Health Benefits of Lemon Oil, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Sep 04, 2020
Lemon essential oil has various advantages. Use of this oil is a tradition that people in India have followed since time immemorial. It is a part of the traditional medicine, not to forget Indian cuisine. Lemon oil when used properly works wonders. It is a known fact that lemon cleanses toxins from any part of the body.
All essential oils, including lemon, are effective and a fast acting plant medicine. It is always safe, when used properly. Lemon is cheaply and easily available throughout the world. Lemon oil is one of the most popular essential oils and is used in many different ways. The benefits of lemon and lemon oil are numerous.
Another advantage of lemon oil is that it’s very easy to make it. Lemon oil is used all over the world to improve metabolism, apart from nourishing and cleansing the skin. Recent studies show that of all essential oils, lemon oil may turn out to be the most effective anti-microbial agent. In fact, it is used for a variety of activities, such as in laundries, flavoring food, whitening teeth etc.
Cooking food using lemon oil gives an absolute purity of flavor, and as it is used sparingly, the waste is less. It also acts as a coolant digestive. Moreover, it improves the functions of the blood vessels, increases urination and retains body fluids. Hence, Lemon Oil should be considered as an inseparable ingredient in our daily lives. In many forms, this oil benefit us.
Lemon Oil
Lemon is best known for stimulating lymph damage and as an energy Rejuvenator. In India, lemon has been used since thousand year old heritage in treating different kinds of health hazards. The ancient system of Ayurveda has a large repertoire of such practices. Modern research confirms that lemon oil reduces cholesterol deposits in blood vessels.
Lemon oil has its manifold usages. As it aids digestion, lemon has become an essential culinary item. The aroma of lemon is an addition. Lemon oil also has some other nutritional value. In this modern era of capsules and anti-biotics, we sometimes tend to forget traditional forms of medication. Lemon, and lemon oil have various benefits.
Nutritional Value of Lemon Oil
Needless to say, lemon oil is nutritious as it is Cholesterol and fat-free. It also has 6,619 ORAC value which makes the oil a high antioxidant. With 2 to 3 pH balance, this oil works wonders as antiseptic, anti-anemic and anti-rheumatic. Limonene and citral are the two essential ingredients constituting the oil.
Lemon oil in food is not used directly but at times it is found in olive oil infused in lemon. Lemon oil is perfect for flavoring candies, chocolates, cakes and ice-cream. A little goes a long way! It is better to use it at the end of the cooking process as the therapeutic qualities are changed by the heat.
Nutritional facts Per 0.25 tbsp
Health Benefits of Lemon Oil
Lemon oil for reducing stress
Prevents dementia
People suffering from dementia, should try lemon oil for speedy recovery.
Prevents tumor growth
It prevents tumor growth that is harmful.
Kills bacteria
Lemon oil in vaporized form kills harmful bacteria, germs and many such hazards.
Skin toner
Lemon oil is an astringent; it constricts bodily tissues when applied topically. Lemon oil can be used as deep pore cleanser. Lemon acts as a natural skin tonner.
Prevents dark spots
Lemon oil can be a vital ingredient of regular skin care. Used in small amount, it cleanses skin beautifully. Lemon oil also significantly helps to lighten dark spots. Lemon oil is effective in getting rid of toe nail fungus as well.
Use Lemon oil to prevent dandruff
Lemon oil for teeth and gums
By pouring 5-6 drops of the oil in a glass of warm water, and gargling with it reduces harmful bacteria in the teeth. It also freshens up the breath.
Prevents arthritis
Lemon Oil acts as natural antiseptic
Vitamin C from lemons works as an anti-inflammatory. Lemon oil can also be used as a natural remedy for common cough, and nasal congestion by simply rubbing it on the chest and throat several times in a day. Since lemon oil I a natural antiseptic, it can be used to clear minor wounds and infections.
Boosts immune system
The potassium content in lemon boosts the immune system considerably. Many people prefer consuming lemon oil in drinking water as it naturally draws out toxins stored in liver
Prevents stomach problems
Lemon Oil helps people with stomach problems. It helps to reduce constipation and improve in metabolism of body.
Uses of Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is one of the most essential oils to have at hand. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a laundry detergent, teeth whitener and skin toner. Both lemon and lemon essential oil can be used as an ayurvedic medicine to treat various health conditions. The health benefits of lemon oil have been proved scientifically.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Lemon Oil
Though lemon oil has various benefits, it has certain side effects as well. Thankfully, the side effects are not much. It may cause problems, if used by pregnant women, children. People having sensitive skin may find it irritating or allergic. Thus, it is better to do a patch test before applying this oil in such cases.
Also, essential lemon oil has an extremely concentrated combination of numerous chemicals. If not properly used, this apparently thing can turn out to be harmful. Some other draw-backs of lemon essential oil are, lemon oil is considered Photosensitizing Oil and can burn you if applied while taking a sun bath. The oil, just as other Citrus oils has a phototoxic effect. Thus, exposure to ultra-violet rays can burn the skin.
Further, as lemon oil is highly concentrated, it can turn fatal if used internally. Even for external use, it is advised that it should be used in a diluted form. The oil works great while diluted as compared to carrier oils such as lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus.
Also, essential lemon oil can turn out to be toxic if applied to pets, simply because their metabolism is different from Humans. It may cause a slow onset of organ failure. If applied to eyes it can cause irritation to mucus membranes. So it is better not to apply it to the eyes. As it removes toxins from the body rapidly, it is better to use lemon oil in small doses in the beginning.
Sadly, overdose of lemon oil can cause decay of tooth enamel. The acid present in lemon, while coming in contact with calcium in tooth erodes the tooth. Also the natural sugar in lemon oil is broken down by the bacteria present in tooth, thereby causing further decay. An overdose of the lemon oil intake may worsen heartburn, ulcers as the acidic juice can irritate the inner lining of your stomach.
Lemon oil can also upset the tummy, and even cause nausea and vomiting. Further, gloves and eye-protection are recommended while using lemon oil as a little negligence can turn fatal. So it is recommended that you consult a physician before using lemon oil to be on a safer side.
Origin And Cultivation of Lemon Oil
Though lemon oil has various benefits, it has certain side effects as well. Thankfully, the side effects are not much. It may cause problems, if used by pregnant women, children. People having sensitive skin may find it irritating or allergic. Thus, it is better to do a patch test before applying this oil in such cases. Also, essential lemon oil has an extremely concentrated combination of numerous chemicals. If not properly used, this apparently thing can turn out to be harmful. Some other draw-backs of lemon essential oil are, lemon oil is considered Photosensitizing Oil and can burn you if applied while taking a sun bath. The oil, just as other Citrus oils has a phototoxic effect. Thus, exposure to ultra-violet rays can burn the skin. Further, as lemon oil is highly concentrated, it can turn fatal if used internally. Even for external use, it is advised that it should be used in a diluted form. The oil works great while diluted as compared to carrier oils such as lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus. Also, essential lemon oil can turn out to be toxic if applied to pets, simply because their metabolism is different from Humans. It may cause a slow onset of organ failure. If applied to eyes it can cause irritation to mucus membranes. So it is better not to apply it to the eyes. As it removes toxins from the body rapidly, it is better to use lemon oil in small doses in the beginning. Sadly, overdose of lemon oil can cause decay of tooth enamel. The acid present in lemon, while coming in contact with calcium in tooth erodes the tooth. Also the natural sugar in lemon oil is broken down by the bacteria present in tooth, thereby causing further decay. An overdose of the lemon oil intake may worsen heartburn, ulcers as the acidic juice can irritate the inner lining of your stomach. Lemon oil can also upset the tummy, and even cause nausea and vomiting. Further, gloves and eye-protection are recommended while using lemon oil as a little negligence can turn fatal. So it is recommended that you consult a physician before using lemon oil to be on a safer side.
References
- Mohanapriya M, Ramaswamy L, Rajendran R. Health and medicinal properties of lemon (Citrus limonum). J Ayu Her Med. 2013 Jan;3(1):1095-0. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Navarra M, Mannucci C, Delbò M, Calapai G. Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2015 Mar 2;6:36. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mohanapriya M, Ramaswamy L, Rajendran R. Health and medicinal properties of lemon (Citrus limonum). J Ayu Her Med. 2013 Jan;3(1):1095-1100. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
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