Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum) is used in many areas as a flavoring agent and of course in perfumery. His fresh, invigorating and bubbly aroma We are excited and happy. It evokes cleanliness and sunny summer days, which is why it is often added to natural home cleaning formulas.

But due to its properties it is also an essential oil widely used for therapeutic purposesa great aromatherapy remedy that will be very good for us to have in stock in our natural medicine cabinet.

Properties of lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil It is extracted from the peel of lemons. In 2000, it was discovered, thanks to phylogenetic studies, that, contrary to what was thought, the lemon tree is not a tree native to China and India, but rather born in the Mediterranean in the 5th century BC as a result of a hybridization between the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium) and the citron (Citrus x medica).

To preserve its properties, the essential oil obtained by cold pressing thanks to mechanical procedures that break up the small bags full of essence that are hidden in the lemon skin. Once filtered, it is packaged and we have it ready to use and enjoy it in a thousand ways.

Lemon essence is, without a doubt, essential due to its great therapeutic value. These are its most notable properties:

• If we take the trouble to smell the lemon essence carefully we will observe that clean feeling It moves especially to the lungs, but also to the mind. The lemon decongests and clears.
• At the same time, it is very common to notice, when smelling it, that we salivate, which tells us that it has digestive properties.
• Lemon essence is ideal for purifying the air, Therefore, it can be used in diffusion to prevent colds, especially in winter, and whenever we need to maintain a clear mint, optimal concentration and, above all, a good mood.
• In recent scientific studies it has been proven that lemon essence has anxiolytic properties. These properties are attributed to the main molecule of this essence: limonene. We find this molecule in most citrus essences and it is currently being studied for its promising antitumor properties.
• helps us improve liver functionpromotes digestion, has purifying properties and, as if that were not enough, it is a fantastic anti-aging active for the skin.

What is it for?

Due to its properties, lemon essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

1. To improve concentration

If you have to perform tasks that require a lot of concentration or you have to study for many hours, lemon essence is perfect. Stimulates mental clarity and concentration, helps reduce stress levels and produces a feeling of well-being.

For this purpose, use it in a diffuser adapting the amount of essence to the model you use.

2. To avoid car sickness (children from 3 years old)

In this case it is best to take lemon essence orally:

1. Prepare a dropper bottle (5 ml).
2. Put 2 ml of lemon essence (about 60 drops) and complete with olive oil, add 2 drops of vitamin E so that it is better preserved.
3. Before leaving on a trip, place 1 drop on your tongue.
4. Repeat if necessary during the trip.

For children from 1 and a half years: dilute 1 drop with a little compote. It is also taken before going out.

​In both cases, it will also be useful to smell it. In this case deposit 1 drop of lemon essence on a tissue of paper.

3. For digestion and liver (adults)

Take 2 drops of lemon essence with a little olive oil 3 times a day for 15 days. You can rest for a week and repeat 15 more days.

4. For bad breath and to prevent cavities

Lemon essential oil is ideal for keeping breath fresh and protecting against cavities. When you go to brush your teeth, add 1 drop of lemon essence to the toothpaste.

Contrary to lemon juice, lemon essence does not damage the enamel of the teeth.

5. As an anti-wrinkle for the skin

Lemon essential oil promotes collagen production and prevents sagging skin. You can prepare a simple but effective anti-aging serum with the following ingredients:

• 5 ml pomegranate vegetable oil
• 10 ml jojoba vegetable oil
• 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops of vitamin E

Pour the mixture into a bottle with a dropper or dispenser and apply ufew drops on the face and neck nightly.

Use in the kitchen

Lemon essence is an option ideal for flavoring dishes and desserts.

Now, to enjoy its digestive properties we will use it in preparations that have not required cookingsince heat alters the therapeutic properties of essential oils and essences.

It is an essential oil suitable for the whole family used in the indicated proportions next:

• Fish: Dilute 2 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil and spread over the fish just before serving.
• Salads: Add 2 drops to your dressing.
• Guacamole: Add 3 drops just before serving.
• Pastries and desserts: In cakes, muffins, cookies add about 10 to 15 drops.
• Fruit salads: Calculate 1 drop per person.
• Yogurts, jams: 1 drop per yogurt or jam jar is enough.
• Shakes and smoothies: Add 1 to 2 drops per glass, previously diluted with a little honey or agave syrup or coconut syrup.
• Cocktails: Just 1 drop per glass, previously diluted with a little agave syrup or coconut syrup, is enough.

Precautions and contraindications

The essence of lemon It has no contraindications at the doses that are usually administered in aromatherapy.

It is important to take into account your phototoxicity. It should never be used pure on the skin and we should not expose ourselves to the sun if we have used a preparation that contains it.

can be used during pregnancy and lactation and in children respecting the indications and precautions for use. In some specific cases it can be used in children from 12 months.