Lemon essential oil – properties, uses and how to use it safely

Lemon essential oil is one of the most popular choices among consumers. It is well known, has a wide range of uses, smells wonderful and makes an excellent base for creating your own blends. For pleasure, health or beauty? There’s no need to choose, as lemon oil combines pleasure with practicality. How should it be used to achieve maximum benefits?

Lemon oil - extraction

Although there are many different species (as well as varieties and hybrids) of lemon, the common lemon (Citrus limon). The origin of the fruit, we know today is not entirely clear, but scientists assume, that it is a cross between a lime and a citron (, discovered in China).

As with other citrus fruits, the natural oil is obtained by cold pressing. It takes as many as 75 lemons to produce a single bottle of oil! The resulting liquid is generally colourless, though it may take on a delicate yellow hue.

Lemon oil contains over 40 different compounds (, mainly terpenes), the most important of which is limonene – accounting for up to 70% of the composition.

Lemon oil – properties

Lemon oil has many health-promoting properties. Studies have confirmed the oil’s wide range of biological activity – it has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. It exhibits immunostimulatory properties, strengthens immunity and has detoxifying effects. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system – it inhibits pain receptors and participates in the activation of serotonin and dopamine receptors – calming and relaxing the mind. Lemon essential oil is often used for rheumatism and arthritis.

Its invaluable effect on appearance is also significant. Lemon oil promotes the penetration of active substances through the skin – primarily vitamins and other ingredients in skincare products. It reduces discolouration, brightens the skin and is quite a good antioxidant.

As the latest findings show, it has anti-cancer properties against colon cancer cells.

Lemon oil – use in aromatherapy

Lemon oil is light and fresh,; those sensitive to scents will certainly appreciate the warm notes of citral or the sharp aroma of limonene. Thanks to its complex scent, it is often used to alleviate the symptoms of lifestyle-related conditions such as neurosis, chronic stress, anxiety and high blood pressure.

Aromatherapy in the comfort of your own home is a great idea, that doesn’t require much effort. To achieve a satisfying effect, simply use 3–4 drops (to 5 drops, if you wish to intensify the scent) in an aromatherapy burner.

What to combine it with?

Lemon oil is extremely versatile, and blends perfectly not only with other citrus scents, but also with most available essential oils. There are no strict rules or guidelines, – it’s best to follow your own taste and preferences. And if you need some inspiration, it’s worth checking out one of the following suggestions:

• rosemary
• lavender
• eucalyptus
• orange
• ylang- ylang
• mint
• rose
• juniper
• geranium

Ready-made blends

Blends based on lemon essential oil are not complicated, and can produce surprising effects and unique fragrance notes. To start with, it is worth trying out tried-and-tested recipes using essential oils, that most of us have in our home collection:

• 8 drops of lemon oil + 8 drops of grapefruit + 4 drops of ylang - ylang + 2 drops of cedarwood oil (stimulating blend)

• 7 drops of lemon oil + 2 drops of grapefruit oil + 4 drops of sandalwood oil (intense blend)

• 3 dropsdrops of lemon oil + 3 drops of orange oil + 6 drops of grapefruit oil + 4 drops of ylang - ylang (mood-boosting blend)

Interestingly,, even a simple adjustment of the proportions of individual oils can radically alter the blend.

Relaxation in the comfort of your own home

One of the basic treatments, we can perform at home, is an aromatic bath. There is no reason, not to use lemon oil for this purpose. Just 3–4 drops, are enough to enjoy the relaxation you’ve been longing for. You can also take care of your skin by adding 1 tablespoon of honey or 200 ml of milk to the water.

And if that’s not enough, it’s worth trying a massage. It will relax your muscles, improve circulation, and, when using lemon essential oil, soothe your nerves, clear your mind, brighten your skin and alleviate inflammation. The basic recipe contains just two ingredients:

• 5 drops of lemon essential oil + 10 ml of your favourite vegetable oil

Lemon essential oil: uses in cosmetics

Lemon oil has been used for years in the production of perfumes and cosmetics. Its remarkable effects are well documented, and research is revealing ever more possibilities. We already know, that it has antioxidant properties (reduces the concentration of free radicals) and depigmenting effects (alleviates discolouration and brightens the skin). It helps combat cellulite and facilitates the absorption of nutrients.

Is lemon oil suitable for all skin types?

Lemon oil keeps the skin in good condition. Although it can be used on all skin types, it is particularly recommended for mature skin (; it plays a role in collagen synthesis),; for vascular skin (; it strengthens blood vessels),; for oily skin (; it exhibitsastringent properties) and for acne-prone skin (and has antiseptic properties). It tightens enlarged pores, regenerates and brightens the skin – and that is, after all, what most of us need.

Lemon oil for hair

Lemon oil is often used in the care of blonde hair. It adds shine, radiance and softness. To create your own cosmetic product with added essential oil, simply add 1–2 drops of the oil to every 10 ml of cosmetic product (, shampoo or conditioner). It’s not difficult, is it?

Lemon oil for mosquitoes

Lemon oil is a great repellent – it’s excellent at keeping mosquitoes and other pesky insects at bay. Making your own repellent is, contrary to appearances, nothing complicated. It is just as effective as ready-made products and is much safer. And there are two ways to try it:

• 5 drops of lemon oil + 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil + 10 ml of water

Place the mixture in a spray bottle. If you wish to enrich the mixture, you can add a few drops of citronella oil, lavender oil or lemon eucalyptus oil. It is not recommended to add sweet, or floral scents, as these are loved by insects.

Lemon oil – contraindications

Lemon oil is classified as a safe product, even in the light of current (strict) standards. However, there are a few rules, worth bearing in mind.

The natural oil contains photosensitising compounds, which means, that after use, the skin should not be exposed to the sun. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should also avoid using this product.

Lemon oil oxidises quickly, so how it is stored is extremely important. The bottle should be tightly sealed and kept in a cool, dark place – this will ensure it retains its valuable properties.

Lemon oil is (consistently) very popular, and this comes as no surprise, as it has fully earned its reputation. Its wide range of benefits, not only for health but also for well-being, constantly attracts new fans. It is a natural, effective and pleasant part of caring for body and mind, which will also safely enhance your appearance – all in a small, inconspicuous bottle. Impossible? Nothing could be further from the truth.

"The role of aromatherapy in medicine" - Z. Zdrojewicz, K. Minczakowska, K. Klepacki, Department and Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Wrocław

"Citrus Limon (common lemon) – a source of raw materials with valuable cosmetic properties" – M. Klimek-Szczykutowicz, A. Szopa, H. Ekiert, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University in Kraków

"The effect of lemon oil on aerobic bacteria (Ol. Citri) " - A. Kędzia, A. Kusiak, M. Ziółkowska-Klinkosz, A. Gębska, A. Wojtaszek-Słomińska, M. Wierzbowska, Department of Oral Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Chair and Department of Periodontology and Oral Mucosal Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Gdańsk