Lemons have always been a favorite of mine and used extensively in many of my homemade beauty recipes. It's always an uplifting and refreshing feeling to indulge in. Have you ever noticed when you cut into a lemon or try to remove the rind, there is that noticeable fine mist and aroma that fills the air? That's actually the Essential Oils dispelling itself.
If you're going to choose Lemon Essential Oil, it's always best to opt for Certified Organic because oils that are extracted using the "cold processed" method will always retain all their benefits without the use of pesticides, fungicides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. It's very important that we pay keen attention at the oils we buy. Always look for the Organic seal of assurance!
Scientific tests in the US and Japan have proven beyond doubt that lemon increases concentration and helps prevent errors made by office workers. With concentration improved by lemon aromas relaxing brain waves, people under test conditions have repeatedly delivered higher-standard work with up to 50% fewer errors. Lavender, jasmine and peppermint oils also have beautiful fragrances proven under test conditions to help concentration and study.
Get inside help when tackling your paperwork or making important decisions. Inhale miessence pure, certified organic lemon oil in a bath, through a diffuser or inhale the fragrance from a tissue.
Lemon essential oil is among 25 of the purest, internationally certified essential oils available on the planet. They can be obtained now from ONEgroup - either singularly or as part of a boxed collection.
Some uses are outlined below:
Vaporiser/Room Burners/Electric Diffusers
The most common way to create a beautiful atmosphere or disinfect a room is to add essential oils to a vaporiser which can be made from different materials - ceramic, terra-cotta, metal or glass - with two separate parts - the top one for water and essential oils and the bottom part for housing a tea-light candle to provide the gentle heat.
When purchasing a vaporiser opt for one with a large top reservoir so you don't need to constantly top it up. The general rule is about 8-15 drops of essential oil in the water in the top reservoir, depending on the size of reservoir and the size of the room. Ensure your vaporiser is placed on a heatproof stand away from draughts.
As the water heats, the essential oils will be diffused. Keep an eye on the bowl to ensure the water doesn't totally evaporate. If it evaporates before the essential oil has been vaporised, you could end up with a spatter. And never leave the house with a candle burning!
If the idea of burning candles is a worry to you, you can use electrically powered aromatherapy diffuser.
Steam Inhalation
To inhale steam directly, you need a large heatproof bowl and a thick bath towel. Place your bowl onto a solid surface such as a table and fill it with boiling or almost boiling water. Begin by adding 3-6 drops of your chosen essential oil. As that dissolves, add two more drops ? and then again to a total of 6 drops.
Seat yourself safely and comfortably; lean over the bowl and use the towel to seal off the vapours. Breathe in slowly and quietly for between 1-5 minutes. You may want to shut your eyes.
This process of taking the essential oil directly into your nose, throat and chest has strong antibacterial, antiviral and soothing effects.
If you'd like to gain an extra benefit from this procedure, splash your face with cold water afterwards for a skin tingling mini-sauna.
Bath
Baths are one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways of using essential oils. An aromatic bath can refresh you ? body, mind and spirit. Add 10 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil into your warm to very warm bath, swish the water around to mix the oils in. For maximum benefit soak for at least 10 minutes.
After your bath make up a lovely massage blend and massage all over your body to prolong the benefits of the bath and nourish and moisturise your skin.
Room Freshener
Essential oils are an ideal way to disinfect or fragrance any room. Your whole house doesn't have to smell like bathroom spray. Not only will your room be fragranced beautifully but you will also benefit from the therapeutic properties of the oils. Simply add 20 drops of your favourite essential oils into a MiEnviron spray bottle half-filled with water, shake vigorously and you're away! Can be used to spray on bedsheets and pillows but make sure not to spray on polished furniture, as some essential oils can damage the polished surface. Store the bottle in the fridge.
Household
There are lots of ways to germ proof and fragrance your home with essential oils. A few drops of something you love in the bag (or on the filter) of your vacuum cleaner will diffuse fragrance as you clean. Similarly, you can add a trace of scent to dusting cloths, clothes washers, floor cleaners and polishes. Furniture polish is not the same without lavender. And the list goes on.
Compress
Fill a bowl with warm water and add 2-6 drops of the required essential oil. Stir well. Then take a soft, clean cloth, soak it throughly, wring and place gently but firmly on the affected body part. Repeat the procedure until the discomfort is relieved. Be very careful not to allow the fluid into the eyes, nose or mouth.
Skin Care
Many essential oils have lots of uses when applied directly to the body. But oils are very highly concentrated, so it's never wise to put them on the skin without first mixing into a moisturiser or oil.
This is one case where a heavier oil will come into its own. If you're caught short, explore your pantry for olive, grapeseed or safflower oils. Use 6-8 drops of your selected essential oil into two teaspoons of your carrier oil.
There are two exceptions to the rule of 'don't apply direct.' These are lavender which can be used for cuts and minor burns and tea tree oil which can be applied topically to insect bites, cuts and scrapes.
Bath Salts
Add 15 drops to a cup of epsom salts or any other mixed salts (sea salt, himalayan salt, bicarb soda).
Hair Treatment
Add 8-10 drops of essential oil per shampoo for a therapeutic treatment. Add only 2 drops per shampoo or rinse to simply perfume the hair.
Massage
Massage with the use of essential oils is deeply relaxing, invigorating and improves your well being. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to about 30ml (~2 tablespoons) of carrier oil for a full body massage. You can use a single essential oil or mix two or more together, to suit your condition. It's recommended to blend massage oils at half strength for children, pregnant women and the elderly. And only 2-4 drops in 20ml for babies.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
Mix a few drops in one ounce of Carrier Oil of your choice such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond. Store this concoction in a small glass bottle and keep in your purse to sanitize your hands.
Disenfect dishes
Add 1-2 drops of Lemon EO to your dishwasher before the wash cycle for instantly clean dishes.
Sterilize Surfaces
Add 2-3 drops of Lemon EO oil to about one ounce of Distilled water and spray counter tops.
Do NOT massage if ...
* The person is suffering cancer, a serious heart complaint, epilepsy, a fever or an acute infection.
* He/she has just eaten a big meal.
* You're tired and tense. Massage is a gift you make to another person and to do that you need to be in top spirits and full of energy.
* The area you are intending to massage covers varicose veins or a deep vein thrombosis. This would be potentially very dangerous.
* You are intending an intimate massage but have not checked that the diluted oils you are using are safe for the genital area
Warning! All citrus Essential Oils can cause photosensitivity when applied topically so avoid any direct contact with the sun during use! And allow approximately 12-18 hours before heading out into sunlight after application of any citrus EO. Wearing SPF after such applications is also highly advised for protecting delicate skin.
Essential oils are very concentrated and will degrade certain materials such as plastic so always have glass containers handy for your special mixes.
Try lemon oil yourself; you will be amazed by it's benefits.
PS: Please feel free to share your favorite uses of this oil.
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