Lemon essential oil, or essence, has many properties: it is notably anti-infectious, anti-nausea, hepatoprotective, nerve stimulant... It can be used both in diffusion and for internal use. One of the most flexible essential oils and better tolerated by the whole family, it is suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children over 3 years old. This citrus essence is mainly used to combat nausea, motion sickness, liver and oral problems, or even for detox cures. Also used on the skin, you must nevertheless stay away from the sun after application and dilute it due to its photosensitizing and irritating risks for the skin. Latin name: Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck. Part used: Zest
This article was updated on 12/03/2024Precautions for use
Lemon essential oil can be used under certain conditions by pregnant women over 3 months and children, but not babies. Lemon essential oil is, however, irritating for the skin and photosensitizing, it should therefore not be used as a skin application before exposure to the sun, and without having been diluted first. In case of gallstone, seek medical advice. Finally, it has a high dose of allergenic components: it contains a large quantity of limonene.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
People with asthma should seek medical advice before use.
Skin application
- Lemon essential oil can be irritating in its pure state: it is preferable to dilute it to a maximum of 20% in a vegetable oil (1 drop for 4 drops of vegetable oil), or even more depending on the area of application.
- The limonene contained in lemon essential oil can oxidize more easily and cause irritation or allergies. To limit oxidation, it is recommended to keep the essential oil bottle tightly closed, away from light and heat.
- It is photosensitizing: do not expose yourself to the sun within 12 hours after skin application.
Ingestion
- The ingestion of Lemon essential oil is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
- Do not use orally in case of biliary obstructions.
In broadcast
Lemon essential oil can be used in atmospheric diffusion for babies, in their absence.
Allergenic components
Lemon essential oil contains several allergenic biochemical components in high quantities:
- limonene (60-80%)
- citrals: neral + geranial (< 2.2%)
- linalool (< 0.2%)
- geraniol (< 0.1%)
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow, diluted if necessary, for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Properties of Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil is highly concentrated in limonene, beta-pinene and gamma-terpinene. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
anti-nausea, digestive ++++ (limonene):
Lemon essential oil helps reduce nausea or motion sickness thanks to limonene which acts on gastric motility. In synergy with the other components of the essential oil, limonene also has a protective action at the gastric level by stimulating the production of mucus. A study was also carried out on nausea and vomiting in a panel of 100 pregnant women. It has thus been shown that inhaling lemon essential oil on pregnant women effectively reduced the nausea experienced.
-
anti-oxidant, hepatoprotector ++++ (limonene):
It is the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of limonene which give lemon essential oil a protective action on liver cells. This molecule stimulates liver antioxidant enzymes (GSH) and regulates the expression of interleukins and proteins involved in the transmission of the inflammatory response. Its role is to trap free radicals. It is also regularly used in addition to hepatotoxic essential oils to protect the liver during their oral use.
-
liver detoxifier ++++ (limonene):
Lemon essential oil acts on the liver's phase 2 detoxifying enzymes thanks to limonene which stimulates the synthesis of glutathione-S-transferase (protective enzyme which acts against the alteration of DNA and proteins by toxic molecules) . Limonene would thus help to make these toxic molecules more water-soluble so that they are more easily eliminated.
-
antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-infectious +++ (β-pinene, limonene, citral, γ-terpinene):
Lemon essential oil exerts an anti-infectious and antibacterial action through its activity on Gram - and Gram + germs (Helicobacter pylori, streptococci in particular). It is antiviral in synergy with other essential oils having this action. Furthermore, lemon essence is often used in diffusion as an air freshener or in the composition of mouthwashes and toothpastes for oral care.
-
hypolipidemic ++ (limonene, γ-terpinene):
A study demonstrated that repeated administration of limonene would induce changes in the liver by improving its function. Lemon essential oil contains compounds that would reduce total blood cholesterol and reduce the hepatic accumulation of lipid droplets by supposed action on the genes encoding the proteins responsible for the regulation of lipid metabolism.
-
cholagogue, choleretic ++ (limonene):
Lemon essential oil is regularly cited as having an action promoting the production of bile by the liver and its evacuation towards the intestine (cholagogue action). It is also traditionally used for these properties which are conferred on it by limonene, useful in the event of the aftermath of holidays or biliary insufficiency. However, no scientific study currently proves this effect on biliary function.
-
antifungal ++ (citral):
Lemon essential oil has shown, according to a study, an antifungal action against Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypsum and Trichophyton mentugrophytes.
-
nervous stimulant, mental tonic ++ (limonene):
Lemon essential oil has been studied in studies on potential antidepressant effects. Thus, it has been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Administration of limonene to rodents observed a reduction in stress. In addition, it has been proven that the inhalation of Lemon allows for better dopamine secretion in mice by modulating serotonin secretions.
For the Detox
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Orally, place 1 to 2 drops of Lemon essential oil on a neutral tablet. Let it melt in the mouth, 1 to 3 times a day, at the start of a meal. To be used as a treatment for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Orally, ingest 1 to 2 drops of the mixture, morning and evening before a meal, in a teaspoon of olive oil, for a maximum of 3 weeks.
- 40 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 40 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 40 drops of Rosemary Verbenone essential oil
- 20 drops of Juniper essential oil
For more details and other users: essential oils for detox.
Inasmuch as Appetite suppressant
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Orally, place 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a neutral support to let melt in the mouth before a meal, up to 3 times a day, for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Place 2 drops of the mixture on a neutral tablet, to let melt in the mouth (without chewing!) when the desire to snack appears or 5 minutes before meals (to accelerate satiety), with a maximum of 4 doses per day . At the same time, put two drops on the wrists and breathe.
- 20 drops of essential oil Rosemary in Verbenone
- 20 drops of essential oil Geranium Rosat
- 20 drops of essential oil Lemon
- 40 drops (2 mL) edible vegetable oil
For more details and other users: essential oils as an appetite suppressant.
In case of Nausea, Motion sickness
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 years. Inhaled, place 2 drops of Lemon essential oil on a tissue or an inhaler stick. Inhale deeply, as many times and as soon as necessary.
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Orally, place 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a neutral tablet. Let it melt in your mouth. Use a maximum of 3 times a day.
It is also possible to use it for diffusion for a maximum of 15 minutes per hour in the car with a portable diffuser.
Lemon or Peppermint?
Lemon essential oil is effective against nausea and motion sickness, especially for children or pregnant women. For adults and adolescents, the essential oil of Pepper mint remains the reference. Orally, 1 drop of Peppermint on a neutral tablet to put under the tongue occasionally. For inhalation, 1 drop on a tissue or inhaler stick, inhale deeply 3-4 times and repeat if necessary. It is also possible to inhale directly above the bottle.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. Place 2 drops of the mixture on a tissue, the wick of an inhaler stick or on the wrist. Inhale up to 5 times a day:
- 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 90 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 30 drops of Ginger essential oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., Frély, R. (2019). Essential oils: the complete guide for the whole family, Editions Solar
For Clean the air
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 months. In broadcast, introduce the number of drops of Lemon essential oil indicated on the instructions for your diffuser and diffuse over a period of approximately 30 minutes maximum. Do not distribute in the presence of children under 3 years old.
Lemon or Grapefruit?
Lemon essential oil is very effective, but for a change of smell, Lemon essential oil Grapefruit can also purify the air. When diffusing, pour the number of drops of Grapefruit indicated on the instructions into your diffuser. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. In broadcast, introduce the number of drops indicated on the instructions for your diffuser and diffuse the mixture over a period of approximately 30 minutes.
- 40 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- 20 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 20 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
- 20 drops of Lemon essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils to purify the air.
In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Orally, 1 drop of Lemon on a support under the tongue following each meal. Do not exceed 3 weeks of use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. Place the following mixture on a neutral support (tablet, sugar). Let it melt in your mouth after the 3 meals as a dessert, for a maximum of 10 days:
- 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop of Lemon essential oil
Source: Millet, F. (2015). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout.
Lemon or Tropical Basil?
Lemon essential oil is effective in helping digestion, however Lemon essential oil Tropical Basil remains the most used: from 6 years of age, 1 drop on a neutral tablet following each meal or by the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach following each meal. Do not use for a prolonged period (14 days maximum).
In case of' Hepatobiliary insufficiency
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Orally, place 1 drop of Lemon essential oil in a teaspoon of honey. Let it melt in your mouth. Use 3 times a day, for a maximum of 7 days.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Swallow 2 drops of this synergy on a neutral support morning and evening for the duration of the symptoms or treatments, observing 2 days of therapeutic break every 5 days. Do not use for prolonged periods without medical advice:
- 30 drops of Thyme essential oil in Thujanol
- 15 drops of Spearmint essential oil
- 45 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 30 drops of Caraway essential oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils.
Lemon or Rosemary with Verbenone?
Lemon essential oil is very effective for small biliary insufficiencies, but lemon essential oil Rosemary in Verbenone remains the reference. Dilute 1 drop in a teaspoon of honey and let it melt in the mouth, 3 times a day, for a maximum of a week.
Against the Bad breath
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for adults and adolescents. Orally, place 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a neutral tablet, keep in the mouth then let it melt. Repeat up to twice a day, for 2 to 3 days. Do not use for a long time.
Lemon or Peppermint?
Lemon essential oil is effective against bad breath thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, but lemon essential oil Pepper mint remains the reference for adults and adolescents: 1 drop of Peppermint EO on a neutral tablet to let melt in the mouth occasionally.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Place 1 drop of this mixture on a neutral tablet, allowing it to melt gently in the mouth. Do not exceed 3 drops per day. Take a break of 2 days after 5 days of use in case of repeated use:
- 20 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 20 drops of Cardamom essential oil
- 20 drops of Lemon essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils against bad breath.
In case of Gingivitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Par local route, prepare a mixture of 10% Lemon essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (30 drops of HE in 9 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day for up to 5 days.
Lemon or Tea Tree?
Lemon is effective against gingivitis, buttea Tree essential oil remains more appropriate. Prepare a mixture of 10% Tea Tree essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for 5 days.
Use in synergy
For adults and children over 6 years old. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.
- 10 drops of essential oil Tea Tree
- 10 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 10 drops of essential oil Lemon
- 5 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
- 9 mL of vegetable oil Sesame
More details: essential oils for gingivitis?
Against the Tartar, dental plaque
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. As a mouthwash, prepare a mixture of 30% lemon essential oil in edible vegetable oil (3 mL in 7 mL of HV). After brushing your teeth, put 3 to 5 drops of the mixture in a glass of water. Gargle for a few seconds to emulsify the mixture in your mouth before spitting it out. If used daily, it is recommended to take a one-week break after 3 weeks of use before starting again.
For children over 6 years old. Used with toothpaste : prepare a mixture of 10% lemon essential oil in edible vegetable oil (1 mL in 9 mL of HV). Place 2 drops of the mixture directly on the toothpaste before brushing. If used regularly, stop for one week after 3 weeks of use.
Lemon or Peppermint?
Lemon essential oil is effective against dental tartar thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, but lemon essential oil Pepper mint remains the reference for adults and adolescents. For occasional use, 1 drop of Peppermint EO directly on the toothpaste before brushing.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. As a mouthwash, madd 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to a glass of water. After brushing your teeth, gargle for a few seconds to emulsify the mixture in your mouth before spitting it out.
- 20 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 10 drops of essential oil Tea Tree
- 30 drops of essential oil Lemon
- 8 mL of vegetable oil Sesame
More details: Limit dental plaque and tartar with essential oils
Other famous applications of Lemon
Lemon essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its anti-infectious and antibacterial properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Lemon for the following different problems.
Dandruff, Oily hair
Lemon essential oil can be helpful, but… l'atlas Cedar essential oil is even more effective against oily hair and dandruff. From 6 years old, cutaneously, 5 drops in a spoonful of vegetable oil on the scalp, massaged, 1 hour before shampooing. Renew for as long as necessary, with a one-week break after 3 weeks of use
Anxiety, Stress
Lemon essential oil can be helpful, but…it is better to use petit Grain Bigarade essential oil : in inhalation, 1 pure drop on the wrists to inhale deeply, 3 times a day, until improvement. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Asthenia, Fatigue
Lemon can be effective, but…it is better to use black Spruce essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Blond hair
Lemon essence does not seem effective, it is better to use thechamomile essential oil for blonde hair. From 12 years old, via the skin, pour 1 to 2 drops into a dose of shampoo. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Cellulite
Lemon essential oil can be effective synergistically against cellulite, but theatlas Cedar essential oil remains the reference. Cutaneously, 2 drops in 8 drops of vegetable oil, apply morning and evening with a massage on the most affected areas. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use and start again if necessary.
Depressed
Lemon essential oil can be useful, but… it is better to useneroli essential oil : cutaneously, from 6 years old, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the wrists and thorax, morning and evening. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
How to recognize a good Lemon essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck
- Botanical family: Rutaceae
- Part used: zest
- Country of origin: Italy, Argentina.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.849 to 0.858
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.473 to 1.479
- Rotary power at 20°C: 57 to 78
- Flash point: 46
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid (cloudy at low temperature)
- Color: light yellow to greenish
- Smell: fresh, zesty.
Biochemical characteristics
- limonene: 60 to 80%
- β-pinene: 9 to 16.5%
- γ-terpinene: 8 to 12%
- α-pinene: 1.4 to 3%
- sabinene: 1.3 to 3%
- geranial: 0.5 to 2%
- β-bisabolene: 0.4 to 0.9%
- mineral: 0.3 to 1.2%
- geranyl acetate: 0.1 to 0.65%
- neryl acetate: 0.1 to 0.6%
- α-thuyene: 0.2 to 0.5%
- α-terpineol: ≤ 0.35%
Lemon and Lemon without furocoumarins: what is the difference?
For any cosmetic use of Lemon essential oil (in massage, facial care, etc.), it is preferable to use its version without furocoumarins. It is in fact these substances which are responsible for the photosensitizing risk of Lemon essential oil. To obtain it, the lemon is first expressed in order to extract the essence that we know well, then distilled. This last step makes it possible to separate the coumarins from the essence, and therefore to obtain a Lemon essential oil without photosensitizing risk, that is to say Lemon essential oil without furocoumarins.
We tell you about it in video
Was this article helpful to you?
Average grade: 4.7 ( 1138 votes)
Bibliography
Publication: Nikolić, MM, Jovanović, KK, Marković, TL, Marković, DL, Gligorijević, NN, Radulović, SS, Soković, MD (2017). Antimicrobial synergism and cytotoxic properties of Citrus limon L., Piper nigrum L. and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel essential oils.
Publication: Lopes Campêlo, LM, Moura Gonçalves, FC, Feitosa, CM, & de Freitas, RM (2011). Antioxidant activity of Citrus limonessential oil in mouse hippocampus.
Publication: Lobstein, A., Marinier, F. (2016). Lemon essential oil, Pharmaceutical News, 561, 57-60
Publication: Yavari kia, P., Safajou, F., Shahnazi, M., Nazemiyeh, H. (2014). The Effect of Lemon Inhalation Aromatherapy on Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial, Iran Red Crescent Med Journal, 16 (3), 1-6 (DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.14360)
Publication: Arivoshi, T., Arakaki, M., Idegushi, K., Ishizuka, Y., Noda, K. (1975). Studies on the metabolism of d-Limonene (p-mentha-1,8-diene) III. Effects of d-Limonene on the lipids and drug-metabolizing enzymes in rat livers, Xenobiotica, 5 (1), 33-38
Publication: Takahashi, Y., Inaba, N., Kuwahara, S., Kuki, W. (2003). Effects of gamma-terpinene on lipid concentrations in serum using Triton WR13339-treated rats, Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 67 (11), 2448-2450
Publication: Anandakumar, P., Kamaraj, S., Vanitha, M. (2020). D-Limonene: A multifunctional compound with potent therapeutic effects, Journal of Food Biochemistry, 1-10
Publication: Komiya, M., Takeuchi, T., & Harada, E. (2006). Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice. Behavioral Brain Research, 172(2), 240–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2006.05.006
Publication: Misra, N., Batra, S., Mishra, D. (1988). Fungitoxic Properties of the Essential Oil of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. Against a Few Dermatophytes. Mycoses, 31, 7, 380–382, July 1988
Publication: Millet, F. (2014). Essential oils and lemon tree essence (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.), Phytotherapy, 12, 89-97 (DOI: 10.1007/s10298-014-0857-3)
Work : Franchomme, P., Jollois, R., & Pénoël, D. (1990). Aromatherapy exactly: encyclopedia of the therapeutic use of essential oils: foundations, demonstration, illustration and applications of a natural medical science. France: R. Jollo
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Work : Géa, A., & Banel, P. (2022). Physiology and essential oils: How do essential oils act on the different systems of the body? DUNOD.
Work : Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2013). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Elsevier Gezondheidszorg.
Work : Millet, F. (2022). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout.
Website : Wikiphyto Lemon http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Lemon Tree
Related articles
GUIDE Is Lemon essential oil effective against cellulite?
GUIDE Can we use Lemon essential oil on hair?
GUIDE Pregnant women: how to use Lemon essential oil?
GUIDE Lemon essential oil: what benefits for the liver?
GUIDE Can we use Lemon essential oil on the face?
GUIDE Use Lemon essential oil on the skin
About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.