Our expert Dr Françoise Couic Marinier tells you all about essential oils.
It’s commonly used in our everyday lives, but we bet you don’t know all the incredible benefits that Lemon Essential Oil has to offer for your mind and body. From its anti-septic properties to calming powers, here’s what you need to know about Lemon oil in aromatherapy.
Lemon Essential Oil is a natural remedy for nausea, and studies have found it to be extremely effective in calming the stomach.
If morning sickness is the cause of your nausea, then Lemon oil can be a great solution, alongside Peppermint oil and mandarin oil.
Since Lemon oil is calming in nature, it can be used to help soothe a variety of stomach problems including acidity, indigestion, cramps and gastritis.
Dr Couic Marinier adds; “Lemon Essential Oil also acts as a gastro-protective, helping to defend and repair the stomach lining”.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, Lemon Essential Oil has a purifying, cleansing and protective effect on the body. Lemon oil defends from free radicals as well as stimulating lymphatic drainage to flush toxins out of the system.
Not only does Lemon oil rid your body of harmful pathogens, but it also works to improve the immune system. Thanks to its high vitamin C content, Lemon oil stimulates white blood cells and strengthens your body’s ability to fight disease.
Lemon Essential Oil can have very soothing properties, acting as an effective remedy for mental fatigue, depression, anxiety and nervousness.
Dr. Couic Marinier adds that “it’s often used simply to put you in a good mood”.
Rich in antioxidants, Lemon Essential Oil is the ultimate element to give your skin that re-energising boost. As a detoxifier, Lemon oil can restore lacklustre skin to leave it looking rejuvenated and youthful – an essential weapon in your anti-ageing arsenal.
Little known, Lemon oil has strong hydrating properties and can help to nourish damaged skin and repair the epidermis to renew your complexion’s radiance.
To help lock in moisture, you can also look to neroli oil or Marjoram oil to ensure that hydration is retained.
With its antiseptic properties, Lemon Essential Oil works to restore the skin’s natural balance and reduce excess sebum.
Furthermore, Lemon oil has beneficial effects on skin that suffers from acne as it helps to purify and cleanse the epidermis. If you’re really looking to fight against acne, then check out lavender oil to deeply cleanse your complexion.
Originating in Asia, the Lemon was known as the ‘fruit of health’ and was used not only by ancient Indians but also Egyptians and Romans to treat infectious diseases. Fast forward to today and Lemon Essential Oil continues to tick many medicinal boxes.
In the 14th century, English sailors in the Royal Navy discovered that drinking Lemon juice every day helped to prevent scurvy, aching joints and other common ailments.
According to Dr Couic Marinier, “although we talk of Lemon ‘Essential Oil’, in reality, it is actually an ‘essence’”.
Essences can often be referred to as Essential Oils. In this case it’s because in order to obtain the Essential Oil we use the express and un-distilled zest, and by distilling the leaves, Lemon Essential Oil can be obtained from the small Lemon grain.
It requires around 3,000 Lemons to make one kilo of Lemon Essential Oil, making it a highly potent elixir.
Lemon Essential Oil has earned the nickname ‘Liquid Sunshine’ due to its vibrant yellow colour, refreshing scent, purifying properties and the burst of energy that Lemon oil provides.
Lemons can’t be picked when they are wet and are usually taken off the tree when they are still green. It’s assumed that the rind will eventually turn its famous vibrant yellow in transit to the Essential Oil production facility.
In Japan, Lemon Essential Oil is often diffused in banks to reduce worker error thanks to its invigorating and energising effects that have been shown to improve concentration and alertness.
With its enormous benefits outside of the kitchen, adopting Lemon Essential Oil into your daily routine could give your skin, mind and health the boost it needs.