HISTORY OF LEMON OIL

Due to its yellow color, refreshing scent, ability to purify, and for the burst of
energy that it provides, Lemon Essential Oil has earned the nickname “Liquid
Sunshine.” Lemon Oil possibly has the most powerful anti-microbial activity of all
the essential oils. The name Lemon is derived from either the Arabic word
“laimun” or the Persian word “limun,” both meaning “citrus fruit.” Small and
evergreen, Lemon trees are considered to be a cross between Bitter Orange and
Citron and were originally grown for decorative purposes with the fruit remaining
on the tree. Once the fruit’s resourcefulness was discovered, it began to be
cultivated.

Lemon trees are native to Asia and were used by not only ancient Indians but also
Egyptians and Romans to treat infectious diseases. Lemon trees are believed to
have been brought to Europe in the Middle Ages around 200 A.D. and eventually
made their way from the Middle East to North Africa and eventually, Christopher
Columbus introduced them to America. At this time, due to their antiseptic and
anti-bacterial properties, English sailors in the Royal Navy also often used them
while sailing to protect themselves against the ravages of scurvy and vitamin
deficiencies.

Both the fruit and the essential oil have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for
thousands of years to treat a vast range of health issues. Lemon Essential Oil is
used today in perfumery, in culinary practices, and to relieve mental exhaustion
while improving cognitive function and concentration. For this reason, Lemon Oil
is diffused in workplaces in order to improve employee focus and efficiency and to
reduce the number of errors.

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 BENEFITS OF LEMON OIL
Lemon Essential Oil’s active chemical components contribute to its therapeutic benefits that give
it the reputation of being an invigorating, cleansing, and purifying oil. These constituents make it
ideal for use in cosmetics, aromatherapy, massage, and home cleaning products to purify the air
as well as surfaces. These healing benefits can be attributed to the oil’s anti-inflammatory,
astringent, analgesic, stimulant, antiseptic, soothing, energizing, and balancing activities, among
other valuable properties.

The main constituents of Lemon Essential Oil are: Limonene, α-Pinene, Camphene, β-Pinene,
Sabinene, Myrcene, α-Terpinene, Linalool, β -bisabolene, trans-α-Bergamotene, Nerol, and
Neral.

α-Pinene is known to exhibit the following  Anti-inflammatory

activity:  Analgesic
 Anti-biotic
 Anti-inflammatory  Sedative
 Anti-septic  Anti-mutagenic
 Expectorant
 Bronchodilator

Linalool is known to exhibit the following

activity:
Camphene is known to exhibit the
following activity:  Anti-anxiety
 Anti-epileptic
 Anti-oxidant  Analgesic
 Soothing  Sedative
 Anti-inflammatory

Limonene is known to exhibit the following

Sabinene is known to exhibit the following activity:
activity:
 Anti-oxidant
 Anti-oxidant  Stimulant
 Anti-microbial  Digestive
 Anti-fungal  Detoxicant
 Anti-inflammatory  Appetite suppressant

Myrcene is known to exhibit the following Nerol is known to exhibit the following
activity: activity:

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 Anti-oxidant Neral is known to exhibit the following
 Sedative activity:
 Anti-inflammatory
 Balancing  Apoptotic
 Analgesic  Anti-nociceptive
 Anti-inflammatory

Used topically after dilution in a carrier oil or in a skin care product, Lemon Essential Oil boosts
circulation, metabolism, and digestive function. It relieves constipation and reduces blood
pressure as well as cellulite. It can inhibit or soothe inflammation such as headaches and can ease
the discomfort associated with arthritis.

Its anti-bacterial properties can sanitize not only wounds but also objects. Its astringent
properties rejuvenate dull complexions, making Lemon Oil effective for restoring the luster to
tired or sagging skin. Lemon Oil’s high vitamin content boosts immunity by stimulating the
body’s ability to combat harmful bacteria.

Used in aromatherapy, it can reduce fever and flu and relieve throat infections and cough. By
clearing the nasal passages, it promotes easier breathing for those with respiratory issues or
infections. This rejuvenating, clean-smelling essential oil is commonly used to enhance
concentration and energy. When diffused indoors, Lemon Essential Oil eliminates toxins in both
the air and on surfaces. It can be used as a non-toxic cleaner and air freshener throughout the
home for a mood-elevating, cooling, and revitalizing effect. It has a calming effect that can
subdue negative moods such as anxiety.

 COSMETIC: Antiseptic, Tonic, Detoxifying, Anti-fungal.

 ODOROUS: Anti-microbial, Anti-rheumatic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Febrifuge,

Astringent, Calming.

 MEDICINAL: Anti-microbial, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-septic, Bactericidal, Carminative,

Depurative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Anti-infection, Astringent, Disinfectant, Calming, Anti-
anemic, Anti-sclerotic, Cicatrisant, Diaphoretic, Haemostatic, Hypotensive, Tonic,
Vermifuge, Detoxifying, Anti-fungal.

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HOW IS LEMON OIL EXTRACTED?
Lemon Essential Oil is obtained by the cold expression of fresh lemon fruit peels –
also called skins or rinds – which contain volatile oil glands. Nearly 1000 lemons
are needed to produce 1 lb. of Lemon Oil. After extraction, Lemon Oil has a thin,
watery viscosity, a pale, greenish-yellow color, and gives off a sharp yet fresh
fragrance, which can largely be attributed to the chemical constituent Limonene.

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USES OF LEMON OIL
The uses for Lemon Essential Oil are abundant, ranging from medicinal and
odorous to cosmetic. Its many forms include oils, gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos,
and sprays, to name a few suggestions for homemade products.

When diluted and used topically in cosmetic products, Lemon Essential Oil
provides skin with many benefits such as a complexion that looks vibrant and feels
healthy and smooth. It can be added to massage blends or diluted in relaxing baths
to moisturize chapped skin, relieve fatigue and flu symptoms, boost energy and
metabolism, enhance the mood, and generally tone the body. In creams or lotions,
Lemon Oil can reduce the appearance of cellulite, and in face washes it can act as a
tightening and toning astringent that reduces the amount of oil production. Used in
hair products, Lemon Essential Oil works as a tonic that helps achieve hair that is
strong and healthy-looking. Lemon Oil removes dandruff and leaves hair shiny
without looking or feeling greasy. To balance oil production on the scalp, Lemon
Oil can be diluted with Apple Cider Vinegar and water to create a hair rinse.

In aromatherapy, Lemon Essential Oil can be used to relieve cold and flu
symptoms, depression, and stress, among other ailments. Diffusing Lemon Oil can
clear nasal passages and lungs and boost energy levels. In a similar vein, it can
release feelings of irritation by uplifting moods and it can improve concentration
by clearing the mind, which can facilitate easier decision making. To relieve
allergies, combine Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint oils and rub the blend on the
bottoms of feet and behind the neck daily. Lemon Essential Oil can be added to
natural homemade scented candles or potpourri to steadily diffuse a diluted yet
refreshing scent.

As a household cleaner, Lemon Essential Oil acts as a natural disinfectant. Dilute

Lemon Essential Oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray it onto shower
walls, windows, wooden furniture, metal surfaces, and countertops to eliminate
mold and achieve a streak-free shine. Lemon Oil can also be blended with Tea
Tree Oil and again diluted in water and vinegar to create a cleaning spray. For its
antiseptic quality, Lemon Essential Oil can be added to homemade soaps.

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A GUIDE TO LEMON OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

LEMON VARIETY & COUNTRY OF

BENEFITS OF OIL
BOTANICAL NAME ORIGIN

Lemon (Argentina) Found in: Believed to:

Essential Oil
 Argentina  Moisturize
Citrus limon (L) Burm.  Smooth dry skin
 Relieve fatigue
 Boost energy

Lemon (Sicily) Essential Found in: Believed to:

Oil
 Italy  Enhance metabolism
Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F.  Spain  Tone the body
 Reduce appearance of
cellulite
 Balance oil production

Lemon (Natural Blend) Found in: Believed to:

Essential Oil
 Italy  Relieve gas
 Reduce fever
 Balance moods and
emotions
 Promote easy breathing

Lemon 5 Fold (Natural Found in: Believed to:

Blend) Essential Oil
 Italy  Purify air and surfaces
Natural Blends are blends of
 Energize the mind
oils from various natural
sources to achieve an  Enhance focus
economical product that

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resembles the aroma of the  Cosmetic applications
pure oil.
 Scenting soaps and
candles

Lemon 5 Fold (Sicily) Found in: Believed to:

Essential Oil
 Italy  Nourish and condition
5 Fold indicates that the skin and hair
oil’s Terpenes have been
 Cool and revitalize skin
removed through extended
distillation, making its scent  Cleanse and refresh the
five times stronger. air

Lemon Organic Essential Found in: Believed to:

Oil
 Italy  Relieve cold and flu
Citrus limonum symptoms
 Tighten skin
 Clear nasal passages
 Improve concentration

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CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR LEMON OIL
As per NAHA guidelines, New Directions Aromatics (NDA) does not recommend
the ingestion of essential oils. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner
before using Lemon Essential Oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing
women and those taking prescription drugs are especially advised not to use
Lemon Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician. The oil should
always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under
the age of 7.

Lemon Essential Oil must be used in dilution, as it can potentially cause skin
irritation. Prior to using Lemon Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done
by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or
Jojoba Oil, and applying a small amount to a small area of skin that is not
sensitive. Once applied topically, sun exposure should be avoided, as Lemon Oil
may sensitize the skin to UV rays. Lemon Oil must never be used near the eyes,
inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.

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LITERATURE
OF
LEMON OIL

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