April 29, 2025 · By Lisa Swain

Brighten Your Day, Naturally with Lemon Essential Oil

In a world full of synthetic options, sometimes the most effective answers come straight from nature. Take lemon essential oil, this sunny, citrusy powerhouse is a versatile oil that can boost your body in a surprising number of ways. Extracted through cold-pressing the rinds of fresh lemons it gives a jam packed scent that really captures the sense of sunshine.

Where Does It Come From?

Lemon essential oil is derived from the fruit of the Citrus limon tree, a small evergreen tree native to Asia. Today, lemon trees are cultivated in warm climates around the world, with major production areas including Italy, Spain, the United States (California and Arizona), Argentina, and Brazil.

How is it Made?

The primary method for extracting lemon essential oil is cold pressing, also known as expression. The essential oil is specifically extracted from the peel or rind of the lemon fruit, which is rich in aromatic compounds.

How is it Used?

Lemon essential oil offers a variety of application methods to harness its benefits. We use it in our EAT candle, as a deodoriser. It helps eliminate food smells after cooking. In fact, it's very effective in cleaning products due its antimicrobial and degreasing properties. Here’s a few ideas:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine water, white vinegar, and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.
Grease Remover: Add a few drops directly to a cloth or sponge to tackle stubborn grease.

Up until the First World War, lemon essential oil was used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. That's why it's still common to see cleaning products scented with lemon fragrance today.

For skin, it's essential to dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, coconut, or grapeseed oil. A common dilution ratio is 1-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Gently massage the diluted oil onto the desired area, such as the soles of the feet for immune support or the abdomen for digestive discomfort.

Inhaling lemon essential oil through a diffuser or breathing in direct from the bottle is a simple and effective way to experience its mood-boosting and focus-enhancing properties. For a more impactful experience adding a few drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water, covering your head with a towel and breathing in can really help clear the airways and brighten the mind.

Benefits

Lemon essential oil offers a wide array of potential benefits, including:

Mood Boosting and Energising: May help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of fatigue while promoting alertness and focus.
Immune System Support: Rich in antioxidants and may help strengthen the body's defenses.
Digestive Aid: Can help ease occasional indigestion and nausea.
Natural Detoxifier: May support the body's natural cleansing processes.
Skin Brightening: Can help improve skin clarity and brightness due to antioxidants (use with caution due to phototoxicity).
Natural Cleaning Power: Effective for degreasing, deodorising, and general household cleaning.

Disclaimers

Phototoxicity: Lemon essential oil can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, leading to sunburn or skin irritation. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours after topical application. Always dilute properly with a carrier oil.
Skin Sensitivity: Even when diluted, lemon essential oil may cause skin irritation in some individuals. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it more widely. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Internal Use: Avoid internal use of lemon essential oil unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional. Improper internal use can lead to adverse effects.
Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Essential oils are potent and should be stored safely away from children and animals.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare professional or qualified aromatherapist before using lemon essential oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Eye Contact: Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with a carrier oil (not water) and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Quality: Purchase high-quality, 100% pure lemon essential oil from a reputable source.