Lemon essential oil can be used to treat many common medical conditions. You can keep a bottle of this essential oil in your medicine cabinet as a natural remedy for all types of ailments, from the common cold to kidney stones. Always be sure to discuss treatments with lemon oil with your doctor.
Internal Conditions
Allergies
If allergies are starting to flare up, mix a couple drops of lemon oil and a couple drops of peppermint oil together and dilute with a few ounces of water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth or use as a gargle. Repeat as needed for relief.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the term for a condition where an artery wall thickens due to an invasion and accumulation of white blood cells. It can be treated through specific diets but the more common treatment is surgery. Lemon oil may be able to help you avoid an invasive procedure. The oil can be diffused through the air or mixed with a carrier oil and massaged into the chest for fast absorption into the blood stream.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Add a drop of lemon oil to a glass or water or herbal tea or add a drop in addition to any lemon that you are using when cooking to help regulate blood pressure. Keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated. One drop is plenty.
Colds
Whether you feel a cold starting or are in the middle of sneezing and coughing, try using lemon oil to help keep your immune system strong enough to fight the viral infection. You can add a drop to your pillow or diffuse throughout your bedroom while you sleep. You can also add a couple drops to your wet clothes before they go in the dryer so that the scent stays with you all day. If you are looking for faster relief, mix lemon oil with a little coconut oil and massage directly into the chest. It can also help with sore throats by adding a drop of lemon oil to a glass of warm water and sea salt. Gargle with the solution for fast relief.
Digestive Aid
If your stomach seems to be moving a little slower than normal, add a drop of lemon oil to a glass of water to help get your insides back to normal working order. For constipation, dilute a drop of lemon oil with a bit of coconut oil and massage directly over the abdomen in a gentle clockwise motion. This massage may also help to treat and prevent intestinal parasites.
Kidney Stones
If you have been diagnosed recently with kidney stones or have ongoing problems with the condition, try taking a lemon oil capsule daily. You can also put a couple drops of the oil in a glass of water, along with two tablespoons of olive oil. There are plenty of personal testimonials that give this remedy plenty of support.
External Conditions
Oily Hair
Lemon oil acts like a magnet towards grease. Add a few drops to your shampoo or dilute the lemon oil with water and massage directly onto the scalp and comb through the hair with your fingertips. It will remove excess oil but will not strip the hair completely of oil, which could lead to damage. It should leave your hair feeling clean and silky with a nice shine.
Skin Health
Lemon has strong antibacterial properties, making it a great oil to help combat acne. Place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and use nightly to remove acne causing bacteria. Lemon can also tighten skin and can be used in a toner or as a cream to help shrink pores and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Remember to only apply lemon oil to the face and skin at night. It should be avoided during times of sun exposure, as the sun can alter the oil and can even put your at a higher risk for skin cancer.
Fungal Infections
Instead of grabbing over the counter creams for fungal infections, such as Athlete’s Foot, try lemon oil. It can be applied directly onto the area in small amounts but for a larger area mix the oil with a carrier oil. Apply twice daily until the infection has cleared. The oil is also great for calluses and corns on the feet. Apply directly to the problem area and leave on overnight.
Mental Health
Anxiety
If you are feeling overwhelmed and stress is starting to turn into anxiety, place a drop of lemon oil in your hands and inhale or rub through your hair. You can also diffuse the oil through the room when experiencing times of anxiety.
Alzheimer’s Disease
A study conducted in 2009 showed promising results regarding lemon oil and Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were instructed to use lemon oil (along with rosemary, lavender and orange) through aromatherapy. The results showed that most participants showed significant improvement in their cognitive functions.
Concentration
The intense but pleasing smell of lemon oil can instantly rejuvenate the mind, helping to decrease sluggishness and improve concentration. Try rubbing a drop of lemon oil on your hands and deeply inhaling before a tough work meeting or a test.
Depression
Lemon oil can be applied by the raindrop technique, which is simply placing a drop of oil onto each wrist. This method is recommended when using the oil to treat mild depression, including postpartum depression. Even if you do not consider yourself to be a depressed individual the oil can lift your mood and provide you with a better outlook on your current circumstances.
Lemon essential oil can be purchased through health stores or online. It is also an easy oil to make at home. If you are purchasing your oil, keep in mind that a less expensive oil may not be a bargain. Before medicating with lemon oil, always consult with a medical professional. Stop use if there are any signs of allergic reaction, rash or irritation.