LEMON

flor-de-laranjeira-beneficios-e-propried

Medicinal Uses

scurvy

fevers

throat infections

bronchitis

asthma

colds

influenza

viral infections

constipation

dyspepsia

cellulite

headaches

migraines

muscular problems

clears greasy skin and hair

depression

stress

fatigue

lifts the spirits

clears the mind

helps in decision making

obesity

rheumatism

arthritis

bursitis

fibromyalgia

dandruff

digestive aid

improved cognition

reduced dementia

varicose veins

wrinkles

insomnia

focus and concentration

restore bodies natural pH

Lemon oil can be very beneficial to the circulatory system and aids with blood flow, reducing blood pressure and helping with nosebleeds.
It boosts the immune system and cleanses the body, improves the functions of the digestive system, and it is helpful with constipation, dyspepsia and cellulite.
Lemon oil soothes and relieves headaches and migraines and is helpful for rheumatism and arthritis. It is also used for clearing acne, cleaning greasy skin and hair, as well as removing dead skin cells, easing painful cold sores, mouth ulcers, herpes and insect bites.
The rubefacient action of the oil further helps to resolve cellulite, as well as helping with acne.
Antioxidant and radical scavenging actions of the flavonoids of lemon and its cancer fighting potential have also been proven.
Lemon oil is thought to be an effective antidote for narcotic poisoning.
It was used as a medicinal food to help cool fevers, jaundice, heart palpitations and the ultimate remedy for hiccups.
Limonene was found to dissolve gallstones in a recent study. It activates several of Phase I and Phase II liver detox enzymes responsible for clearing toxins. The terpenes of d-Limonene literally dissolve fat sludge.
Limonene is also an anti-proliferative -- kills cancer cells
Limonene may reduce depression, stress, and anxiety as well as inflammation. D-Limonene is a selective activator of the adenosine A(2A) receptor on cell membranes. These receptors are vital for nervous system function. The lack of their activation is associated with anxiety, insomnia, and impaired dopamine transmission (addictive tendencies and lack of motivation). A lack of activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors on immune cells results in a hyperimmune response (allergic reactions).
Limonene is effective as a minor pain reliever. Limonene reduced widespread pain in the bones and muscles of mice.
Limonene is a boost to the immune system. In studies with rats, limonene was proven to produce more antibodies when exposed to foreign antigens. It also has been shown to fight bacteria and reduce allergic reactions.
Limonene has been found to have antioxidant properties. This allows it to counteract the effects of free radicals, which affect DNA mutations and are cancer causing. As an antioxidant, limonene can prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
In a 2014 study of 100 pregnant women, aromatherapy with lemon essential oil was found to decrease the levels of nausea and vomiting significantly

tonsillitis

conjunctivitis

parasites

bleeding gums

heartburn

ulcers

malaria

typhoid fever

gout

blemishes

high blood fat and cholesterol

urinary and biliary

phosphorous stones

cellulite

hemorrhoids

thrombosis

blood in saliva

sinuses

diarrhea

dysentery

increase appetite

slow digestion

shortness of breath

mineral deficiency

bunions, corns and callouses

Common Names

Lemon oil, cedro oil (which refers to terpeneless oil)

Botanical Name

Citrus limonum

Family

Rutaceae family

Parts Used

Rind, juice, seeds, essential oil

Therapeutic Actions

analgesic

anti-anemic

anti-bactericidal

anti-carcinogen

anti-depressive

anti-diabetic

anti-fungal

anti-inflammatory

anti-microbial

anti-nausea

anti-oxidant

anti-parasitic

anti-rheumatic

anti-septic

anti-sclerotic

anti-ulcer

anti-viral

astringent

carminative

cicatrisant

coagulant

depurative

diaphoretic

diuretic

expectorant

febrifuge

hemostatic

hypotensive

hypoglycemic

hypolipidemic

insecticidal

lymph decongestant

neuroprotective

rubefacient

sedative

spamolytic

stimulant

tonic

vermifuge

Proper Use

Lemon oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression.

To diffuse lemon essential oil, place three or four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, and limit your aromatherapy sessions to 30 minutes.

To use lemon essential oil topically, mix it well with a carrier oil of your choice.

Test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin before you apply it somewhere sensitive, like your face. If after 24 hours you see redness or irritation, don’t use the mixture.

Formulary

Although essential oils normally blend well with one another, lemon oil blends particularly well with lavender, rose, sandalwood, benzoin, eucalyptus, geranium, fennel, juniper,

neroli, elemi, angelica root, frankincense frereana, and rosalina.

Its antiseptic action is good for cleaning surfaces and skin. A lemon wedge dipped in salt or baking powder can brighten copper cookware. It is also known for sanitizing, deodorizing, bleaching stains, and removing grease. The oil of lemon peel is used as a wood cleaner.

Adding a simple slice of lemon or lemon EO to water not only improves taste, it provides citric acid, purifies the water, and balances Ph levels.

Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is another popular home remedy for treating acne.

Cultivation

A lemon tree can reach a height of 10 meters (30 feet), although the average tree is generally smaller. The branches are thorny, and form an open crown. The leaves are green, shiny and elliptical-acuminate. Flowers are white on the outside with a violet streaked interior and have a strong fragrance. The fruit grows underneath the flowers; as the flower petals fall away, a small green nub is left behind, which matures into the fruit. On a healthy lemon tree, flowers and ripe fruits can often be found at the same time

Lemons are more cold-sensitive than all other citrus trees. Due to this cold sensitivity, lemon trees should be planted near the south side of the home. Lemon trees need protection from frost. Growing them near the house should help with this. Lemon trees also require full sunlight for adequate growth.

While lemon trees can tolerate a range of soils, including poor soil, most prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Lemon trees should be set slightly higher than ground. Therefore, dig a hole somewhat shallower than the length of the root ball. If the soil is not well-drained, plant the trees on a slight mound to prevent water-logging. Water sufficiently and add some mulch to help retain moisture. Lemon trees require deep watering once weekly. If necessary, pruning may be done to maintain their shape and height.

Standard-size citrus trees should be spaced 12 to 25 feet apart and dwarf citrus trees should be set 6 to 10 feet apart. The exact distance depends on the variety. The bigger the fruit, the farther the distance.

To plant citrus trees inside from seeds, remove the seeds from the desired fruit. Soak the seeds overnight in water and plant them ½ inch deep in moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or wrap and let it sit in a warm and sunny spot for a few weeks until the seeds start to grow. Then, remove the plastic but keep the pot near a warm and sunny window.

When choosing to grow from seeds, allow them to dry out for a week or two. Once dried, plant the seeds about an inch deep in good potting soil and cover with clear plastic wrap. Set the pot in a sunny location and wait for it to reach 6 to 12 inches before transplanting outdoors or to another pot.

CARE

A few weeks after planting, and for the first few years (before bearing age), feed the tree a balanced (such as 6-6-6) fertilizer. Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting.
Check manufacturer’s directions, ask a garden nursery, or consult your local cooperative extension as to how often and how much fertilizer to apply during each year of a tree’s growth.
Mulches are not recommended for citrus trees, but if trees are located in a cultivated plant bed where mulch is used, keep at least 12 inches of bare ground between the tree trunk and the mulch.
Fruit thinning is unnecessary for citrus trees, as they typically experience something called the “June drop.” In late spring or early summer (May or June for most of the country), citrus trees naturally drop a number of their immature fruit.

Constituents

a-pinene
camphene
b-pinene
sabinene
myrcene
a-terpinene
linalool
b-bisabolene
limonene
trans-a-bergamotene
nerol and neral
high vitamin C content

Energetics/ Organoleptics

SMELL: Sharp, fresh, lemony smell
TASTE: Bitter, sharp and spicy
COLOR: Pale greenish-yellow in color
FEEL: Thin and watery in viscosity
NOTE: Top note
Astringent, bittersweet, cool, fresh, fruity, lemony
ENERGETICS: Cleansing, Purifying, Detoxing; Energizing; Rejuvenation; Clarity; Concentration; Deodorizing
PLANET:Moon
ELEMENT: Water
CHAKRA: Heart/Throat
Organs/Systems/Meridians: Stomach, Liver, Skin, Immunity, Nerves, Stomach, Lung, Gall Bladder
TCM: Decongests the lymphatic system, cools heat and reduces dampness and phlegm in the body.

Contradictions

Non-toxic, but can cause skin irritation and sensitizing in some individuals.
Furocoumarin is a toxic component that can cause irritation, sensitization, and photoxicity; it is higher in expressed oil than distilled; skin patch test is required (Petersen, 2015).
Essential oil may be adulterated with less expensive oils like synthetics may also be adulterated with UV absorbers (Lis-Balchin, 2006).
Citrus essential oils can degrade more quickly than other oils. If stored correctly, oil can last six months.

History

The name is derived from the Arabic 'laimun' or the Persian 'limun'. The tree was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages and the fruit has a good content of vitamins A, B and C - an ounce a day was given to sailors in the Royal Navy to alleviate scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies.
In Japan, it is used in diffusers in banks to reduce worker-error and it is a popular flavoring agent for food and perfumes.
The name Limonum is derived from the Arabic Limun or Limu, which in turn probably comes from the Sanscrit Nimbuka.
There are several different varieties of citrus medica only differing in the character of their fruits. The principle ones are lemon, citron or cedrate, and lime. The Bergamot is closely related.
The trees reached Europe by way of Persia or Media and were grown first in Greece and then in Italy in the second century
Ancient Egyptians believed eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and recent research confirms some of this as being true. Lemons were also used in embalming.
In Mesopotamia citrons were propagated for their beauty and aroma, as they flowered throughout the year.

Research & References

Alali, W. Q., Hofacre, C. L., Mathis, G. F., & Faltys, G. (2013). Effect of essential oil compound on shedding and colonization of Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in broilers. Poultry science, 92(3), 836-841.
Adedeji, G. B., Fagade, O. E., & Oyelade, A. A. (2007). Prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical samples and its sensitivity to citrus extract. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 10(2).
Baratta, M. T., Dorman, H. J., Deans, S. G., Figueiredo, A. C., Barroso, J. G., & Ruberto, G. (1998). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of some commercial essential oils. Flavour and fragrance journal, 13(4), 235-244.
Bear, W. L., & Teel, R. W. (1999). Effects of citrus phytochemicals on liver and lung cytochrome P450 activity and on the in vitro metabolism of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine NNK. Anticancer research, 20(5A), 3323-3329.
Cha, J. H., Lee, S. H., & Yoo, Y. S. (2010). Effects of Aromatherapy on Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System, Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Aortic Augmentation Index in Patients with Essential Hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(5).
Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Jayaprakasha, G. K., Kumar, V., Rathore, K. S., & Patil, B. S. (2011). Citrus limonin and its glucoside inhibit colon adenocarcinoma cell proliferation through apoptosis. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 59(6), 2314-2323.
Cirmi, S., Navarra, M., Woodside, J. V., & Cantwell, M. M. (2018). Citrus fruits intake and oral cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacological research, 133, 187-194.
Dhanavade, M. J., Jalkute, C. B., Ghosh, J. S., & Sonawane, K. D. (2011). Study antimicrobial activity of lemon (Citrus lemon L.) peel extract. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2(3), 119-122.
Espina, L., Somolinos, M., Lorán, S., Conchello, P., García, D., & Pagán, R. (2011). Chemical composition of commercial citrus fruit essential oils and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity acting alone or in combined processes. Food control, 22(6), 896-902.
Fisher, K., & Phillips, C. (2008). Potential antimicrobial uses of essential oils in food: is citrus the answer?. Trends in food science & technology, 19(3), 156-164.
Frassinetti, Stefania & Caltavuturo, L & Cini, Marianna & Della Croce, Clara & Maserti, Biancaelena. (2011). Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Citrus spp. Journal of Essential Oil Research – J ESSENT OIL RES. 23. 27-31. 10.
Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., Levin, C. E., & Mandrell, R. E. (2004). Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils and their components against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juice. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(19), 6042-6048
Fukumoto, S., Morishita, A., Furutachi, K., Terashima, T., Nakayama, T., & Yokogoshi, H. (2008). Effect of flavor components in lemon essential oil on physical or psychological stress. Stress and Health, 24(1), 3-12.
Gucwa, K., Milewski, S., Dymerski, T., & Szweda, P. (2018). Investigation of the Antifungal Activity and Mode of Action of Thymus vulgaris, Citrus limonum, Pelargonium graveolens, Cinnamomum cassia, Ocimum basilicum, and Eugenia caryophyllus Essential Oils. Molecules, 23(5), 1116.
Han, C., Li, F., Tian, S., Liu, Y., Xiao, H., Wu, X., … & Mao, M. (2018). Beneficial effect of compound essential oil inhalation on central fatigue. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 18(1), 309.
Hata, T., Sakaguchi, I., Mori, M., Ikeda, N., Kato, Y., Minamino, M., & Watabe, K. (2002). Induction of apoptosis by Citrus paradisi essential oil in human leukemic (HL-60) cells. In vivo (Athens, Greece), 17(6), 553-559
Hur, M. H., Park, J., Maddock‐Jennings, W., Kim, D. O., & Lee, M. S. (2007). Reduction of mouth malodour and volatile sulphur compounds in intensive care patients using an essential oil mouthwash. Phytotherapy Research, 21(7), 641-643.
Kivanç, M., & Akgül, A. (1986). Antibacterial activities of essential oils from Turkish spices and citrus. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 1(4‐5), 175-179.
Komiya, M., Takeuchi, T., & Harada, E. (2006). Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 172(2), 240-249.
Komori, T., Matsumoto, T., Motomura, E., & Shiroyama, T. (2009). P. 2. g. 008 Effects of lemon and valerian inhalation on autonomic nerve activity in depressed and healthy subjects. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 19, S475-S476.
Lopes Campêlo, L. M., Gonçalves e Sá, C., de Almeida, A. A. C., Pereira da Costa, J., Costa Marques, T. H., Mendes Feitosa, C., … & Mendes de Freitas, R. (2011). Sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Citrus limon (Burn) essential oil in mice. Die Pharmazie-An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 66(8), 623-627.
Mendes de Freitas, R. (2011). Sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Citrus limon (Burn) essential oil in mice. Die Pharmazie-An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 66(8), 623-627.
Messgo-Moumene, S., Li, Y., Bachir, K., Houmani, Z., Bouznad, Z., & Chemat, F. (2015). Antifungal power of citrus essential oils against potato late blight causative agent. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 27(2), 169-176.
Misra, N., Batra, S., & Mishra, D. (1988). Fungitoxic properties of the essential oil of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. against a few dermatophytes. Mycoses, 31(7), 380-382.
Miyake, Y., & Hiramitsu, M. (2011). Isolation and extraction of antimicrobial substances against oral bacteria from lemon peel. Journal of food science and technology, 48(5), 635-639.
Oliveira, S. A. C., Zambrana, J. R. M., Di Iorio, F. B. R., Pereira, C. A., & Jorge, A. O. C. (2014). The antimicrobial effects of Citrus limonum and Citrus aurantium essential oils on multi-species biofilms. Brazilian oral research, 28(1), 22-27.
Prabuseenivasan, S., Jayakumar, M., & Ignacimuthu, S. (2006). In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 6(1), 1.
Rho, K. H., Han, S. H., Kim, K. S., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1447-1455.
Soković, M., Glamočlija, J., Marin, P. D., Brkić, D., & van Griensven, L. J. (2010). Antibacterial effects of the essential oils of commonly consumed medicinal herbs using an in vitro model. Molecules, 15(11), 7532-7546.
Szweda, P., Gucwa, K., Kurzyk, E., Romanowska, E., Dzierżanowska-Fangrat, K., Jurek, A. Z., … & Milewski, S. (2015). Essential oils, silver nanoparticles and propolis as alternative agents against fluconazole resistant Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei clinical isolates. Indian journal of microbiology, 55(2), 175-183.
Viuda-Martos, M., Ruiz-Navajas, Y., Fernández-López, J., & Pérez-Álvarez, J. (2008). Antifungal activity of lemon (Citrus lemon L.), mandarin (Citrus reticulata L.), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi L.) and orange (Citrus sinensis L.) essential oils. Food control, 19(12), 1130-1138.
Yahaya, M. F., Kubmarawa, D., Yelwa, J. M., & Runde, M. (2018). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted from aromatic plants. World Scientific News, 111, 13-25.