Lemon Essential Oil Profile

The humble lemon is arguably the most versatile of all the citrus fruits, being employed in a vast assortment of food, beverages, skincare, perfumery and toiletry products. In addition, the lemon contains the widest range of medicinal properties of all citrus fruits.

Surprising as it may sound, the precise origin of the lemon tree has never been established. Most experts propose it was Eastern India, with a minority of others suggesting it was upper Burma or China. Like many other citrus fruits, the lemon has been hybridised so many times throughout history that it seems unlikely we will ever establish its true provenance.

Franciscan connection

In 1493, Christopher Columbus set sail on his second expedition taking with him (amongst other things) lemon seeds. They were planted on the island of Hispaniola which is now known as Haiti & Dominican Republic, and from there they spread to other islands of the West Indies.

Scholars believe Columbus carried lemon seeds with him, and that it was he who was responsible for introducing the cultivation of this tasty fruit to this area and others on subsequent expeditions. On his 3rd expedition Columbus discovered South America, although some believe it was missionaries who introduced the fruit to this country.

It is also known that Franciscan missionaries introduced the fruit to California in the late 18th century, and shortly after their first orchards of 400 seedlings were planted in 1804. California is now possibly the largest producer of lemon essential oil in the world.

Physical description

Citrus limonum belongs to the Rutaceae family, and is one of 16 recognised species of the Citrus genus. The small evergreen tree reaches a height of 5 or 6 metres and usually has sharp thorny twigs bearing oval shaped, dark green leaves. The fragrant flowers have 5 petals, white inside and tinged with pink on the underside.

The fruits are aromatic and oval in shape with a thin, pale-yellow rind and a juicy, very acid pulp. Unripe fruits are green and similar in appearance to limes.

Harvesting and extraction

Californian lemons are harvested at any time after the fruits reach a 25% juice content, with the pickers using rings to determine the ideal commercial size. In Italy, it is common for the fruits to be harvested as early as possible and allowed to ripen during transport.

The essential oil is extracted by cold pressing the rind of the fruit, and is typically a pale yellow-green colour with the familiar crisp, lemon-peel aroma.

Lemon aid

The lemon has been widely used throughout history for its healing qualities, having been first used in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine and then later adopted in European folk medicine. Lemon juice and honey, or lemon juice with ginger has been universally taken as a remedy for colds since records began.

Over the years, lemon juice has been taken internally to treat arthritis and rheumatism, digestive problems, dysentery, hiccoughs, jaundice and palpitations of the heart. In Italy, the sweetened juice was used to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue, and today Spanish folk medicine credits so many medicinal properties to the lemon that entire books have been dedicated to it.

Aromatherapy uses

Essential oil of lemon has an equally impressive list of therapeutic and antiseptic properties, making a valuable contribution to any blend due to both its healing action and pleasing aroma. Used in massage, it is helpful for arthritis and rheumatism, poor circulation, cellulite, high blood pressure, oedema and varicose veins.

Lemon is also a valuable immune-boosting essential oil, helping to increase the white blood cells, especially when blended with tea tree. It can be added to shampoo and conditioners for greasy hair, and likewise its astringent action works well in skincare creams to treat greasy, oily skin.

Sharpens focus

Its cleansing action is invaluable when treating acne, boils, herpes and insect bites. In an emergency, one drop of neat lemon oil on a cut helps stop bleeding quickly due to its styptic (astringent) action. Use one drop only though, since over-use can sensitise the skin. At the first sign of a cold or sore throat, a few drops of oil can be added to warm water and gargled.

Vapourising lemon oil helps to clear the mind and sharpen focus, as was illustrated in a recent Japanese study which showed that whilst diffusing lemon oil throughout a busy office building, typing errors had decreased by 54%. It also helps to dispel negative emotions such as guilt, jealousy and regret. When vapourised, lemon can also help ease the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

Lemon blends easily with almost any essential oil, and when needed, it is particularly effective at rounding off the sweet edge of oils such as ylang ylang, geranium, rose and sandalwood. It also works well with Roman chamomile, cypress, fennel, juniper berry, lavender, neroli and other citrus oils.

See Quinessence Lemon pure essential oil

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