Name        Lemon Essential Oil, Italy

Category  Essential Oils

Species    Citrus limon 

Part           Peel

Method     Expressed

Class        Monoterpene

Country    Italy

Code        CitLim2 

Lemon Essential Oil, Italy

Lemon Essential Oil, Italy, (Citrus limon), has antiseptic like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function.

Key Constituents:

Limonene [59-73%]

Gamma-Terpinene [6-12%]

Beta-Pinene [7-16%]

Alpha-Pinene [1.5-3%]

Sabinene [1.5-3%]

Action:  Lemon is anti-infectious, antibacterial (spores), antiseptic, antiviral, and a disinfectant.  Lemon improves microcirculation, promotes white blood cell formation, and improves function.

Traditional Uses:  Lemon has antiseptic-like properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function.  According to Jean Valnet, MD, the vaporized essence of lemon can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours.  Even a 0.2% solution of lemon oil can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria.  Lemon oil has been widely used in skin care to cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles.

Indications:  Anemia, asthma, herpes, warts, shingles, bleeding, malaria, parasites, rheumatism, throat infection, ureter infections, and varicose veins.

Other Uses:  Lemon oil may be beneficial for anziety, blood pressure, digestive problems, respiratory infections, and sore throats.  Lemon essential oil promote leukocyte formation, improves memory, strengthens nails, cleans the skin, and promotes a sense of well-being.  Lemon has shown to have antidepressant effects in research done by Komori, et al., 1995.  Lemon oil serves as an effective insect repellent and works well in removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots.

Application:  Diffuse or add a few drops of Lemon oil to 1 cup of pure water in a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air.  Add 5 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) to 1 cup of pure water, shake and spray for purification and for a refreshing, lifting aerosol.  Add to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.

Fragrant Influence:  Lemon oil promotes clarity of thought and purpose, as well as health, healing, physical energy, and purification.  Lemon fragrance is invigorating, enhancing, and warming.

Safety Data:  If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.

NOTE:  Lemon oil is photosensitizing, so avoid exposure to direct sunlight/UV rays for 3 days after applying topically.

Companion Oils:  German chamomile oil, Eucalyptus radiata oil, Fennel oil, Frankincense oil, Geranium oil, Juniper oil, Peppermint oil, Sandalwood oil, and Ylang Ylang oil.