Lemon Oil Benefits and Usage | Essential Oils Usage Tips
When you think of lemon essential oil, you’re likely to reminisce about its fresh, invigorating scent. Lemon, commonly occurring in supplements as limonene, is a safe, all-natural ingredient used to improve your mental and physical well-being. Essential oils, like limonene, are used in aromatherapy and/or topical applications. Follow all manufacturer's safety instructions to avoid any adverse reactions to the oil.
Essential oils are the concentrated form of fragrances derived directly from the plant. In the case of lemon oil, the oils are extracted directly from the peel of the fruit. Although lemon essential oil can be used exclusively, you do have the option of blending the formula with other types of aromatherapy oils.
Benefits of Lemon Oils
Lemon oil can be best thought of as a cleansing agent. But the essential oil works on more than dull wood furniture. The oil has detoxifying abilities and has been proven to fight infections. Although regular use of lemon oil has physical benefits, the mental benefits are just as significant. Simply smelling the citrus oil will give your brain a much-needed boost to tackle the day ahead of you.
Fight Cholesterol
The solvent abilities of limonene have allowed the supplement to work as a cholesterol-fighting tool. The “Alternative Medicine Review” states limonene is effective at dissolving cholesterol and naturally eliminating gallstones. If your doctor has reported that you have high cholesterol, you may want to consider adding lemon oil as a supplement. The oil is helpful, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
Neutralizing Agent
As a neutralizing agent, limonene has also been proven by the “Alternative Medicine Review” to combat acid reflux. Despite the acidity of lemon, the consumption of the oil actually stops heartburn symptoms by controlling the acidic levels in the digestive tract.
Limonene
Limonene has been used as a component for the prevention and treatment of certain forms of cancer. Limonene was tested as a chemo-preventative agent against tumors found in rats during a 1994 clinical trial. Throughout the study, the limonene slowed down the progression of tumor growth measurably and detoxed the body of carcinogens. Recent clinical trials also showed limonene stabilized a number of patients with colon and breast cancers for more than six months.
What will you feel like mentally after using lemon oils? Most consumers report a significant improvement in their focusing abilities. They feel calmer and more alert after an aromatherapy session, which includes lemon essential oil. Ideally, breathe in the scent before a challenging work or school day or when you feel sluggish mid-afternoon. Lemon oil is often combined with lavender to achieve a positive mental state.
Lemon Essential Oil Usage Tips
The ways you use lemon oils depend on your health goals. For instance, you may breathe in the aroma to de-stress and relax the mind and body. Science has proven inhaling the aroma of essential oils does have a physical effect. According to the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board, previous studies “showed that after essential oils were inhaled, markers of the fragrance compounds were found in the bloodstream.” This finding suggests aromatherapy does have a measurable effect on the central nervous system.
Diffuser
Having a diffuser is ideal if you plan to incorporate lemon essential oils into aromatherapy sessions. Simply, apply three to four drops of the concentrated formula to the diffuser of your choice. Once the scent fades, add more drops to the diffuser. If you don’t have a diffuser on hand, draw a warm, relaxing bath and add in the same number of drops to the water. Taking a bath with the essence of lemon oil is particularly helpful if you are fighting cold and flu symptoms and want to relieve sinus pressure. Soak in the bath for at least 30 minutes to achieve optimal results
Massage
Masseuses apply lemon oil to the body after combining the substance with carrier oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Using a 1:1 ratio is helpful to prevent any skin irritations from the citrus oil. If you want to use lemon oils topically at home, mix the product with your favorite lotion and cream and rub gently into the skin. As a facial cleanser, use honey and baking soda as a base and lemon oils as an additive. Rinse thoroughly after using the cleanser and apply sunscreen and makeup as you normally would.
Warnings and Safety Considerations
Lemon essential oil has the distinction of being labeled GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The FDA recommend consumers use products as directed and never swallow large quantities of essential oils.
The biggest concern for lemon oil is skin issues. Citrus oil in particular is known to cause irritation when applied generously to the skin. Use a very small amount to start for topical applications and gradually increase the quantity if there are no signs of irritation. Sun exposure is a concern when applying lemon essential oils topically. Avoid the sun for a minimum of 12 hours after lemon oil has been massaged into the skin.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking a beverage with lemon oils. Lemon is acidic and promotes tooth erosion. Drinking through a straw and brushing your teeth regularly can also help prevent damage to the teeth.
Limonene is a powerful antioxidant that helps you naturally treat many ailments. Although essential oils don’t replace the advice of a physician, they are useful as complementary medicine. When you do shop for lemon essential oils, choose versions with all natural ingredients. Choosing high-quality formulations from trusted brands is the safest route.