Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil is a 100% natural ingredient that you can use as a home remedy. Lemon essential oil is extracted from fresh lemon peels using a steam method. However, you can also experience the benefits of lemon oil by using a cold-pressed that offers a distinct citrus scent.
There are several uses of lemon oil, but you’ll have to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. Lemon oil can also be inhaled or diffused and is often used as a way to combat exhaustaion and depression. You can also use lemon essential oil to reduce inflammation in the body and to get rid of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Recently, medical research has started to assess the claims for it uses that people have made. Many individuals have stated that lemon essential oil is good for overall health but may have a few side effects for some.
Lemon Essential Oil Benefits
You may have noticed that when you use cleaning products that contain lemon oil, you feel a slight boost in your mood or become more relaxed. Of course, some of the uplifting feeling you experience is due to cleaning or organizing your home, but the invigorating scent of this oil also contributes to your sense of calm.
According to a study conducted in 2006, mice proved that lemon essential oil was a mood-boosting agent. Stress tests were conducted on the mice, and it was proven that lemon oil was more effecive in treating stress than rose or lavender essential oil.
Another study, also conducted in 2006, concluded that lemon oil reduced anxiety for individuals who had undergone orthopedic surgery. Some research also suggests that using lemon essential oil in a diffuser can alleviate depression and anxiety.
Relieving Morning Sickness
Vomiting and a lingering feeling of nausea are among the most common and uncomfortable stages of pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Studies have proven that lemon oil can reduce or relieve these symptoms. A 2014 study involving 100 pregnant woman who used lemon essential oil revealed that the oil can significantly lower levels of nausea and prevent vomiting.
Improving Skin Health
It can kill toxic bacteria that can develop on the skin. Recent studies indicate that lemon oil can protect the body from strains of bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus. This is why many people use this oil to treat minor wounds and prevent the spread of infection.
Additional research, including a lab study from 2017 and both in-vitro and in-vivo research from 2018, confirmed that lemon oil is effective against infection that causes bacteria and pevents infections of the skin. Lemon essential oil can also protect the skin because it is filled with antioxidants that preserve and brighten the skin. However, since lemon essential oil comes from a citrus oil, it can make the skin more sensitive if you spend extended amounts of time in the sun.
A Pain Reliever
It is often used as a natural analgesic which is why it is so popular in aromatherapy. The oil has the ability to lower stress levels and can alleviate depression, which means it will help the human body recognize pain without going into a panic. A study from 2014 involving mice proved that lemon essential oil can change the way an animal’s brain responds to pain.
Easier Breathing and Sore Throat Relief
If you have a sore throat or are coming down with a cold, lemon essential oil is a suitable home remedy. Add lemon oil to a diffuser to release the fragrance into your home while you sleep. The claming nature of the oil will soothe your mind and relax your throat muscles.
There isn’t much scientific data that supports the notion that lemon oil will cure the common cold. However, lemon essential oil does have vitamin C which is why both lemon juice and oil are beneficial when you need to breathe easier and soothe a scratchy throat. It is important to note that the cold-pressed method for extracting lemon oil may contain traces of vitamin C. However, the vitamin is not transferred to the oil during the steam extraction process.
Treatment for Acne and Breakouts
Lemon esential oil can be used for acne and other skin conditions. When you dilute the oil and apply it topically, it will kill the bacteria on your skin and clear your pores to prevent breakouts. Lemon oil also brings clarity to your complexion and exfoliates the skin to get rid of dead skin cells trapped in your pores and hair follicles.
The oil also has healing properties to you can apply it to your skin after a breakout to prevent acne scars.
Side Effects to Look Out For
Like similar citrus oils, lemon oil is safe to use as aromatherapy and on the skin. The oil is safe for pregant women and babies who are 3 months of age or older.
Be sure to avoid direct sunlight when using lemon oil or any essential oil that contains citrus extracts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Here’s to looking your best!
FAQ
Lemon oil can be used in a diffuser to fill the air with a pleasant, citrus scent that invigorates the senses. Lemon oil can also be used in body moisturizers and lotions to give the skin a pleasant scent. However, it is best not to use this oil in large amounts if you’re going to be in the sun to prevent skin damage.
Lemon oil should always be applied to the skin with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
Lemon oil has a shelf life of up to two years.
Coconut oil and grapeseed oil are ideal carrier oils to combine with lemon essential oil. These carrier oils are healthy for the skin and allow the bright and pleasant scent of the lemon oil to shine through.
