Add Some Zest to Your Life

Lemon oil is one of the most versatile oils on the market. It has a host of properties to keep both body and mind in top working order. Thus, no more should we think of this humble fruit as simply a great salad dressing or cleaning product.

The benefits of lemons have been historically commented on by such great thinkers as the poet Virgil. Whilst Maude Grieve, writing in her 1931 book on herbal medicine, says, "The lemon is the most valuable of all fruit for preserving health."

The advantages of lemon oil can be summarized as follows:
The Immune System
Lemon oil is said to promote lymphocyte formation. Lemon’s antiseptic properties also make it effective in fighting against colds, flu’s, fevers and infections.
The Circulatory System
It can help lessen blood pressure, reduce varicose veins and stop nosebleeds; as it is good at staunching blood flow it good for haemorrhaging.  It is also good for the treatment of anaemia and hysterical palpitations of the heart.
The Muscular and Skeletal System
It can help with arthritis, rheumatism and sore muscles.
The Respiratory System
It is effective with throat infections, and such respiratory problems as bronchitis and asthma. It can also contribute to clearing catarrh.
The Digestive System
It can assist with dyspepsia and bloating.
The Nervous System/Emotional
Lemon oil has a very uplifting and revitalising aroma. It is also scientifically proven to aid concentration and keep people alert, studies in Japan showing that when lemon oil was diffused throughout an office building there were 54% less typing mistakes.
Skin Care/Hair Care
It can help to breakdown cellulite, remove dead skin, deal with sunburn, acne, boils, corns, herpes, wounds, oily skin, cold sores, insect stings and bites, age/liver spots and warts. It is an effective conditioning treatment for blondes.

Here are some blends you could try at home:
Skin Booster – For Greasy/Congested skin
Lemon 4 drops
Cypress 7 drops
Grapefruit 3 drops
Juniper 1 drop
Blend the above oils with 30mls (three tablespoons) of peach kernel oil and massage into the skin.  Use morning and night as part of your skin care regime, to help unblock pores and balance the skin.

Conditioning Lotion for Blondes
Lemon7 drops
Roman Camomile 1 drop
Ylang-Ylang 2 drops
Blend the oils with 10mls of Jojoba oil and 10mls of Sweet Almond oil (one tablespoon of each), then apply to dry hair.  Massage through to the ends, wrap a warm towel around the head and leave for two hours.  Add shampoo directly to the oiled hair and massage well. Rinse thoroughly. This is a fabulous intensive treatment that can be used weekly to condition the hair, giving it a natural, healthy sheen.

To Help Reduce Fluid Retention
Lemon 5 drops
Cubeb Seed 7 drops
Geranium 3 drops
To reduce bloating, blend the above oils with 30mls of Grapeseed oil (three tablespoons) and massage into areas where fluid is being held, applying only a light pressure.

Lemon oil is, therefore, the perfect all-round oil for a sometimes damaging and stressful modern environment.

See Lemon Oil, Aromatherapy Oil and Aromatherapy for more information.

Information on oil blends provided by:
Julie McClean at www.tisserand.com