Essential Oil Database

Photo: Citrus Limonum

Lemon

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Citrus Limonum

Family Name:

Rutaceae

Source Country:

Sicily

Plant Parts Used:

Peel

Extraction Method:

Cold expression

Major Constituents:

Limolene, terpinene, paracymene, linalool, geraniol, hexanol, octanol, scopoletine, umbelliferone, citral

Botanical Description

Photo: Citrus Limonum

Citrus Limonum is native to India, and is widely cultivated throughout the sub tropical world. It is an evergreen tree commonly known as Lemon growing up to 6 meters tall. The green leaves are ovate-oval and the flowers are white and pink. The fruit is a yellow ovoid berry growing up to 10 cm long, having an acid, pale yellow pulp.

Lemon has traditionally been used as a flavouring, its juice used in cuisine, as well as ornamental and medicinal uses.

Photo: Citrus Limonum

Fragrance

Lemon essential oil has a distinct, fresh and light, sour citrus scent.

Lemon essential oil is a light yellow liquid.

Lemon blends well with benzoin, chamomile, citronella, elemi, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, myrrh, neroli, rose, sage, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Citrus Limonum

Properties: antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrizant, decongestant, diuretic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, tonic.

Aids: concentration, immune system, lymphatic system.

Alleviates: acne, asthma, boils, bronchitis, catarrh, depression, high blood pressure, sinusitis, sore throat, varicose veins.

Lemon is traditionally used to purity the air and to refresh and uplift the atmosphere.

Safety Data

Can be phototoxic, avoid use on skin exposed to direct sunlight.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.