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Tip 7: Lemon

Therapeutic Properties: antibiotic, sedative, carminative, diuretic, hemostatic, astringent, digestive, immune-stimulant, antidepressant, stimulant, antiseptic, febrifuge, calmative, antispasmodic, anti-sclerotic, depurative, vermifuge, cicatrisive

Aromatherapy / Air Freshener: Diffusing Lemon oil nourishes the nervous system and fills the air with the light refreshing scent of lemons. Use it in hair salons and other places where odors are strong to destroy chemical smells. Add 5-12 drops to a spray bottle to use as an air freshener and to kill germs in the bathroom, classroom, office or any room. Use the oil spray anywhere you want to disinfect; toilet seats, counter tops, telephones, toys etc.

In an article found online the following was stated:
Research by Jean Valnet, M.D., showed that vaporized Lemon essential oil can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, staphylococcus aureus in two hours and germs causing pneumonia within three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of Lemon essential oil can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria. It is perfect for destroying air-borne germs in hospital rooms, waiting rooms, and schools.*

Lemon has an uplifting, refreshing, energizing effect on the mind; it promotes mental clarity, aids in logical thinking, helps us to prioritize, improves concentration and increases our ability to memorize. Use a commercial diffuser (like the ultra sonic), put on a cotton ball or cloth and put near you or in a vent or fan, put a few drops in some warm water, put in an
inhaler or just open the bottle and smell it.

Lemon essential oil has even been shown is some studies to improve test scores by 50% while diffused during testing. It is great for study sessions because it helps to improve attention span and problem solving. Lemon oil has been known to aid in decreasing test anxiety which is probably part of the reason test scores improve with its use. This is due – at
least to some degree – because Lemon oil stimulates the hippocampus. Lemon oil can also increase white blood cells – boosting your immune system.

Topical Application: Lemon oil can be diluted with a carrier oil (this can be any oil you have at home; olive, vegetable etc. or a finer oil such as coconut or almond) and applied to any area of the body. It helps to dissolve cellulite – just dilute and apply to areas where cellulite has accumulated. Lemon Essential oil aids the release of petrochemicals from the body for weight loss. Be sure to dilute to avoid irritation. Appling Lemon oil to swollen feet can help reduce swelling. While traveling – use it for an antiseptic and cleanser in place of harsh restroom soaps. Dilute and apply to the throat to help eliminate congestion. Lemon has been very helpful in passing gallstones and can be used in to assist with kidney stones. Lemon helps your body be more alkaline. Lemon can help to improve (micro) circulation and helps to balance oily skin.

Respiratory System: Lemon is useful for asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, sinusitis and most other respiratory complaints. Some ways to use Lemon oil for asthma or bronchitis would be to dilute it and rub it on your chest or diffuse it. Dilute Lemon oil with water and gargle with it for a sore throat, or dilute with carrier oil (put about a dime size amount of carrier oil in the palm of your hand and add drop or two of the Lemon oil) and apply to your neck. For sinusitis; dilute and apply to sinus areas.

Tighten smooth muscles: Lemon oil has been known to tighten smooth muscles and strengthen connective tissue. Just dilute with carrier oil and apply to the area of concern.

Liver and lymphatic cleanse: Lemon oil can be used for liver and lymphatic cleanse. After cleansing is complete – Lemon oil can stimulate the pancreas and the entire endocrine system.

Cleaning agent: Use a few drops of Lemon oil in the dishwasher during the rinse cycle for extra sanitation or add a few drops in your washing machine. It works for some tough stains like baby bibs and may even be used in place of bleach. One of my favorite uses for Lemon Essential oil is to clean my counters with it; it smells so good and lifts my spirits. It can be used to remove grease, crayon, ink, gum or oil. I used Lemon oil to remove a sticky tag left on a new book I bought recently. It worked great, didn’t harm the book, removed it quickly and left no sign of damage.

Purify water: I do not generally recommend taking Essential oils internally because; Over- use and possible over-dose can create harm unintentionally and/or unknowingly, (Several people I know have shared experiences where harm
was caused to their bodies ingesting.) Almost all reported incidents have been from ingestion. Some have even resulted in death.

It is more effective to use externally than through the digestive tract (such as rubbing oil on your stomach vs. going through your digestive juices to get to your stomach) Studies have proven that within 20 minutes of putting oil on your
feet it is detected on the tongue.

Having cautioned you – I do ingest oils sparingly; like when cleansing – ingesting Lemon Oil can aid lymphatic drainage, acts as an antioxidant, detoxifier and improves alkaline. Another time I might ingest Lemon Essential oil is if I were going traveling to a foreign country – I would add a drop or two of Lemon essential oil to my drinking water (to help
prevent sickness) because of its ability to kill bacteria and greatly improve taste. A responsible, safer way to use essential oils internally is with moderation occasionally. Remember more is – most frequently – not better when it comes to the oils.

Emotional/Spiritual: Lemon oil has been known to help bring a dose of reality to our thinking. It can help us to analyze our resentments, decide whether they are based on reality and then help us to let go of them – whether they are real or not. Lemon makes it easier to handle the stresses of life with a sense of humor.

Cautions: Lemon Essential oil is photo-toxic. Avoid sunlight or UV radiation on skin for up to 24 hours where lemon oil has been applied.

Remember 100% Pure Therapeutic grade (which is only indicative of the Utah area and is known throughout the world as just 100% Pure – meaning nothing added, nothing taken away) Essential oils are highly concentrated; i.e. 1 drop of peppermint oil being equivalent to approximately an oz. to 1 pound of product or about 28 cups of tea.

Please use the oils with gratitude and respect for their strength. If you do, they will serve you and your loved ones well for years to come!

Happy Oiling!

(Much of the above information was taken from the book Butterfly Miracles with essential oils by LaRee Westover)

*This information does not represent any implied or express warranties and has not been evaluated by the FDA. not intended to prescribe, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or condition. “Le” denotes Butterfly express blend.