Are you feeling a little “zest” for life? Well, get ready to squeeze every drop of goodness from this citrusy wonder! In today’s article, we’re going to dive into the refreshing world of Lemon Essential Oil Benefits. From its invigorating aroma that can make you feel like you’re strolling through a lemon grove, to its incredible array of therapeutic properties, we’ll explore how this little yellow gem can brighten your day in more ways than one. So, let’s peel back the layers and discover the citrus magic!
Who doesn’t love the fresh citrus smell of lemon? It’s added to so many products that we use every day. If you love the smell of lemon then you are going to be happy when you read all about these 7 lemon essential oil benefits for you and your home.
When we think of the “essential” essential oils to have on hand, many people think of oils such as lavender and tea tree. But the simple fact that lemon essential oil has so many uses places it on my list of “essential” essential oils to have on hand at all times.
Lemon Essential Oil Benefits
Skin Care
Lemon essential oil has many benefits for your skin. It has powerful antioxidant properties that make it a wonderful treatment to maintain good cell health for your skin. One study published in 1999 looked at a substance contained in lemon essential oil for its antioxidant properties and its possible use in cosmetic dermatology.
Its antimicrobial properties make it a good choice for those with acne. It can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne. It can help to clear the pores of excess oil and skin cells which can help to prevent acne blemishes before they start.
This same property makes it useful for killing the virus that causes warts. Several sources maintain that applying lemon essential oil to warts can help to remove them. Other sources recommend a combination of lemon and tea tree essential oils for wart removal.
It also works as an astringent to help tighten your skin. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can help to clear the pores of excess oil and skin cells which can help to prevent acne blemishes before they start.
Lemon essential oil can also help to moisturize the skin. It is well known that adequate moisture in the skin is required for healthy skin. This explains all the commercial moisturizers on the market.
May Help With Digestion
A study published in 2009 found that the main constituent in lemon essential oil, limonene, had the benefit of protecting the stomach lining in rats against ulcers induced by alcohol and NSAIDs. This suggests that the constituent contained in lemon essential oil may have protective benefits for the stomach.
In another study conducted on the elderly in 2005, it was found that an abdominal massage with lemon, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils helped to relieve constipation symptoms. The effect lasted for 14 days post-study. This study suggests that aromatherapy massage is effective in treating digestive issues.
These studies suggest that using aromatherapy massage with lemon or a combination of lemon and other essential oils has benefits for digestive health. You may also want to try adding 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of water.
Although I don’t recommend the internal use of essential oils due to the risks, you can do your research and decide if it is right for you. However, a good source for your research would be to use the Aromatherapy United Injury Report database. You will see there are many reports from 2014-2017 of injuries resulting from the internal use of essential oils. Most of the injuries occurred from using the products of two major MLM essential oil companies and resulted from the uninformed suggestions of MLM reps who were not trained in aromatherapy.
Lemon essential oil also has the surprising benefit that it may help to relieve nausea. A 2014 study looked at the effect of inhaling the scent of lemon essential oil in aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The study authors concluded that inhaling lemon scent by aromatherapy can be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy. This suggests it may also be useful for those who aren’t pregnant to relieve the symptoms as well.
May Help You Lose Weight
Lemon essential oil, renowned for its refreshing scent and versatile properties, has garnered attention in the realm of weight loss. This citrusy elixir contains active constituents that may contribute to shedding those extra pounds. One of the primary compounds responsible for its potential weight-loss effects is limonene, a powerful terpene known to support metabolism and fat breakdown. Additionally, lemon essential oil possesses a high concentration of citral, a compound that may help regulate appetite and reduce cravings. By incorporating lemon essential oil into your holistic approach to weight loss, you may tap into its natural potential to support your journey towards a healthier, trimmer you.
Some studies have found that the essential oil of lemon can have a positive effect on body fat levels, cholesterol, and blood sugar in rats in a 12-week study. This is an animal study that suggests that more study is needed before we can say for sure that the results can be duplicated in humans.
May Help Protect Vital Organs
Lemon essential oil holds the potential to protect vital organs and promote overall well-being. This potent oil contains constituents that contribute to its protective effects on our body’s essential organs.
One of the key constituents found in lemon essential oil is D-limonene. This powerful compound acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. D-limonene has demonstrated remarkable properties in supporting liver health by promoting detoxification processes and aiding in the prevention of liver damage.
In addition to D-limonene, lemon essential oil also contains citral, a significant component known for its antimicrobial properties. Citral exhibits potent antimicrobial activity, which may help protect vital organs from infections caused by harmful bacteria or viruses.
Furthermore, lemon essential oil contains various other constituents, including alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and terpinene. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall organ health and reduce the risk of inflammation-related conditions.
A study published in 2016 demonstrated that in rats with induced liver and kidney injury due to high doses of aspirin, lemon essential oil protected the organs against damage. The study authors state, “our data suggest that treatment with essential oil of Citrus limon prevented the liver and kidney damage induced by aspirin”. This study was done using rats, and more human studies are needed to show that the same protective mechanism is achieved in humans.
Another study published in 2011 looked at the antioxidant protective mechanisms of lemon essential oil for the brain in neurological disorders. The study authors concluded that “a strong protective effect could be achieved using EO of C. limon as an antioxidant”.
What these studies seem to suggest is that the antioxidant properties of lemon essential oil can protect vital organs against damage. Further human studies are needed.
Useful For Oral Health Routines
While lemon juice contains high amounts of citric acid that can harm tooth enamel, the lemon essential oil is pressed from the peels of the fruit and does not contain the high acid levels of the fruit juice. This suggests it is useful for dental hygiene due to its antibacterial action.
A study published in 2015 also found that lemon essential oil was effective in treating the fungal infection that causes thrush. This is useful for those who use inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs for asthma. These medications can cause thrush when the patient does not rinse effectively after use. Thrush can also be a problem when taking some other prescription medications such as antibiotics.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Studies published in 2010 and 2013 show that the main constituent in lemon essential oil, limonene, also has anti-inflammatory effects that can be useful for those with respiratory issues. By inhaling lemon essential oil you may be able to decrease inflammation from allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract.
Useful For Cleaning
The antimicrobial properties of citrus essential oils have been well documented. As such, they are very effective when used for cleaning around the home. In fact, many commercial cleaners use lemon in their formulations.
One such example is shown in my video on making homemade DIY toilet bowl cleaning fizzies. You can easily use lemon essential oil in many DIY home cleaning products to get the antimicrobial benefits of the essential oil. Besides disinfecting surfaces in your home, lemon essential oil leaves a fresh clean scent that most people find appealing.
Using essential oils for cleaning and disinfecting around the house can help you eliminate the toxic chemicals you currently use for cleaning. These chemicals are often toxic and can have long-term health effects. Natural cleaners are better for your health and better for the environment.
Conclusion
Lemon essential oil has abundant uses for your body and for use around your home as a natural disinfecting cleaner. The clean, fresh scent is also pleasing to smell. Try using lemon essential oil for its benefits and you’ll soon learn why I consider it one of the “essential” essential oils to have on hand. It may soon become one of your favorite oils too.
Be sure and check out our list of articles for more great info on aromatherapy and essential oils.
FAQs:
Q: Does lemon essential oil have antibacterial properties?
A: Yes, lemon essential oil possesses antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.
Q: What is lemon essential oil used for?
A: Lemon essential oil is used for various purposes, including aromatherapy, skincare, cleaning, and promoting a sense of well-being.
Q: Is it safe to put lemon essential oil in water?
A: While lemon essential oil can be added to water for flavoring, it is important to use caution. Ensure you are using a high-quality, food-grade oil, and only add a few drops to a large amount of water to avoid ingesting it in excessive concentrations.
Q: What are the cleaning benefits of lemon essential oil?
A: Lemon essential oil is renowned for its potent cleaning properties. It can be used as a natural disinfectant, degreaser, and deodorizer, making it an excellent addition to homemade cleaning solutions.
Q: Is lemon oil good for your immune system?
A: Lemon essential oil is believed to have immune-boosting properties due to its high content of antioxidants and its ability to support detoxification processes. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the immune system.
Q: What are the disadvantages of lemon essential oil?
A: Lemon essential oil is generally safe when used properly, but it can cause skin sensitization or irritation in some individuals, especially when used undiluted or in excessive amounts. It is also photosensitive, meaning it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Q: Who should not use lemon essential oil?
A: Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to citrus fruits should avoid using lemon essential oil. Additionally, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children should consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Q: Is lemon good for anxiety?
A: Lemon essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Its refreshing scent may have a calming effect on the mind and help alleviate anxiety symptoms for some individuals.
Q: How many drops of lemon essential oil should I put in my water?
A: It is generally recommended to add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil to a large glass of water for flavoring purposes. However, always ensure you are using a high-quality, food-grade oil, and consider individual sensitivities and preferences.
Q: Does lemon essential oil clean the air?
A: Lemon essential oil possesses a fresh and uplifting aroma that can help purify and freshen the air. It can be diffused or added to homemade air fresheners to promote a clean and invigorating environment.
Q: Does lemon essential oil give you energy?
A: Lemon essential oil is known for its invigorating and revitalizing properties, which can help enhance mood and increase mental alertness. It may provide a natural energy boost for some individuals.
Q: Does lemon essential oil help breathing?
A: Lemon essential oil has a clarifying scent that can help promote clear breathing and support respiratory health. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and individuals with respiratory conditions should consult with a healthcare professional.