Lemon
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Citrus limon
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Rutaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Italy, Spain, France, Israel, and South Africa
PLANT PART
Fresh fruit rind
NOTE
Top
EXTRACTION METHOD
Cold pressed
AROMA
Fresh, light, and citrus-like
GC/MS REPORT
Monoterpenes: β-pinene (12%); limonene (66%); γ-terpinene (10%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
β-pinene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant. Limonene's known therapeutic properties include: antioxidant, skin penetration enhancer, and wound healing. γ-terpinene's known therapeutic properties include: antinociceptive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and antiviral.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve cold and flu as a strong antiviral agent; expectcorant and mucolytic. Circulatory system - helps reducing blood viscosity and plaque deposits in the artheries, thus reducing cholesterol; used to remedy varicous veins, broken capillaries, nosebleeds, and haemorrhoids. Skin care - astringent and antibacterial, good for treating acne, boils, and oily skin. Detoxification - helps detoxify liver and biliary congestion. Immune system - stimulates production of white blood cells to fight off infections. Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle tension.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Uplifting, stimulating, calming emotional outbursts; relieveing mental fatigue, pessimism, anxiety, and depression.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
The lemon tree is believed to be orginally from southern China. The Moors might have broght it to Sicily and Spain in the tenth century. In 1493, Columbus brought lemon and orange seeds to the West Indies. Lemon juice was used to treat scurvy and kept on British ships for sailors to drink daily. It was also used as diuretic and diaphoretic, to alleviate acute rheumatism and counteract narcotic poisons. It's said to be excellent for calming hicups and heart palpitations. The oil is also widely used in pharmaceuticals, flavoring agent, and fragrance.
SAFETY
Phototoxic so it should be applied to the skin at no more than 1-2% dilution; if used at higher doses, do not expose the treated skin to ultraviolet light for 12-18 hours after topical application. If oxidized, it can cuase skin irritation. As citrus trees are heavily sprayed with pesticides, it's best to buy oil from organically-grown trees.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.