Lemon Essential Oil

Latin Name: Citrus Limon

Part of Plant Used: Fruit Peel

Origin: Italy

Extraction Method: Cold Expression

Lemon Essential Oil has a strong, fresh, and sharp smell and is extracted from the fresh fruit peel of the lemon by cold expression. This oil is refreshing for the mind and sharpens concentration, so it is often preferred in air fresheners for offices and banks. It is believed to help with rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. It has been used to cure skin problems such as abscesses, boils, carbuncles, and acne. It boosts the immune system and cleanses the body.

When used in an oil burner (a few drops in water), the lemon oil vapors are used for colds, laryngitis, headache, and flu. Smelling the aroma is helpful for mental hiccups such as depression, irritation, stress, lethargy, and fatigue. It lifts the spirits and clears the mind. When a few drops are added to the bath or when mixed with a massage oil, it is said to ease digestive problems, lack of energy, tiredness, infections, obesity, rheumatism, depression, and stress. It is also used to help get rid of hangovers.

The lemon plant is native to India and perhaps China, and it was brought to Europe by the crusaders in the Middle Ages. Since the fruit has a good amount of vitamins A, B, and C, sailors were given an ounce a day to prevent scurvy, eye problems, and other vitamin deficiencies. The first real cultivation of lemons in Europe started in Genoa in the middle of the 15th century. It was later introduced to America by Christopher Columbus. The Spanish conquests helped further spread lemon seeds. Lemon was mostly used as an ornament and as medicine. It was only much later that it started to be used in cooking.