A native of India and Asia, this member of the Rutaceae family grows about eighteen feet tall. Lemon trees grow wild in Mediterranean climates and are cultivated in Guinea, Israel, Italy, and North and South America.
Cold expression of the fresh peels of the fruit renders a pale greenish yellow oil. Its scent is fresh and light, slightly sharp but sweet, with the tart and tangy smell of fresh lemons. About 1,000 lemons will yield one pound of oil.
Uses Of Lemon
Lemon oil balances overactive sebaceous glands that lead to oily or blemished skin, helps clear acne and controls oily hair and dandruff.
It revitalizes underactive and mature skin and helps with cellulite by improving circulation and encouraging the elimination of wastes. Lemon oil encourages the exfoliation of dead skin and enlivens the complexion.
Long-term treatment with lemon oil reduces broken capillaries and varicose veins, softens scar tissue and minimizes warts and corns.
Lemon oil can also strengthen brittle nails.
Lemon oil is cooling, refreshing and uplifting. It encourages clarity, concentration and recall. It can calm or prevent emotional outbursts. It fights depression, eases fear, strengthens resolve and assists in communication and decision-making.
Our ancestors who traveled the seas used lemon to prevent scurvy. Some traditional uses: to balance the nervous system, as a disinfectant, to refresh and uplift, for purifying the body.
One of the most important properties is its ability to stimulate the white corpuscles that defend the body against infection. Lemon also has the capability of reducing body temperature. A recipe for a fever is slices of lemon or lemon juice squeezed in water add a little honey and stir well. This can be given as often as the sick person feels like drinking. Lemon also improves the digestive processes, enhances elimination of toxins from the colon. Aids elimination of the urinary system, cleansing to the kidneys.
It is know to be antimicrobial, disinfectant, antiseptic, insecticidal, astringent and bactericidal. Use in soaps, perfumes, detergents, body sprites, linen sprays, potpourri, bug repellent, lotions, lip balms, bath oils, bath bombs, massage oils, body balms, bath salts and air fresheners. Lemon Essential Oil is refreshing and may help to sharpen the senses. It also may reduce stress, promote a restful sleep, be relaxing, calming, and reduce cellulite.
Lemon oil blends well with one another, Lemon oil blends particularly well with: Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang and Other Citrus Oils.
Lemongrass is also known as 'fever grass' and has been used for centuries for treating fever in India. Also used as food seasoning in Africa, India and the Seychelles, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its main constituent, citrol, has strong cleansing, antiseptic qualities and is used for deodorizing footwear and clothing.
Lemongrass is a tall-stemmed, grass like plant. The oil is extracted from the fresh or dried grass by steam distillation.
Fresh lemon grass contains an essential oil, which has substantial amount of citral. Dry herb yields 0.4 per cent essential oil containing 72.3 per cent citral.
Spice Description
Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the top and a solid portion several inches long at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded and used in cooking. As a spice, fresh lemon grass is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but is also sold in dried form. The dried spice is available in several forms: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered, or as an oil can be extracted from the plant.
Commonly Used for Treating
Headache, lethargy, skin complaints, sore throats and respiratory problems. Aids circulation. Good insect repellent
Lemon Grass Essential oil blends well with Basil, Citronella, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, and Rosemary.
