Lemon

Botanical Name

Citrus limon

Plant Family

Rutaceae

Country of Origin

Italy, USA

Common Method of Extraction

Cold Pressed/Expressed.
Steam distilled Lemon Oil is also commercially available.

Plant Part Typically Used

Citrus Rind (Peel)

Color

Pale Yellow to Deep Yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium/Strong

Aromatic Description

Lemon Essential Oil smells similar to concentrated fresh lemon rinds that are clean and citrusy.

Possible Substitute Oils

Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine, Neroli, Petitgrain

Blends Well With

Bay laurel, bergamot, camphor, cajeput, cardamom, carrot seed, cassia, chamomile (German & Roman), cinnamon, cistus, citronella, copaiba, coriander, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lime, melissa, melaleuca (tea tree), neroli, niaouli, orange, petitgrain, pine, patchouli, ravensara, rose, sage, sandalwood, silver fir, Spanish sage, tangerine, vetiver, white fir

Lemon Essential Oil Uses

Antibacterial, Analgesic (pain relief), Antifungal, Athlete’s Foot, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Chilblains, Colds, Corns, Dull Skin, Flu, Immune Support, Antimicrobial, Oily Skin, Spots, Varicose Veins, Warts, Antineuralgic, Diuretic, Improves Skin Luster, Nourishes the Skin, Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles and Blemishes, Disinfectant, Strengthens Nails, Weight Management, Reduces Fever, Nourishes Hair, Antirheumatic, Soothes Mouth Sores, Antiseptic, Astringent, Helps Boils Heal, Expels Excess Gas, Aids Digestion, Encourages a Restful Night’s Sleep, Relieves Constipation, Helps Lower High Blood Pressure, Soothes Swollen Glands, Relieves Nausea and Vomiting, Aids Detoxifications, Antiparasitic, Adaptogenic, Combats Frustration, Stress Management , Sedating, Antidepressant, Uplifting, Aids Concentration, Combats Nightmares

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 123-24.

Source: Dr. Scott A Johnson, Evidence Based Essential Oil Therapy (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Services, LLC. 2015), 141-142.

Major Constituents of Cold Pressed Lemon Oil

• (+)-Limonene
• B-Pinene
• Gamma-Terpinene
• a-Terpineol
• a-Pinene
• Geranial

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1993), 61-69. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1995), 1-4, 158-162. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 21 no. 1, 1996), 41-45. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 27 no. 2, 2002), 62-88. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 331-332.

Lemon Essential Oil Safety Information

Cold pressed Lemon Essential Oil is phototoxic. Steam distilled Lemon Oil is not phototoxic. Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 2.0% for the cold pressed oil to avoid the risk of a phototoxic reaction. They precaution to avoid topical use of Lemon Oil, regardless of method of distillation, if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 87, 330-331.]

Lemon Oil may cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 120.]

Recommended Dilution Range

3%-50%; neat for some conditions (steam distilled)
dermal maximum of 2.0% to avoid the risk of a phototoxic reaction (cold pressed)

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.