Lemon essential oil: all its properties and uses

Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum) is used in many fields as a flavoring and of course in perfumery. His fresh, invigorating and bubbly scent we are excited and happy. It evokes cleanliness and sunny summer days, which is why it is often added to natural household cleaning formulas.

But due to its properties it is also an essential oil widely used for therapeutic purposesa great aromatherapy remedy that will come in handy to have reserves in our natural medicine cabinet.

Lemon essential oil properties

lemon essential oil It is extracted from the peel of lemons. In the year 2000, thanks to phylogenetic studies, it was discovered that, contrary to what was thought, the lemon tree is not a tree native to China and India, but rather was born in the Mediterranean in the 5th century BC as a result of hybridization between the bitter orange (citrus aurantium) and citron (Citrus x medica).

To preserve its properties, the essential oil is obtained by cold pressing thanks to some mechanical procedures that break the small bags full of essence that are hidden in the lemon skin. Once filtered, it is packaged and we already have it ready to use and enjoy it in a thousand ways.

The essence of lemon is, without a doubt, essential for its great therapeutic value. These are its most outstanding properties:

If we take the trouble to smell the lemon essence carefully, we will observe that clean feeling it moves especially to the lungs, but also to the mind. The lemon decongests and clearsAt the same time, it is very common to notice, when smelling it, that we salivate, which tells us that it has digestive properties.The essence of lemon is ideal for purifying the air, Therefore, it can be used in diffusion to prevent colds, especially in winter, and whenever we need to maintain a clear mind, optimal concentration and, above all, a good mood. Recent scientific studies have shown that lemon essence has anxiolytic properties. These properties are attributed to the main molecule of this essence: limonene. We find this molecule in most citrus essences and it is currently being studied for its promising antitumor properties. It helps us to improve liver functionfavors digestion, has cleansing properties and, as if that were not enough, it is a fantastic anti-aging active for the skin.

What is it for

Due to its properties, lemon essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

1. To improve concentration

If you have to perform tasks that require a lot of concentration or you have to study for many hours, the essence of lemon is perfect. Stimulates mental clarity and concentration, helps reduce stress levels and produces a feeling of well-being.

For this end, use it in a diffuser adapting the amount of essence to the model you use.

2. To avoid car sickness (children from 3 years old)

In this case it is best to take the essence of lemon orally:

Prepare a bottle with a dropper (5 ml). Put 2 ml of lemon essence (about 60 drops) and complete with olive oil, add 2 drops of vitamin E to preserve it better. Before leaving on a trip, place 1 drop in the language. Repeat if necessary during the trip.

For children from 1 year and a half: dilute 1 drop with a little compote. It is also taken before going out.

In both cases, it will also be useful to smell it. In this case deposit 1 drop of lemon essence in a tissue of paper.

3. For digestion and liver (adults)

Take 2 drops of lemon essence with a little olive oil 3 times a day for 15 days. You can rest for a week and repeat 15 more days.

4. For bad breath and to prevent cavities

Lemon essential oil is ideal for keeping your breath fresh and protecting against cavities. When you go to brush your teeth, add 1 drop of lemon essence to the toothpaste.

Contrary to lemon juice, the essence of lemon does not damage the enamel of the teeth.

5. As an anti-wrinkle for the skin

Lemon essential oil promotes collagen production and prevents sagging skin. You can prepare a simple but effective anti-aging serum with the following ingredients:

5 ml of pomegranate vegetable oil 10 ml of jojoba vegetable oil 15 ml of extra virgin olive oil 15 drops of lemon essential oil 4 drops of vitamin E

Pour the mixture into a bottle with a dropper or a dispenser and apply asome drops on the face and neck each night.

use in the kitchen

Lemon essence is an option ideal for flavoring dishes and desserts.

Now, to enjoy its digestive properties we will use it in preparations that have not required cookingas heat alters the therapeutic properties of essential oils and essences.

It is an essential oil suitable for the whole family used in the indicated proportions next:

Fish: Dilute 2 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil and spread over the fish just before serving.Salads: Add 2 drops to your dressing.Guacamole: Add 3 drops just before serving.Pastries and desserts: In cakes, cupcakes, cookies add about 10 to 15 drops.Fruit salad: Calculate 1 drop per person.Yogurts, jams: Just 1 drop per yoghurt or jam jar.Shakes and smoothies: Add 1 to 2 drops per glass, previously diluted with a little honey or agave syrup or coconut syrup.cocktails: Just 1 drop per glass previously diluted with a little agave syrup or coconut syrup.

Precautions and contraindications

the essence of lemon It has no contraindications in the doses that are usually handled in aromatherapy.

It is important to consider your phototoxicity. It should never be used pure on the skin and we should not expose ourselves to the sun if we have used a preparation that contains it.

It can be used during pregnancy and lactation and in children respecting the indications and precautions for use. In some specific cases it can be used in children from 12 months.