"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Single Oils - Lemon

Today is the first day of a new series I am doing, called "Back to Basics". The first category of this series is about the Top Ten Single Oils. I will go into detail about each of these oils including their chemical makeups, the scientific name of the plant that the oil comes from, the most common ways the oil are used, and my favorite way to use the oils.

Lemon

Lemon oil, as known as Citrus Limon, is extracted from lemon rinds through the cold press extraction method. The main chemical components of lemon oil are Limonene, beta pinenes, and gamma terpinenes. 

limonene

beta pinene

gamma terpinene

Lemon rind

Lemon oil's primary benefits include cleansing and purifies the air and surfaces, naturally cleansing the body and aids in digestion*, supporting healthy respiratory function*, and promoting a positive mood. The most common uses for lemon oil are creating homemade cleaning supplies, internal detox*, and diffusing for mood elevation.

Lemon is an oil that I use in my house every day. I have made an all-purpose cleaning spray and floor cleaner with this oil (recipe to follow). Also, if I cook a meal, such as chili, that can a strong, lingering odor, I love diffusing this oil in the kitchen to clean and purify the air. Lemon oil can be used aromatically, topically, and internally. It is generally a gentle oil and therefore does not need to be diluted unless you have sensitive skin or are using this oil on small children. Always dilute ANY oil when using a children.

Here is one of my favorite cleaning supply recipes:

All-purpose Cleaner:

- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

- 1 3/4 cup water

- 30 drops lemon oil

Mix all ingredients in a glass spray bottle, which you can buy here. It absolutely has to be a glass bottle because the oils can actually leach chemicals from plastic bottles, which defeats the purpose of having natural ingredients in it.

Links:
Lemon Oil Product Information Page
YouTube Video: doTERRA Lemon Oil
Buy Essential Oils Here

Research:

Dornelas, M. C., & Massafera, P. (2007). A genomic approach to characterization of the Citrus terpene synthase gene family. Genetics and Molecular Biology, 30(3), 832 - 840. doi:10.1590/S1415-4757200700005000011

Knasko, S. C. (1992). Ambient odor's effect on creativity, mood, and perceived health. Chemical Senses, 17(1), 27 - 35. doi:10.1093/chemse/17.1.27

Lücker, J., El Tamer, M. K., Schwab, W., Verstappen, F. W. A., van der Plas, L. H. W., Bouwmeester, H. J., & Verhoeven, H. A. (2002). Monoterpene biosynthesis in lemon (Citrus limon): cDNA isolation and functional analysis of four menonterpene synthases. European Journal of Biochemistry, 269(13), 3160 - 3171. doi:10.1046/j.1432-1033.2002.02985.x

Valgimigli, L., Gabbanini, S., Berlini, E., Lucchi, E., Beltramini, C., &  Bertarelli, Y. L. (2012). Lemon (Citrus limon, Burmf.) essential oil enhances the trans-epidermal release of lipid-(A, E) and water-(B6, C) soluble vitamins from topical emulsions in reconstructed human epidermis. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 34(4), 347 - 356. doi:10.111/j.1468-2494.2012.00725.x

Zhang, Z., Chen, H., Chan, K. K., Budd, T., & Ganapathi, R. (1999). Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of perillyl alcohol and metabolites in plasma. Journal of Chromatography B: Biomedical Sciences and Applications, 728(1), 85 -95. doi:10.1016/S0378-4347(99)00065-1

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.