Lemon (Citrus limon)is in the citrus family of botanical plants. The lemon tree has its origin in Asia and first appeared in the Mediterranean area about 200 A.D. By the Middle Ages, it was being cultivated in Spain and Sicily. As a medicinal, it became popular when it was discovered that it warded off scurvy during long sea voyages. Traditionally, lemon has been one of Europe’s cure-alls especially for infectious illnesses. It was used for fevers, for scurvy, for digestive disorders, for arthritis and rheumatism, and for skin care.

How Can Lemon Essential Oil Benefit Us Today?

Today we know lemon oil to be a powerful antioxidant and supporter of the immune system. It has antiseptic qualities that make it helpful for colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma. It makes an excellent aerosol spray to kill bacteria and viruses and has been used for many years in hospitals for this purpose. Today however we have relied upon the laboratory to create “lemony fragranced chemicals” in hospitals. Lemon essential oil is a tonic for the circulatory system since it improves circulation.

It is an excellent oil for treating high blood pressure-simply use it on the soles of the feet. It can be used for obesity and also weakness and loss of appetite. It is cleansing and detoxifying for the liver and can benefit problems like cellulite. Lemon’s astringent properties are helpful for skin wrinkles. It is also effective against scabies and other parasites. Lemon oil clarifies everything through upliftment and focus making it beneficial for anxiety. For emotional healing, use lemon to encourage clarity, direction, awareness, concentration, and liveliness.

The primary effects of lemon essential oil are antiseptic, a stimulant for digestion, and a preventive for contagious illnesses, such as colds and flu. Lemon oil mixes well with orange rosemary, lavender, fennel, basil, nutmeg, dill, hyssop peppermint, frankincense, bergamot, ylang ylang, and geranium. For application, lemon essential oil can be diffused, steam inhaled, used in a humidifier or vaporizer, and applied directly to the body. It can be used on the soles of the feet, or on the energy centers. It can be applied to the healer’s hands and run through the energy field.

There is one safety caution when using lemon oil. Lemon is phototoxic meaning that it should not be used on skin exposed to the sun’s rays or a tanning booth. This could cause red or brown blotches and could even result in blisters if there is sufficient oil and exposure to UV light. Best to use lemon oil where the “sun doesn’t shine.” Want to learn more about the healing properties of lemon and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. The Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy is teaching courses throughout the United States on the healing properties of essential oils including lemon oil.

BONUS GIFT

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These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our web site, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.

From Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.