Lemon

Citrus Limon

Lemon Oil is a zesty and fresh essential oil that is packed full of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It can be used in aromatherapy as well as combined with other oils to make beautiful fragrances. It is the perfect oil to own as you can use it for your hair and skin, as well as creating multiple household cleaners such as polishes and sprays.

History of Lemon Oil

There is no definitive time in history where Lemon was ‘discovered’, but it was first mentioned in literature in 90bc when it was used at a festival in Jerusalem! Since then, it was more commonly used in the Middle-East and Europe and then spread to the rest of the world. Lemons were originally seen as decorative, and once the fruits’ beautiful aroma and healing properties were discovered, Lemon oil was cultivated. It was actually first grown in India, and now it is one of the most widely used fruits in the world.

Lemon Oil was used by many cultures in ancient times, due to the fact that the Lemon tree was able to grow in multiple conditions, making it extremely accessible to countries across the world. Lemon Oil was used for flavouring and some alternative healing processes, but it was mostly the juice and the flesh from the fruit that helped to treat multiple health problems and the common cold. Today, Lemon Oil is used similarly and mostly for beauty and wellbeing purposes, as well as in cooking.

So, why has Lemon Oil survived through the ages as a staple for multiple cultures?

Because it’s brilliant! Where the Lemon fruit is so versatile and you can use every part of it, it has embedded itself into worldwide health, culinary and beauty industries. You’ll notice that Lemon Oil is mostly used in aromatherapy due to its refreshing scent and calming properties, but it can be used for so much more.

Lemon Oil can be used to create candles, cleaning products and can be used as a natural bug repellent, too. It is blended into soaps and sprays, and can often be found in high end perfumes. Other uses for Lemon Oil are in cooking, and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes to give them an extra layer of flavour and smell.

Lemon Oil is also used in the corporate world, with banks in China using it in diffusers to keep employees alert but also calm. Unlike some essential oils on the market, Lemon Oil is easily accessible - meaning it’s affordable, and is also an oil you can make in the comfort of your own home, should you wish. It also compliments multiple essential oils meaning that it’s a great essential oil to own if you are someone who likes experimenting with new blends.

Extracting Lemon Oil

The oil is extracted from the rind, or skin of the fruit as some like to call it. The flesh unfortunately doesn’t store any oil, but can be used for multiple purposes such as cleaning, cooking and beauty, too! Most commercial producers of Lemon Oil will use either steam distillation or cold pressing to extract the oil!

Cold pressing involves using a press to extract the oil from the rinds and it will quite literally squeeze the oil out. It is called cold pressing as no heat needs to be used, but there are some other citrus fruits that may require the rinds to be slightly heated before cold pressing them to yield the most oil. Steam distillation is another way of extracting Lemon Oil, and is used on slightly more delicate essential oils such as Lavender (which is extracted from the flower). The steam forces the pockets of the rind to open and release the oil, which is in the hot air vapour and is only visible once it cools on top of the water in a steel drum. The oil is then skimmed and that is how Lemon Oil is created!

Can I extract Lemon Oil at home?

Of course you can! Unless you have a cold press or a steam distillation unit installed in your home, there are other ways that you can create this at home. The most common way of creating your own essential oil is through using an alcohol to soak the rinds in, and then strain the mixture - and you are left with the oil. This is a lengthy process and can take up to two weeks, so if you’re impatient, Lemon Oil is easily accessible and affordable so you can always buy it if DIY isn’t your thing!

Cold pressing involves using a press to extract the oil from the rinds and it will quite literally squeeze the oil out. It is called cold pressing as no heat needs to be used, but there are some other citrus fruits that may require the rinds to be slightly heated before cold pressing them to yield the most oil. Steam distillation is another way of extracting Lemon Oil, and is used on slightly more delicate essential oils such as Lavender (which is extracted from the flower). The steam forces the pockets of the rind to open and release the oil, which is in the hot air vapour and is only visible once it cools on top of the water in a steel drum. The oil is then skimmed and that is how Lemon Oil is created!

Can I extract Lemon Oil at home?

Of course you can! Unless you have a cold press or a steam distillation unit installed in your home, there are other ways that you can create this at home. The most common way of creating your own essential oil is through using an alcohol to soak the rinds in, and then strain the mixture - and you are left with the oil. This is a lengthy process and can take up to two weeks, so if you’re impatient, Lemon Oil is easily accessible and affordable so you can always buy it if DIY isn’t your thing!

Lemon Oil Varieties

Lemon Oil Varieties

There are at least 25 different varieties of Lemon, meaning that there are around 25 different types of Lemon Oil available on the market. The varieties of Lemon Oil accessible to you will completely depend on where the fruit is grown, and how the essential oil is extracted. For example, steam distillation and cold pressing are two very common ways of extraction; but even the process of extracting the oil can determine what you should use it for. There are some varieties of Lemon Oil that are safe for ingestion, whereas others aren’t and would only be recommended to be mixed with carrier oils, or used to polish wood for example.

So, how do I know which variety or type of Lemon Oil I should use?

It’s completely dependent on what your goals are! There will be some varieties of Lemon Oil that are suitable for multi-use, whereas others will have specific things that they shouldn’t be used for because of the “DNA” of the fruit and rind, which will be passed through to the oil. The best way to understand the varieties is to research which type of Lemon Oil is best used for a particular goal.

For example, the Sweet Meyer Lemon Oil is an effective topical antiseptic, insect repellent and can help with fighting acne. Although this Oil has multiple uses, it should never be ingested. There are other variations of Lemon Oil that are also more effective in aromatherapy, and this should be researched beforehand.

Finally, through your research you’ll start to get to grips with particular Lemon Oils that are more expensive, and those are usually a) far away from where you live so shipping needs to be considered, b) the lemon rind does not yield much oil, therefore it’s more expensive and c) it’s a rare variety meaning that there isn’t an abundance of oil. Like other essential oils, you would usually use the cheaper variations for day to day, and save more expensive varieties for when you want to pamper yourself (or if it targets something specific for you and you are getting results).

What is your favourite variety of Lemon Oil? We love hearing your stories. Feel free to submit yours to the Essentially Yours team today!

So, how do I know which variety or type of Lemon Oil I should use?

It’s completely dependent on what your goals are! There will be some varieties of Lemon Oil that are suitable for multi-use, whereas others will have specific things that they shouldn’t be used for because of the “DNA” of the fruit and rind, which will be passed through to the oil. The best way to understand the varieties is to research which type of Lemon Oil is best used for a particular goal.

For example, the Sweet Meyer Lemon Oil is an effective topical antiseptic, insect repellent and can help with fighting acne. Although this Oil has multiple uses, it should never be ingested. There are other variations of Lemon Oil that are also more effective in aromatherapy, and this should be researched beforehand.

Finally, through your research you’ll start to get to grips with particular Lemon Oils that are more expensive, and those are usually a) far away from where you live so shipping needs to be considered, b) the lemon rind does not yield much oil, therefore it’s more expensive and c) it’s a rare variety meaning that there isn’t an abundance of oil. Like other essential oils, you would usually use the cheaper variations for day to day, and save more expensive varieties for when you want to pamper yourself (or if it targets something specific for you and you are getting results).

What is your favourite variety of Lemon Oil? We love hearing your stories. Feel free to submit yours to the Essentially Yours team today!

Benefits of Lemon Oil

Lemon Oil has been around for thousands of years, due to quickly embedding itself into alternative medicine, beauty and culture across the world. Originally seen as decorative, Lemon trees were used for their aesthetics until their true powers were discovered! Originating in India, it is now one of the most used fruits in the world. Today, it is still used across the world and is incredibly popular for beauty, general wellbeing and alternative medicine!

So, what are the benefits of using Lemon Oil?

Natural remedy for feeling rundown

Ever heard of the lemon and honey tea combo? You can achieve similar results using the oil topically mixed with a carrier oil and massaging it into the skin.

Clean the home without harsh chemicals

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of chemicals you use in your life, and in the home (especially if you are sensitive to them or have young children) Lemon Oil can be mixed with other household items to create strong floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners and polishes!

Improved complexion and skin health

Using a few drops of Lemon Oil in a bath or skin routine can keep the skin taut, hydrated and healthy!

Heightens concentration

Lemon Oil originally was used and diffused in banks in China to help with employees’ concentration. There’s no reason why you can’t achieve that at home, too!

Relieves stress and anxiety

Lemon Oil has been proven to help reduce stress and general anxiety, and can be used in aromatherapy and also in an electrical diffuser before bed to aid restful sleep.

These are just some of the benefits of using Lemon Oil, and we wanted to share our ultimate favourites! You’ll see that the oil is incredibly versatile, and pairs beautifully with other oils in your collection.

Please note that the benefits of using Lemon Oil may vary from person to person. It’s all down to how you respond and what types of blends you like to make at home!

Uses of Lemon Oil

Lemon Oil has been used since BC (Before Christ) for cooking, beauty and alternative medicine! Originally the lemon tree was used for decorative purposes in India and the Middle-East before they discovered the many uses for a lemon! Since then, Lemon Oil has survived through the ages as a staple in multiple cultures and countries. From helping with alleviating cold and flu symptoms, to being used as a massage balm for sore muscles - Lemon Oil really is the jack of all trades when it comes to skincare, alternative medicine and beauty!

So, what can you use Lemon Oil for?

Aromatherapy

Lemon Oil is popular in aromatherapy due to the fact that it is so versatile. Not only does it blend beautifully with a number of other essential oils, but it can be used to alleviate anxiety, aid restful sleep as well as work as an energy booster, too! In China, Lemon Oil is diffused in banks to help keep employees refreshed and alert during the day.

Relieving muscle pain

Mixed in with a carrier oil such as Almond or Jojoba oil, the mixture can be massaged into the skin to create a beautiful massage oil. This can relieve muscle pain and strains, especially after a long session at the gym!

Wood polish

Like other citrus oils, Lemon can be used as an effective wood polish. Not only does it have an uplifting scent, but the oil is rich and will breathe life into old wood goods.

Air freshener

Whether it’s in an electric diffuser, or in a spray bottle - Lemon Oil makes a beautiful air freshener.

Skincare

Adding a few drops of the oil into your bath can help with keeping your skin taut and moist, or mixing a few drops into your moisturiser or facial oil, too.

Laundry

If you don’t like using chemical detergents, try using some essential oil and soap to do your laundry, and it’ll leave your clothes and bed sheets smelling fresh!

Eliminating dandruff

Lemon Oil has been proven to help with the elimination of dandruff when applied topically - and is great if you have a sensitive scalp and do not want to use chemicals on your hair or scalp.

Blends well with

We, the Essentially Yours team, are passionate about learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you pick the right oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with each and every one of our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they are misused is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. This particular blog focuses on some of the many beautiful essential oils Lemon Oil blends nicely with.

Lime Oil

This essential oil seduces with its fresh, citrusy, sweet, and slightly tart scent. Although it’s not exactly the most popular oil in the citrus family, Lime Oil deserves to be considered because it has so much to offer. It’s reported that it can heal minor wounds, protect against the common cold, support the respiratory system, treat acne, eliminate dandruff, and relieve muscle and joint pain.

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Bergamot Oil

Bergamot Oil possesses a uniquely complex aroma with underlying bitter and floral characteristics. It’s prized for its ability to both calm and uplift. In addition to this, Bergamot Oil can assist with acne, abscesses, boils, itching, and oily skin.

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Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit Oil is an orange-tinted essential oil with a pleasantly sweet, tangy aroma. It’s one of the most frequently used oils in aromatherapy. This citrus oil energises without being too strong or overpowering. It can help with acne, oily skin, cellulitis, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention, and nervous exhaustion. Since Grapefruit Oil is phototoxic (can cause a skin reaction when exposed to the sun), some experts recommend a dermal maximum of 4%.

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Cinnamon Bark Oil

This gorgeous essential oil possesses a warm, sweet, and spicy scent. It’s considered to be a great mood enhancer and insect repellent. Cinnamon Bark Oil can also help with coughs, colds, poor digestion, and constipation.

Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil is probably the most popular and versatile oil in the aromatherapy kingdom. Lavender can do wonders for your skin (prevent and heal acne breakouts, soothe eczema and dry skin, soothe burns, promote the healing of skin tissue, etc.), relax your mind, treat fungal infections and allergies, assist with insomnia, and offer a number of other positive effects.

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Geranium Oil

Geranium Oil is yet another incredible essential oil that blends well with Lemon Oil. Its sweet, floral scent is both calming and uplifting. One of the traditional uses of Geranium Oil is to support the circulatory system, which explains why it’s believed that it can soothe symptoms of menstruation and menopause.

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Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil is a popular essential oil with an intense minty scent. At low dilutions, this oil is fresh and quite uplifting. Peppermint Oil is a great choice for blends intended to promote alertness and stimulation. It can also assist with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), flatulence, nausea, asthma, headaches, the common cold, itchy skin, and muscle pain.

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