LEMON
Citrus Limonum;
Fresh, sharp, uplifting, cleansing, tonic, refreshing, cooling, clarity. Astringent, antiseptic, digestive, insecticide, emollient,
by Glenda Taylor |  |
|
Lemons,
juicy, tangy, fefreshing. The smell reminds me of childhood in Italy, rubbing my fingers on the leaves of the lemon trees. Yes I've always been obsessed with smell! Also our first garden in Peckham which was deluged with lemon balm plants. Not the same plant as Lemon but lemon essential oil still reminds me of that time. When I give talks on Aromatherapy I often begin by letting every one smell a blend of Lemon & grapefruit. It instantly gets every one alert, using adjectives like fresh and zingy, so even if I've got them after lunch or a long hard day at work they are instantly invigorated.
Lemon trees are small and strong. The essential oil comes from the lemons when they are still green as there is more oil to be had at this time. In Mediteranian countries Lemon juice and essential oil has been used as a home remedy for centuries. All citrus oils are good insect repellents so it is useful for use in blends for nits. (see recipes & formula).
BATHE
Lemon essential oil is lovely to use in a morning bath with other stimulating oils like rosemary and bergamot. Try 2 drops of lemon, 2 drops of rosemary and 1 each of bergamot and lavender. If you shower you can put a couple of drops of lemon on the shower floor and the steam will be filled with the lemon fragrance.
MASSAGE
Lemon is a emollient which means that it helps disolve fat. For this reason it would be good to massage with a blend containing lemon and other stimulating oils. (See recipes and formulas)
Lemon is also good for use on greasy hair so make a final rinse with lemon oil by putting 3 drops of lemon into a glass of warm water and pouring over your hair after washing. No need to rinse out but careful not to get it in your eyes.
NEAT
Lemon essential oil is particularly good for getting rid of warts and veruccas. I have used this several times on my own children. Use a cotton wool bud to bad the neat oil onto the effected area and repeat twice a day. Don't try this on tiny warts on the neck or face as the skin in this area is too delicate and may burn. Ideal for the hands and feet though.
PRECAUTIONS
When putting citrus oils in the bath careful not to have the water too hot and make sure the oils are at the end of the taps as sitting on them will sting.
Don't put a high dilution of citrus oils on the skin before going in strong sunlight as it may bleach your skin.
SIMILAR OILS
Orange, bergamot, mandarin, lime.
|
| | |
You are here: Balm Balm | INFO | AROMATHERAPY | ESSENTIAL OILS | LEMON |
