Lemon is a flowering plant known as Citrus limon in scientific terminology and is a member of the Rutaceae family. Although lemon trees are native to Asia and were introduced to Europe around 200 A.D., they grow in many nations across the world. In this article we will analyze the lemon essential oil benefits and uses, as well as its side effects.
Lemon essential oil is extracted from the fresh lemon peel using steam extraction or, less frequently, a “cold-pressing” method that spins and pricks the peel to liberate the oil.
For at least a thousand years, lemons and lemon essential oil have been utilised in Ayurvedic to cure a variety of illnesses. Due to their numerous use in both food and medicine, citrus plants are the primary suppliers of essential oils that are beneficial. You can diffuse lemon essential oil into the air and inhale it. You can also dilute it and use it directly on the skin.
Some people refer to lemon essential oil as a remedy for fatigue, depression, skin clearing, eradicating pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and reducing inflammation.
Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil
1. Relieves Nausea & Vomiting
If you are looking for a way to get rid of nausea, especially if you are pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, lemon essential oil serves as a natural and effective remedy.
The impact of lemon inhalation on morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy was examined in a double-blind, randomised, and controlled critical study in 2014. One hundred pregnant women who experienced nausea and vomiting were split into two groups. The experimental group inhaled lemon essential oil as soon as they felt queasy, and the control group did nothing. Researchers discovered a statistically significant difference in the mean levels of nausea and vomiting between the experimental and intervention groups. The lemon oil group had substantially lower values. Research suggests that using lemon essential oil as a technique to lessen morning sickness and vomiting when pregnant may be effective.
A 2020 study evaluating the effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy found that combining lemon and peppermint essential oils was effective in reducing mild to moderate symptoms, especially after two to four days of use. For the study, participants inhaled the aroma from cotton balls, but using a diffuser is another great way to use oils aromatically.
2. Stimulates Digestion
Constipation and other digestive disorders, such as gastritis, can be relieved with the aid of lemon essential oil.
The effectiveness of lemon, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils on senior constipation was examined in a 10-day randomised control study on elderly. The assessment scores for constipation were much lower in the aromatherapy group, which received abdominal massages using the essential oils than in the control group, according to the research. They also discovered that the experimental group had more bowel motions. Participants in the essential oil group experienced two weeks of natural constipation alleviation after treatment.
3. Healthy Skin
Your skin benefits from lemon essential oil by lessening acne, healing skin damage, and moisturising the skin.
According to laboratory research, lemon oil can lessen the free radical-induced harm to cells and tissues in the skin. This is because lemon oil has potent anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. According to a research review that appeared in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, lemon essential oil also works well for treating cellulite, blisters, insect bites, greasy and oily skin disorders, cuts, wounds, and viral skin infections including cold sores and warts. The reason for this is that dermatological diseases can be treated organically using lemon oil’s antibacterial components.
4. Oral Health
Lemon is an effective natural treatment for a variety of oral problems, including oral thrush and foul breath. This is because it has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Also, it can be used to naturally whiten your teeth and stop dental decay.
In a randomised controlled trial, researchers examined the effectiveness of lemon juice in the treatment of oral thrush in 90 HIV/AIDS patients. Lemon juice’s effectiveness in treating oral thrush in an HIV-positive population validates its usage in treating the illness. However, study findings suggest that even citrus essential oils shouldn’t be used as pre-brush rinses or in mouthwash for prolonged periods of time.
5. Anti-inflammatory Activity
Lemon oil helps strengthen your immune system and treat respiratory disorders since it possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Also, lemon essential oil can block pro-inflammatory mediators, reducing inflammation and possibly promoting lymphatic drainage. This might lessen the buildup of fluids that might make you cough.
6. Decreases Anxiety & Depression
After using lemon-scented cleaning supplies, you feel more at ease or boosted and are generally happier. The natural outcome of freshening up your surroundings may account for some of it, but the aroma of lemons itself probably contributes to that relaxing effect.
In a small 2016 study, researchers discovered that using lemon essential oil following orthopaedic surgery helped patients feel less anxious.
Side Effects
Avoiding direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after applying lemon essential oil to your skin is vital, since it can lead to photosensitivity.
Before applying lemon oil topically, try it on a small area of skin on your arm or leg to be sure you won’t experience any skin irritations. In sensitive places like the face, it’s better to dilute lemon oil before applying it to the skin. Carrier oils to consider when using lemon essential oil include coconut oil and jojoba oil.
How to Use Lemon Essential Oil
- Natural Antimicrobial
Want to avoid using alcohol and bleach to clean your mouldy shower and disinfect your countertops? For a classic cleaning recipe, combine 40 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle with only pure water (and a tiny touch of white vinegar). You can eliminate toxins and bacteria from your home by using this natural cleaning product, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
- Silver and Wood Polish
You can clean your rusty metal and jewellery by using a lemon oil-soaked towel (using around 10 drops of oil). Additionally, you can use lemon oil to clean wood.
- Whitener for Teeth
You can combine coconut oil, baking soda, and lemon essential oil to create a teeth whitener. Rub the mixture on your teeth for two minutes before rinsing.
- Alleviates Cough
Use 5 drops of lemon oil in a diffuser at home to treat coughs. Also, massage your neck with 2 drops of lemon oil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. Otherwise you can add 1-2 drops of high-grade, pure-grade oil to warm honey water.
Final Thoughts
With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, lemon essential oil can help you feel happier, clearer-headed, less stressed, and more.
To learn more about lemon essential oil benefits, read this article, Healthline and Aromavibes to check all the essential oils!