10 Essential Uses for Pure Lemon Oil

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Image © Alexander von Halem; Flickr.com

Various essential oils are known for a variety of medicinal and aromatherapy properties. Lemon  essential oil is no different. In fact, more uses are being discovered all the time. Here are ten of the most common household and medicinal uses for lemon essential oil, accompanied by  instructions on how to use the oils for each. Orange oil and other citrus oils have some of the  same uses as lemon oil. However, lemon oil seems to be more effective.

Respiratory Ailments

Lemon essential oil can be used in conjunction with a steam  inhalation treatment for wheezing, colds, cough, and other upper respiratory problems. Note  that this should not be used in those with asthma.

To take a steam inhalation treatment  with lemon essential oil, fill a large bowl or pan with boiling hot water and a few drops of lemon  essential oil. Place the afflicted person's head over the bowl and then place a towel over the  head and bowl (in a tent-like fashion), so that no steam escapes.

The person should take a few  deep breaths, breathing the vapors in deeply for a couple minutes. If at any time, the treatment  causes you to feel uncomfortable, stop right away. Be careful to not get burned by the water from spills or beng too close to the bowl. As with any medical treatment, contact a  licensed medical professional before starting any medical treatment.

Disinfectant

Lemon is a disinfectant and can be used as a deodorizer, neutralizer, and air sterilizer. Simply add a few drops of the lemon essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. The same concoction can  also be sprayed onto tables, counter tops and other surfaces. Test an inconspicuous area on the surface before use by adding a small amount and waiting 24 hours for the effect (if any). The oil can be good for many surfaces, but it also could damage some.

Mouthwash

Lemon essential oil can be used as a mouthwash. Add a couple drops to a 4 oz glass of water  and gargle. The disinfectant properties are great for germs in the mouth and for neutralizing bad  breath odors, as well.

Energy

For a quick, refreshing energy boost, combine a couple drops each of lemon essential oil and  peppermint essential oil in a glass of water and drink up.

Insect Repellent

Put a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray onto the skin  as an insect repellent. However, do not use this repellent method in the sun. Lemon oil can do damage to the skin if the treated skin is exposed to the sun. Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after applying lemon essential oil to the skin. This method is best used at night or on cloudy and  cool days.

Heartburn

Add a couple drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of water. Drink the full glass. This is said to  relieve heartburn symptoms by neutralizing the acid.

Cough, Sore Throat, and Fever

Adding a couple drops of lemon essential oil to your glass of water can help soothe a sore  throat, calm a cough, and quell a fever. Lemon oil fights against bacteria, as well as viruses.  There aren't many substances around that can do both. Many will do one or the other.

Hair, Skin, and Nails

Lemon oil can be used to fight against oily skin and hair. It also has cleansing properties and is  often an ingredient in homemade hair products. One thing to keep in mind with using lemon in  the hair is that if you go into the sun, the lemon oil might react in such a way that it lightens your  hair up a bit. In my experience, this can make for some good highlights, if applied in the right  manner. Lemon oil is also great nourishment for the nails and can help fight against nail fungus.

Anxiety

Lemon essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, specifically for anxiety and depression.

Memory & Thought Clarity

Lemon essential oil, when used in combination with rosemary may  help increase memory, increase concentration, and provide more clarity of thought. To create  this helpful blend, use 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of lemon oil, and diffuse it.

* The author is not a medical professional. Before using any treatments, natural or not, a  licensed medical professional should be consulted.