Our wonderfully uplifting mykarma lemon essential oil originates from California. Its refreshing aroma is identical to the freshly peeled fruit and has a pale greenish yellow colour. Lemon works well with other oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus. It provides an energising effect on a therapeutic and emotional level, a cleansing oil which gives off a cheerful, warm, and light penetrating energy. The sophisticated nuance of a freshly peeled lemon is the hallmark of authentic, cold-pressed lemon essential oil.
Cold-pressing will yield six to seven pounds of oil from one ton of fresh fruit. Following extraction, different batches of cold-pressed lemon oils are often blended together to produce a more consistent aroma profile. Constituents of lemon oil include limonene, which is responsible for the oil's tangy-fruity aroma, and citral, which provides the lemon note in the aroma profile.
Writing in her 1931 book on herbal medicine, Maude Grieve says, "The lemon is the most valuable of all fruit for preserving health." This was written in the days before aromatherapy, so Grieve couldn't have had complete knowledge of the importance of lemon essential oil. She wrote, "The oil is not very active, and is used chiefly for flavouring."
Like many essential oils, the constituents of lemon oil have antiseptic properties. What makes these properties noteworthy in lemon oil is that here they're combined with a delightful aroma. Lemon is a great modifier for medicinal-smelling oils like tea tree and eucalyptus. Lemon works synergistically on a therapeutic, aesthetic and emotional level.
Lemon oil is uplifting and cleansing. It replaces negative emotions by creating a cheerful atmosphere of freshness and purity. It can help dispel mental fatigue and psychological heaviness. The aroma of lemon can inspire increased concentration and awareness. A Japanese study suggested that after diffusing lemon oil throughout a busy office building, typing errors decreased by 54%.
Because lemon oil is clarifying and aids the decision making process, it's called the rational oil. Lemon is associated with the color yellow, with light and warm, penetrating energy. Simply placing a drop or two of lemon on a tissue can produce marvelous results. It's a great addition to gently uplifting aromatherapy blends, along with other citrus oils as well as lavender and neroli. Lemon oil is astringent and detoxifying and is therefore great for blemishes associated with oily skin. Lemon oil also has rejuvenating properties and will brighten dull skin. Slices of fresh lemon placed upon the cheeks can lighten freckles.
