Lemon (Citrus limon)

Profile
Latin name: Citrus limon. Family: Rutaceae. Usually cold-pressed from the peel, and sometimes distilled.

Aroma
Fresh, sharp, clean.

Traditional uses
Traditionally used to refresh the mind and aid focus, to freshen the air and in natural cleaning blends.

How to use
As a general guide, about 2% is used for adult body applications (4 drops in 10 ml carrier oil) and 1% for the face (2 drops in 10 ml). A few drops are enough in a diffuser.

Safety
Cold-pressed lemon oil is phototoxic: avoid sun or sunbeds for 12 hours after applying it to the skin, or keep skin applications at or below 2%. Distilled lemon oil is not phototoxic. It can sensitise the skin as it oxidises; store it somewhere cool.

Children
Essential oils are not used routinely at home for babies (0–6 months); between 6 months and 2 years they are only considered under the guidance of a professional trained in paediatric aromatherapy. Adult dilutions are not used for older children either; see “Aromatherapy and Its Safe Use in Children” for details.

Essential oils are not taken internally, not applied undiluted to the skin, and are kept away from the eyes and out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a professional. This information describes traditional uses and does not replace medical treatment.