Plant Description
Lemon essential oil is extracted from the lemon rinds, or peel of the lemon. The lemon rinds are cold pressed to produce lemon essential oil. An expression distillation process, cold pressing is typically used for citrus oils when producing essential oils, and uses high mechanical pressure to produce oil from the lemon rind. While other distillation processes use heat, the process of cold pressing merely squeezes the oil from the rind, with the help of mechanical pressure.
Fun Fact: In one year, a single lemon tree has the potential to produce between 500 and 600 pounds of lemons. It typically takes around 45 lemons to fill a 15mL essential oil bottle.
Chemistry of Lemon Oil
Main Chemical components: Limonene, ß pinenes, γ-terpimene
When we examine the scientific makeup of Lemon essential oil, it is clear that Lemon can’t help but provide an energizing, uplifting feeling when diffused or applied topically—it just comes naturally! Lemon oil is comprised of chemicals called
monoterpenes, which are generally known to have uplifting characteristics. Along with other citrus oils, Lemon is composed of Limonene and beta-Pinene, two monoterpenes that are known for their uplifting properties.
Lemon oil shares chemical components like Limonene and beta-Pinene with other doTERRA essential oils like Bergamot, Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lime, and Douglas Fir. That is why all of these oils, including Lemon oil, are often used to promote a positive mood and create an uplifting environment.
Sourcing
doTERRA sources Lemon essential oil from citrus orchards in Sicily, Italy, where families who have grown lemon and bergamot for generations help grow and harvest the lemons that are eventually used for doTERRA Lemon oil. In the past, economic downturn caused many Sicilian orchards to close; however, through
Co-Impact Sourcing®, doTERRA has provided a business opportunity for growers who wish to continue their family tradition of running an orchard. Watch
this video to learn more about doTERRA’s Co-Impact sourcing initiative in Sicily.
Oils that blend well with Lemon oil
Not only is Lemon a versatile oil when it comes to uses and benefits, but it also blends well with a variety of other essential oils. If you want to bring out the bright, energizing scent of Lemon oil, consider blending it with other citrus oils like Grapefruit, Lime or Bergamot. The refreshing scent of Lemon also blends well with minty essential oils that contain a citrus note, like Douglas Fir or Wintergreen. Lastly, Lemon oil can be the perfect complement to spicy oils like Cinnamon or Wild Orange.
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.