Lemon oil is produced through the method of cold expression of the outer peel of the fruit. The term cold expression means no heat process is used to extract the oils and lateral compression is used to rupture the vacuoles where the essences are stored. Those of us that like to cook are aware of the flavor added to dishes when we zest the rind of the lemon. This is due to the presence of essential oil of lemon in the rind. When plants produce essential oils, it is generally for a specific reason. The essential oils provided by lemon are found in the peel and work to ward off unwanted predators, such as insects, that might destroy the fruit. This oil is described as bactericidal, insecticidal and antimicrobial. As professionals, we always have to look to the plant for guidance in how we can use them to benefit our clients.
In oriental medicine, lemon oil is considered cool and dry, helping to clear heat, dampness and phlegm. It is one of the best essential oils to decongest, cleanse and detoxify the body. It is also considered a lymphatic decongestant and may be used to treat conditions that reflect congestion and toxicity, such as cellulite, obesity, high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. In Chinese medicine, these conditions are all connected to the liver and its inability to process lipids efficiently. Clearing heat from a liver that is overworked and overheated, lemon can also help to relieve nausea, headaches, irritability and insomnia.

"Lemon blends well with: Bergamot, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, ginger, juniper, lavender, neroli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood and ylang ylang."

As lemon oil has an affinity to the liver, it also works well as a general tonic for the digestive system. Poor dietary choices, elevated stress levels, and other poor lifestyle factors can lead to acidity within the body. When the body is acidic versus alkaline, it can give rise to painful symptoms, including rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Whenever the body does not rid itself of uric acid, it forms crystals which cause pain and inflammation of the joints. Lemon is also recommended for people with hypertension as it has a tonic effect on the circulatory system and is used with oils such as lavender, neroli and melissa. Its ability to assist in improving circulation in general makes it a good choice for broken capillaries, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Lemon oil can be recommended to your clients to fight jet lag during traveling periods. It also has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it helpful for colds and flu, especially when characterized by yellow and green mucus. Dr. Jean Valnet cites research which shows that the essential oil will kill Diphtheria bacilli in 20 minutes at a low dilution of 0.2 percent. When applied to the body as a massage oil, lemon oil has also been shown to stimulate white blood cells to boost the body’s own defense system. As a strong antiviral, lemon does make a good room spray to kill airborne germs. Simply add five to 10 drops of lemon to 100 millimeters of water and spray the room to give a clean, uplifting scent of citrus. It may also be considered for oncology clients going through chemotherapy. Providing them with a germ free environment along with the clean scent of citrus with the mood enhancing aroma of lemon would be a good choice in the spa. Do not forget about protecting yourself at work by spraying your treatment space after a client has left the spa.

Blend for Athlete’s Foot

• After bathing the feet, combine 200 milliliters of sweet almond oil, five drops of wheatgerm oil, and 10 drops of lemongrass oil.
• Mix together and simply rub between the toes; use morning and evening. 
• As a precaution, the major constituent of lemongrass oil is citral, which accounts for between 70 and 85 percent of its volume. Citral can be a strong dermal irritant; therefore using it on the skin requires caution. It is definitely not recommended for facial care unless you are experienced in the blending process. In body care, use it in low dilutions such as three percent.

When you are unable to think clearly, the refreshing and cooling scent of lemon is recommended. Research in Japan has found that lemon improves one’s ability to concentrate. In one study, it was found to reduce typing errors by 54 percent when the oil was vaporized in the air. Lemon oil stimulates and clears the mind and aids the decision making process.
When buying and using this oil, there are a couple of considerations. It is phototoxic, so proceed with caution when using it on an exposed area of skin. Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for up to 12 hours after applying it in carrier oil to the skin. When purchasing the oil, ensure the oil is fresh, packaged in a dark bottle, and has a good seal. Lemon oil, as with other citrus oils, is relatively inexpensive and skin care professionals may be drawn into buying a larger quantity. However, lemon is very volatile and oxidizes quickly in the presence of oxygen. Keep it well sealed and, when the bottle is half empty, decant it down into a smaller bottle, slowing down the oxidation process which will cause the oil to smell rancid. By doing this, you will achieve a longer shelf life for your oil.

Lemongrass
Native to Asia and now cultivated mainly in the West Indies, Africa and tropical Asia, this tall aromatic perennial grass is also another spa favorite. The strong, lemony, herbaceous aroma offers a clean mood-enhancing aroma as clients enter the spa. Its invigorating properties stimulate, revive and energize, so it is beneficial for the staff as well. Lemongrass is considered a tonic for the body. It boosts the parasympathetic nervous system that assists in recovery from illness, while also stimulating glandular secretions and the muscles for digestion.
As with lemon, lemongrass is also antimicrobial, an antiseptic bactericidal but also fungicidal, and has a long history of use in traditional Indian medicine, particularly against infectious illnesses and fevers. Like other lemon scented oils, lemongrass is also a good insect repellant. It is very useful when blended with other oils to deter and repel mosquitoes. Personally, I like to blend it into a plain lotion before heading into the garden, especially at the end of the day when bugs decide to bite. Aromatherapist Patricia Davis also recommends it to protect pets in the summer when fleas and other insects are a problem.
Dr. Dietrich Gümbel describes lemongrass as the connective tissue oil. It has an excellent effect for aching muscles, relieving pain, and making the muscles suppler. He suggests, “One should not miss the application of this oil in the aftercare of sports accidents, sprains, inner effusions of blood, bruises and dislocations.”

"Lemongrass blends well with: basil, Bergamot, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, lemon, niaouli, palmarosa, petitgrain, rosemary and tea tree."

As a bath oil, lemongrass is refreshing, antiseptic and may be used as a deodorant. Do not use more than three drops at a time and always dilute it in milk, epsom salts or carrier oil, complete with an emulsifier to allow the oil to dissipate properly. Another way of using the oil is in a foot bath, very refreshing for tired feet and great for the treatment of athlete’s foot.

Trish Green is a homeopath, certified clinical and medically trained aromatherapist. She recently completed her education in aromatherapy for use in Oncology practice. She is the director of sales and marketing for Eve Taylor North America.