Lemon essential oil, unlike its juice, is extracted from the cold pressing of the fruit’s peel. Normally, the lemon used is Sicilian, given the greater use of its rinds for the manufacture of oil. It is easily digested and widely used in case of detoxification of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, water retention and cellulite, in massages. It normally takes about 30 kg of fruit rind to craft a litre of its oils.
Product Details
Name: Lemon
Scientific Name: Citrus limonum
Method of extraction: Cold pressed
Part of plant: Fruit rind
Country of origin: Italy
Main Components: Limonene (64.79%), beta-Pinene (13.08%)
Health
Known in aromatherapy as a universal solvent, lemon oil has both internal and external applications, in addition to favouring concentration and good mood, being also used as an anxiolytic.
Circulatory problems
This oil can be used for our circulatory system in many ways. It allows your blood to circulate more easily and work better, without that feeling of heavy legs and swollen belly. It also helps in varicose veins and lymphoedema. Limonene, the main component of this oil in almost a majority form, is an effective solvent. It can also be used in reducing massages, taking into account its photosensitizing composition. Its internal use must be accompanied by a professional. A recent study showed inhibitory activity of limonene and its metabolite, perillyl alcohol, on the expression of the P-Selectin protein, thus reducing the risk of venous thrombosis without thinning the blood [1]
Decongestant and hepatoprotective
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the limonene present in this oil allows limiting liver degradation when there is the absorption of toxic chemical compounds, which may explain its positive effect in a study in rats with liver damage from aspirin [2].
Digestive and gastric problems
It is widely used due to its digestive properties and to relieve nausea. A study of 100 pregnant women [3] showed a significant decrease in motion sickness and nausea after inhaling lemon oil. Studies performed on alcohol and drug toxicity were performed and demonstrated gastroprotective properties of limonene, due to two different mechanisms: Increased mucus secretion; Involvement of HSP-70 proteins (thermal shock proteins), which maintain cellular integrity, in this case, the stomach; VIP proteins (vaso-intestinal peptide), which helps to reduce gastric acidity by inhibiting gastrin. The latter also helps in the secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine.
Other uses
The antioxidant properties of this oil limit the oxidation of the skin, being indicated for example its use associated with a mask for use on the face. It can also be used in cases of acne or excessive oiliness, given its lipolytic properties. It is used to decongest the liver, gallbladder and dissolve kidney stones. It is also used as an aid in combating water retention. In addition, its use in inhalation promotes well-being, good mood and helps in depressive cases.
Precautions
Its external use is recommended for pregnant women over 3 months of pregnancy, children over 3 years of age, adults and animals, according to professional advice. It is a photosensitizing oil. Given cold pressing, this oil brings furanocoumarins that, on the skin in contact with the sun, stains. The alternative to this problem is the use of distilled oil, which does not carry this molecule with it. People with epilepsy should be careful with their dosages.
How to use
It is an aggressive oil for the skin, especially if used and exposed to the sun. Preferably do not apply it neat on the skin and, if you do, test on a small area only. Its use must be carried out with a maximum dilution of 20% in a vegetable base. Its internal use must be accompanied by a doctor.
References
[1] Alessio P, Mirshahi M, Bisson J-F, Bene M. Skin Repair Properties of d-Limonene and Perillyl Alcohol in Murine Models. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2014;13(1):29-35. doi:10.2174/18715230113126660021
[2] Bouzenna H, Dhibi S, Samout N, et al. The protective effect of Citrus limon essential oil on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by aspirin in rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 2016;83:1327-1334. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.08.037