Lemon essential oil properties and uses
Lemon is the world's most popular fruit, renowned for its juiciness, aroma, refreshing sour taste and many beneficial properties. But lemon essential oil is no less interesting than the fruit itself.
The aromatic, taste and bactericidal properties of lemon have been known to people since ancient times. The fruits have been appreciated in China, India, ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean. The Greeks considered lemons to be an effective remedy for fevers and a natural antidote. Olive oil and vinegar were infused on the zest of the fruit, and the fruit was also used for perfumery purposes.
Since then, the recognition of the benefits of lemon has only increased. But few people think that a significant part of its properties is a juicy fragrant fruit is due precisely to the oil.
Lemon oil composition
Two methods are used to make lemon oil:
- direct cold pressing, which allows obtaining the highest quality product without heating or using chemicals;
- distillation or steam distillation, which helps to increase the volume of the product obtained per unit of raw material.
The properties of lemon oil and the use of the product in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology and other industries are determined by the composition of the product. The main components of the aromatic liquid are volatile substances:
- linalyl acetate;
- limonene;
- and other compounds that determine the beneficial properties and aroma of natural elixir.
What are the properties of lemon essential oil and the uses of this product?
Properties of lemon essential oil
The most useful and valuable is the first pressed oil, which retains in its composition all the active substances inherent in nature. This product:
- has a pronounced bactericidal effect;
- prevents viral infections;
- has a beneficial effect on the performance of the heart and vascular system;
- stimulates brain activity;
- invigorates, removing signs of mental and physical fatigue.
The use of the properties of lemon oil is found not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology in the treatment of cracks, rashes and other skin lesions accompanied by bacterial or other infections. It is also an effective whitening agent that helps to even out the tone, hide the vascular pattern or remove age spots of various nature. For hair, lemon oil will get rid of dandruff, reducing the secretion of the sebaceous glands and preventing oily seborrhea from developing actively.
The aromatic properties of the product have predetermined its use in perfumery, as well as in the food and confectionery industry.
The use of the properties of lemon essential oil for medicinal purposes
Lemon oil is in demand by official and folk medicine as an effective remedy for respiratory and viral diseases, bacterial infections, metabolic disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders and other ailments. It is able to suppress the activity of pathogens of herpes and influenza, tuberculosis and hepatitis.
Lemon essential oil is effective against many types of bacterial microflora, it has excellent stimulating properties. The latter circumstance allows us to speak about the benefits of lemon oil for dysfunctions of the autonomic vascular system, overwork, metabolic disorders, as well as for atherosclerosis and varicose veins.
Due to its many beneficial properties, the use of lemon essential oil is practiced in various fields of medicine. Moreover, you can use a valuable product in several ways:
- Baths and topical baths with lemon oil are effective for rheumatic pains and for weight loss therapy.
- A massage with the addition of this natural remedy allows you to quickly relieve fatigue after physical activity, with a disease of rheumatism, as well as with pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
- Compresses with oil are used for herpes, other infections of the skin, varicose veins.
- Rinsing with lemon essential oil and brushing your teeth with this tool effectively fight bleeding gums and inflammation in the oral cavity, help eliminate unpleasant odor and cope with pain in diseases of the nasopharynx.
- Inhalation as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent is indispensable during massive respiratory diseases.
In some cases, lemon essential oil is used internally, but this method of treatment must necessarily be agreed with the attending physician, who determines the need for it and prescribes the dosage.
The aroma of lemon oil perfectly tones, relieves everyday fatigue and helps to actively start a new day. In addition, scented liquid can improve indoor air quality and create an aromatic barrier to moths, ants, and other insects that are unwanted in your home.
Application of the properties of lemon oil in cosmetology
Today the properties of this unique natural remedy are highly appreciated by cosmetologists who use lemon oil to treat and care for skin and hair.
For the face, lemon essential oil can be used in situations where it is necessary:
- cleansing and disinfecting the skin;
- softening rough areas;
- rejuvenation and restoration of skin tone;
- effective and safe whitening.
Lemon oil helps to deal with more than just skin problems. It strengthens nails, promotes early wound healing.
But the most significant benefit of lemon essential oil for hair. The impact of this remedy on curls is effective and versatile. Oily hair, by reducing the secretion of sebum, becomes more fluffy, well-groomed and voluminous. Dull curls return to their natural shine, and hair of light shades becomes especially attractive.
And with dandruff, lemon oil for hair becomes a real elixir. Here it copes well with the source of the problem - the fungus, dries and disinfects the skin under the scalp, cares for and restores curls.