LEMON
(Citrus limon)
As you could guess, lemon is part of the citrus family which makes it a wonderful and refreshing essential oil that can be used to purify the air in your home, promote concentration and mental alertness or even act as a cleaning product. It is considered a ‘cure all’ in some European countries, being widely used and highly regarded to treat certain illnesses and infections.
Aromatic Profile
The essential oil smells similar to the peel of the lemon, except a lot stronger. It is light, fresh, clean and citrusy and can be blended well with geranium, chamomile, rosemary, ylang ylang, eucalyptus, lavender, neroli, sandalwood and other citrus oils.
Uses
Lemon can help with respiratory conditions like bronchitis and catarrh and can treat symptoms associated with common colds and the flu. As an antiseptic and antimicrobial, this essential oil is effective in treating minor cuts, scrapes and boils. It assists in stimulating the lymphatic system and works to promote healthy digestion.
Safety
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Non-toxic
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May cause irritation and sensitisation in some individuals so always do a patch test before any topical applications
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Lemon is phototoxic so take care not to use this oil in direct sunlight
Lawless, J 2013, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Conari Press, San Francisco.
AromaWeb, Lemon Essential Oil, https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemon-oil.asp
White, J 1999, Aromatherapy Blends for Life, Blends for Life, Melbourne.