Lemon Oil

Since ancient times, lemon oil has been used as an essential ingredient for numerous personal care products and cleaning purposes. Obtained from lemon peelings, which is considered as one of the sixteen species of the rutaceae plant lineage, lemon oil is an essential oil used for natural healing and health improvement purposes. Limonene generates the aromatic smell in the oil, while citral or citric acid creates the sour taste. Due to its multiple uses in health products and cleansing items, lemon oil is used all over the world.

Lemon Oil

Table of Contents

Table Of Content

Table of Contents

Lemon Oil Scientific Name

The scientific name for Lemon Oil is Citrus Limonum.

Lemon Oil Description

Appearance: Lemon oil is clear distinct liquid with no impurities.

Density: The density level of lemon oil is moderate.

Color: This oil is light yellow or grayish yellow in color.

Taste: This oil tastes sour taste due to presence of Citrus acid.

Aroma: Due to the presence of limonene, lemon oil diffuses an aroma of a freshly sliced lemon fruit.

Picture 1 – Lemon Oil

Lemon Oil Properties

Lemon oil has an approximate 6,619 ORAC value, which assures of its high antioxidant content in the oil. The therapeutic properties include anti-anemic, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, anti-sclerotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative and cicatrisant. The pH balance of lemon juice present in lemon oil is 2 to 3.

Lemon Oil Composition

The two essential ingredients that constitute lemon oil are limonene and citral. B-pinene, camphene, linalool, b-bisabolene, limonene, trans-a-bergamotene, nerol and neral are some of the chemicals present in Lemon oil.

Around 90% of monoterpene hydrocarbons including 70 % of limonene and minimal amount of a-terpinene, a-pinene, sabinene together with myrcene are present along with 2 to 6% of aldehydes, primarily neral, geranial, citral, esters, alcohol including terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol, geraniol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, etc.

41% of coumarins, a-bergamotene, caryophyllene, 7-methoxy-5-geranoxy coumarin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, bergamottin, limettin along with imperatorin and 8-geranoxypsoralen constitutes lemon oil.

Lemon Oil Extraction Process

Around 1500 fresh lemons are required to manufacture one pound of unadulterated lemon oil. With the help of required way of cold pressing method, lemon oil is extracted from the outer part of the fresh lemon peel. The grayish yellow part of the lemon peel is hard pressed with the help of machines to squeeze out the pungent lemon oil. More than 3000 lemons are used to produce a kilo of lemon oil which is used in various medical and commercial purposes.

Picture 2 – Lemon Oil Image

Lemon Oil Health Benefits

Lemon oil is extremely beneficial for health.

Lemon acts as a perfect stress buster and eradicates mental fatigue, anxiety, exhaustion, nervousness together with dizziness.
Inhaling lemon oil odor augments mental alertness and concentration.
Vaporized form of lemon oil heals the human body by killing various kinds of bacteria, germs, voice loss, flu and many more.
Can be used as a lotion or cream for skin burns, cuts and bruises
Improve the memory of people affected with dementia.
Reduces stomach and duodenum problems.
Cleanses the skin completely, minimizing wrinkles and marks.
Helps in acne treatment.
Prevents harmful tumor growth.
Daily mouth wash with lemon oil heals mouth tumors.
Useful in treating warts and verrucas.
Regular use of lemon oil provides good sleep to those who are suffering from insomnia.
Presence of high vitamin proportion in lemon oil increases the immunity of human body over the years.
Ideal medicine for stomach upsets and cramps.
Consumption of lemon oil helps in weight loss procedure.
Essential ingredients present in lemon oil heal asthma.
Proper use of lemon oil ensures healthy hair and is also used to remove dandruff.
Revives dry and dull skin.

Lemon Oil Uses

Lemon oil, extracted from the peel of lemons, is used for both medical and culinary purposes due to its essential ingredients along with vital nutrients.

Edible Uses

It is extensively used for cooking purposes to add flavor and essence to the food.
1-2 drops of pure lemon oil increases the taste of baked products and beverages.
When lemon oil is mixed with adequate water and honey, it produces tasty homemade lemonades.

Medicinal Uses

Lemon oil can be used as an effective balm for different kinds of body pains and agonies.
Lemon vapor therapy heals flu, depression, stress, lack of energy, colds, sore throat, voice loss and fatigue.
Heals any kind of skin burns.
Lemon oil can be mixed with other essential oils for a rejuvenating massage oil bath.
Acts a perfect skin lotion cream for dry and stained hands.
Regular use of lemon oil with water heals mouth ulcers.
Can be used in a spray bottle as a perfect neutralizer and deodorizer.
When mixed with peppermint, lemon oil acts as a perfect energy booster.
Nourishes hair, nails and skin.
Increases memory and mental alertness.
Used extensively in aromatherapy for healing purposes.

Other uses

Lemon oil can be used to clean a vacuum cleaner.
Can be used as an effective dishwasher.
Helps remove gum and grease spots.

Picture 3 – Lemon Oil Recipe

Lemon Oil for Hair

Lemon oil is a very effective stimulant and tonic for hair. When applied properly, it nourishes the human skull, to render shinning and strong healthy hair. If used regularly, it delivers long lasting results. Lemon essential oils can also be used to remove dandruff from head permanently.

Lemon Oil Side Effects

Applying lemon oil directly on skin can lead to rigorous sunburn and irritation. Lemon oil dilution should not exceed more than 1% in massage oils and 3% in other oils. If the percentage exceeds, it can have harmful effects on human body. People having sensitive skin should avoid using lemon oil. Higher amounts of lemon oil content in medicines and foods can be harmful for the human health.

Using Lemon Oil during Pregnancy

Lemon oil can be used during pregnancy due to its multiple substantive qualities. However, it is advisable not to use it before coming into direct contact with sunlight, since it can cause severe skin pigmentation.

Lemon Oil Availability

Lemon oil is available at online stores and retail shops. The value for 11 ml of lemon oil is US$12.

Lemon Oil Interesting Facts

Lemon Oil has a number of interesting facts that worth a special mention.

Lemon oil is prepared from Citrus Limon which is actually the fruit of lemon tree
Lemon tree is mention in ancient history of 200 A.D
Lemon oil came into limelight when it cured scurvy, a popular disease that affected Europe long time back