.
Lemon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to bring down high temperatures during fevers, augment blood circulation as well as alleviate the pains caused by headaches and arthritis. Lemon essential oil is considered to have a significantly high acid concentration that helps in elevating the mood and spirit. You may either inhale lemon essential oil using it in a diffuser or apply it topically onto the skin. Specific types of diffusers are made use of to inhale this essential oil - you may place a small bowl over a candle or place a few drops in a bowl of simmering water and inhale it. In case you intend to apply lemon essential oil topically onto your skin, always remember to dilute it with suitable carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil. If you are using concentrated lemon essential oil, it may result in skin irritation or even cause skin allergies.
For therapeutic uses, lemon essential oil may be used alone or in combination with other natural oils. The bright and fresh aroma of this natural oil makes it an active and essential element in several skin care, hair care and bath products. Lemon essential oil also possesses gentle antiseptic properties and, hence, it may well be brought to use topically to cleanse trivial injuries as well as cure acne. In some cases, lemon essential oil is also used as an additive in foods to enhance their essence. It may be mentioned here that lemon essential oil has the aptitude to cut grease and, therefore, it may be used in ecologically friendly cleansing products like vinegar to clean the counters in kitchen. In addition, lemon essential oil may be used to disinfect or sterilize the surface areas in the bathrooms.
The usefulness of lemon essential oil can be demonstrated by the fact that just smelling this oil has the aptitude to clear the mind, enhance memory as well as augment the energy levels. Several people who are using the 'Master Lemon Cleanse' are aware of the fact that adding one or two drops to their lemonade drink facilitates in detoxifying their body of wastes and, at the same time, cleanse and alkalize the body more effectively.
There are several condition specific uses of lemon essential oil. Here we present a brief description regarding some, hope they will be useful for you.
Lemon essential oil has a very short shelf life and, hence, does not keep well for a long period. Therefore, when you are buying this natural oil, always remember to check the manufacturing and expiry dates of the product. At the same time, be careful never to apply old lemon essential oil onto the skin as it may result in acute allergic reactions. People, who are undergoing chemotherapy for treatment of cancer, should avoid using lemon essential oil. As with most essential oils, even lemon essential oil should be used in low concentrations. Hence, it is advisable that you dilute this natural oil obtained from lemon peels adding other suitable essential oils before use.
One ought to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or ultra violet (UV) rays following the application of lemon essential oil on the skin for a period of at least 12 hours. It may be mentioned that all natural oils obtained from citrus plants are highly reactive to sunlight and may result in staining or bruising of the skin when they come in contact with light within 12 hours of application. This natural oil extracted by cold pressing process from lemon peels may prove to be harmful for children and, hence, always keep it out of their reach. At the same time, never use lemon essential oil on infants or babies for it may prove to be detrimental for their health. Also, remember that this natural oil should never be applied on the skin when you are close to any fire, flame, heat or sparks.
