In my last post, I included a reader poll on future blog topics and the majority has spoken….you want to learn more about essential oils. So, I’ve decided to start a series on oils, focusing on different ones and how I use them. Today, I’m going to start with one of my favorites – LEMON
Lemon essential oil is highly concentrated – cold-pressed from the rind, it takes 75 lemons to make one 15ml bottle. If you have heard about the benefits of drinking lemon water each morning, lemon oil is an easier alternative to stocking up on lemons each week, and the lack of citric acid can be easier on your stomach and teeth. Just a drop of lemon essential oil in a glass of water can have a lot of benefits first thing in the morning:
- Rehydrates your body after 8 or so hours of no water, reinvigorating your body and brain
- Helps flush your digestive system & promotes stomach acid production to aid in digestion throughout the day
- Boosts metabolism
- Calms the body, reducing stress and helping your adrenals prepare to tackle the day
- Gets vitamin C into your body first thing, boosting your immune system
- It’s a powerful antioxidant, which combats free radicals in the body – learn more about that here
- Suffering from post-nasal drip? Lemon in hot water with raw honey can soothe a sore throat.
- Note: I only ingest the Young Living brand of essential oils as not all brands are safe internally
My husband and I love citrus scents, so it’s one of my favorite oils to diffuse and fill our home with a lovely energizing aroma. It’s a great air freshener to get rid of odors… I have been really thankful for it when we’ve left trash in the house during a weekend away, returning to that awful permeating smell; a few minutes in the diffuser does wonders. On that same note, (although I must be the only one who does this) if you accidentally leave your laundry in the wash for a few minutes too long before moving it to the dryer or the dryer doesn’t fully dry your bulky load of towels, you know that your clothes will smell terribly musty/mildewy. Instead of rewashing, rub some lemon oil on a dryer sheet and throw it in the dryer to make your laundry fresh and clean again – it’s amazing!
In addition to the two ways above, there are many other ways that you can use lemon oil around the house. I mix my own totally safe & cheap all-purpose cleaner & disinfectant to use all over – the kitchen, bathroom and windows/mirrors (streak-free!). It’s a simple mixture of one part white vinegar, one part water and 10-20 (depending on your “part” size) drops of lemon oil in a spray bottle. The lemon helps a lot with the vinegar smell, but if you still can’t stand it, there are plenty of other recipes on Pinterest. You can also make your own easy furniture polish by replacing the water with olive oil in the mixture above, adjusting ratios as needed depending on your wood varnish and how well it absorbs. Polish with a microfiber cloth to protect and clean your wood furniture. Depending on how much you want make at a time, you may want to use a glass spray bottle as citrus oils can eat through plastic. And one last cleaning tip – lemon oil can help remove anything sticky, including gum from hair.
Beyond being a staple in my medicine cabinet & under-the-sink, lemon oil is also a go-to in my cosmetic drawer. I mix it with coconut oil to use as a face moisturizer each morning; it helps balance my oily skin and helps heal any blemishes. Lemon oil is known to improve circulation so is great for making cellulite disappear (hello, nearing swimsuit season) and I’ve heard it helps with varicose veins as well.
I literally use lemon oil every day and don’t know what I would do without it. Interested in giving it a try? Learn more about purchasing essential oils here.
How do you use lemon oil? I’m always wanting to hear more ways essential oils help people!
Healthy and Hopeful 