June 16, 2014

Part 4: Uses of Lemon Essential Oil Derived from the Arabic ‘laimun’ or the Persian ‘limun’, eary knowledge and use of lemon is believed to have originated in China.  Subsequently, history then tracks it traveling to Italy and the Mediterranean with Arabian merchants. To alleviate scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies, the Royal Navy included lemons as part of their sailors diets at sea.  The fruit contains significant percentages Vitamins A, B and C. Christopher Columbus took lemon seeds to the New World, including Haiti in 1493.  In search of the elusive “Fountain of Youth”, the Spanish adventurer and explorer, Ponce de Leon soon followed after.  Ponce de Leon alighted on the shores of Florida and instructed his sailors to plant 100 lemon seeds wherever they landed – this was the beginning of the great citrus industry in Florida! Around the World The juice and peel of the lemon are used as cooking seasonings in countries worldwide.  The Spanish consider lemon a “cure all”, especially for infectious illnesses. Lemon essential oil was historically used to try break a fever associated with diseases such as malaria or typhoid.  To reduce worker error, banks in Japan diffuse lemon essential oil periodically throughout the work day.  Who does not like the fresh and clean smell of lemon in a perfume or summer salad? When harvested while they are still green, lemons will yield a higher quality oil.  It takes over 3,000 lemons to produce 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of expressed oil. Research Says Helpful Uses of Lemon Essential Oil Therapeutic properties Lemon oil has an extensive list of therapeutic properties. It is anti-anemic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-sclerotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative (reduces gas and flatulence), cicatrisant (forms scars to close wounds), depurative (purifying), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), diuretic, febrifuge (reduces fever), haemostatic (stops bleeding), hypotensive (reduces blood pressure), insecticidal, rubefacient (reddens the skin by increasing circulation), tonic and vermifuge (expels intestinal worms). Warning Lemon oil is powerfully astringent and antiseptic. Using undiluted oil directly on the skin can cause irritation on those with sensitive skin.  For an ideal blend, use five drops or less of lemon oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil. Lemon oil can contain up to 2% furanocoumarin compounds, including bergaptene. These compounds act as photo-sensitizing agents, which can increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light, causing accelerated burning and skin damage. Do not expose the skin to direct sunlight for 24-78 hours after using lemon oil. Don’t use lemon oil on the skin in the presence of sunlight. Certain oils can be very toxic to cats. Pine and citrus products and oils, in particular those that are not of therapeutic grade, can be especially problematic.  Please consult your vet if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your pet. Which oils does lemon essential oil blend well with? Although most essential oils blend well together, Lemon Oil blends well with Benzoin, chamomile, cistus, elemi, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.