Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is derived from the lemon tree, which is believed to be a cross between bitter orange and citron and is native to Asia. Citron is considered the original species from which all citrus fruits evolved. Throughout history, ancient civilizations discovered the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of lemon oil and utilized it for treating diseases. Notably, it was used to protect against scurvy and vitamin C deficiency.

Today, lemon oil finds various applications in cleaning products for its purification properties, as well as in aromatherapy and massage therapy. The composition of lemon oil includes limonene, pinene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, terpinene, linalool, bisabolene, bergamotene, nerol, and neral. These compounds collectively contribute to the oil’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and balancing effects on circulation, metabolism, and digestive function.

Obtaining lemon oil is a labor-intensive process, as it requires about 1,000 lemons to produce just one pound of usable oil. The oil is extracted by subjecting the lemon peels to either steam or cold-press extraction methods. Despite its bitterness and sharpness, the fragrance of lemon oil is remarkably refreshing and invigorating.