Lemon oil

Lemon oil is popular for its tart, fresh and invigorating scent and is therefore widely used in cleaning products and various foods.

Although there is no scientific evidence of lemon oil's effect on human health, it has long been used in medical and cosmetic applications.

In this article, you'll get a thorough overview of all the uses and properties of lemon oil. You can also read about how the oil is produced, what precautions to take, etc.

Properties of lemon oil

Undocumented properties

Although there are few scientific studies on the actual properties of lemon oil in relation to human health, the oil has been used in many different natural medicine applications over time:

• Antiseptic (against bacteria and other microorganisms)
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory)
• Anti-rheumatic (against the symptoms of rheumatic diseases)
• Spasmolytic (against cramps/muscle spasms)
• Astringent (astringent effect on tissues)
• Diuretic (diuretic/diuretic)
• Carminative (preventive and remedial effect on air/gas in the intestinal system)
• For gastrointestinal problems (digestive problems, acid reflux etc.)
• Laxatives (stool softeners)
• Sedative/anesthetic
• For intestinal worms

The more specific diseases and health problems that lemon oil has been used for are:

However, you should not assume that lemon oil can remedy the above problems, nor should you rely on lemon oil as a medicine in other contexts, as there are not many serious scientific studies that have been able to prove the beneficial effects of lemon oil on humans. If you have any health problems, you should consult a doctor.

Properties studied with a lack of evidence

• In 2008, some American researchers conducted a series of tests to investigate the effects of lemons and lemon oil on human health. The study concluded that lemon oil has no effect on stress, pain control or wound healing, but may improve mood.
• A 2006 UK study concluded that citrus oils (including lemon oil) have an inhibitory effect on some of the bacteria that cause food poisoning (such as staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, E. coli and others). Note, however, that this is an antibacterial effect in food – and not on food poisoning in humans.

Lemon oil application

Body care

In body care, lemon oil is particularly popular for its ability to alleviate oily skin and hair. When applying lemon oil directly to the body, it should always be diluted with a base oil; at least in a 1:1 ratio – but preferably thinner. It's best to use a trial and error approach (e.g. start with a 1:9 ratio and increase until the desired effect is achieved).

Another option is to mix a little lemon oil in bath water or use it as a massage oil (although in the latter case it should be diluted).

Some advocates also believe that lemon oil has a remedial effect on wrinkles and cellulite, and some also use it as a mouthwash for blisters. These three uses should be taken with a grain of salt.

Cleaning

Lemon oil can also be used as an alternative to chemical cleaners:

• Adhesive remover: Use 1-2 drops of lemon oil (with a damp cloth) to remove chewing gum, glue, tape, oil and other greasy substances from most surfaces

• Natural all-round cleaner: Mix 2-3 drops of lemon oil in water in a spray bottle/atomizer

• Carpet cleaning: Mix 10-15 drops of lemon oil in 3-4 liters of water. The lemon oil helps to clean the carpets and also leaves a fresh scent

Other uses

Lemons contain large amounts of d-limonene, which gives a fresh, invigorating scent – lemon oil's uses therefore also include

• Fragrance in soaps, detergents, air fresheners, air atomizers, etc.
• Fragrance and flavoring in foods
• Repellent for fleas and other pests

Production

• Lemon oils are extracted from lemon peel by cold pressing
• To obtain 1 liter of lemon oil, over 3,000 lemons must be squeezed
• The lemons used to make lemon oil are picked while they are still green; this gives the oil a higher quality

Alternatives to lemon oil

The following plants taste or smell like lemon oil:

• Certain varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• 2 varieties of Pelargonium: the species Lemon Geranium (Pelargonium crispum) and the hybrid Lemon Balm (Pelargonium x melissinum)
• Lemon thyme (common name for all thyme with a lemon flavor or scent)
• Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
• Lemon Aloysia (Aloysia citrodora)
• Lime (Citrus x aurantifolia)
• Certain varieties of mint (Mentha)
• Large-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Precautions to be taken

Lemon oil is phototoxic, meaning that when exposed to sunlight and in contact with the skin, it can result in skin damage. In practice, this means that you should be careful about applying lemon oil and then staying in the sun. Certain medications can also make the skin more sensitive to light; lemon oil should not be used in combination with these.