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Lemons, why such a bad reputation?

Lemons and lemon oil

One of the strangest things is why Lemons are associated with bad things e.g. “I bought a lemon” for something useless that does not work. Which when you actually buy a lemon, it cannot be further from the truth.

The origin of the lemon is unknown, though lemons are thought to have first grown in Assam in northeast India northern Burma or China. Lemon trees have dark green leaves and grow to 6 meters (20 feet). They have highly scented pink or white flowers. The Lemons are green whilst they grow and only turn yellow when ripe. However, they are usually picked while still green as they ripen and turn yellow while they are being transported.

Lemons came to Europe via southern Italy around 200 CE during via the Roman Empire then via  Persia and Egypt around 700 BE. The origin of the word lemon may be Middle Eastern from the Arabic laymūn or līmūn, and from the Persian līmūn, a generic term for citrus fruit. The first substantial cultivation of lemons in Europe began in Genoa in the middle of the 15th century.

In 1747, James Lind’s experiments on seamen suffering from scurvy involved adding lemon juice to their diets, though vitamin C was not yet known as an important dietary ingredient.

When compressed into an oil, it has been called “Liquid Sunshine” because its yellow colour, refreshing scent, ability to purify, and has the most powerful anti-microbial activity of all the essential oils.

The main constituents of Lemon Essential Oil are: Limonene, α-Pinene, Camphene, β-Pinene, Sabinene, Myrcene, α-Terpinene, Linalool, β -bisabolene, trans-α-Bergamotene, Nerol, and Neral.  You will see a lot of these listed as ingredients on our products

α-Pinene: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic, Expectorant, Bronchodilator
Camphene: Anti-oxidant, Soothing, Anti-inflammatory
Sabinene: Anti-oxidant, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory
Myrcene: Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-biotic, Sedative, Anti-mutagenic
Linalool: Anti-anxiety, Anti-epileptic, Analgesic, Sedative
Limonene: Anti-oxidant, Stimulant, Digestive, Detoxicant, Appetite suppressant
Nerol: Anti-oxidant, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory, Balancing, Analgesic
Neral: Apoptotic, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory

Nearly 1000 lemons are needed to produce 1 lb. of Lemon Oil. After extraction, Lemon Oil has a thin, watery viscosity, a pale, greenish-yellow colour, and gives off a sharp yet fresh fragrance, which can largely be attributed to the chemical constituent Limonene.

The extracts derived from lemons are incredibly useful and incorporated in many products, some of which seem complete opposites cosmetics and cleaning products

Taken internally, Lemon Oil’s high vitamin content boosts immunity by stimulating the body’s ability to combat harmful bacteria, circulation, metabolism, and digestive function. And of course a high vitamin C. It relieves constipation and reduces blood pressure.It can reduce fever and flu and relieve throat infections and cough. By clearing the nasal passages Lemons are a natural stimulant to the liver and adding lemon juice to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier. Not only will this help detoxify your liver, it will help replenish your body’s mineral supply and quench your thirst. Provide a dose of the free radical fighting antioxidant vitamin C, which helps keep skin even-toned and helps boost the body’s immune system.

Its astringent properties reduces the amount of oil production and helps your pores to close and your face to tighten which rejuvenates dull complexions. In creams or lotions, Lemon Oil can reduce the appearance of cellulite,

Lemon Oil is used in workplaces to improve cognitive function, relieve mental exhaustion increase employee focus and efficiency reducing the number of errors.

Lemon has strong anti-bacterial properties that can sanitise not only wounds but also surfaces.. making Lemon Oil effective for restoring the lustre to tired or sagging skin.

promotes easier breathing for those with respiratory issues or infections. This rejuvenating, clean-smelling essential oil is commonly used to enhance concentration and energy. When diffused indoors, Lemon Essential Oil eliminates toxins in both the air and on surfaces. for a mood-elevating, cooling, and revitalizing effect. It has a calming effect that can subdue negative moods such as anxiety. 

Used in hair products, Lemon Essential Oil works as a tonic that helps achieve hair that is strong and healthy-looking. Lemon Oil removes dandruff and leaves hair shiny without looking or feeling greasy. To balance oil production on the scalp, Lemon Oil can be diluted with Apple Cider Vinegar and water to create a hair rinse.

In aromatherapy, Lemon Essential Oil can be used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, depression, and stress, among other ailments. Diffusing Lemon Oil can clear nasal passages and lungs and boost energy levels. In a similar vein, it can release feelings of irritation by uplifting moods and it can improve concentration by clearing the mind, which can facilitate easier decision making.

It can be used as a non-toxic cleaner and air freshener throughout the home as a natural disinfectant. Dilute Lemon Essential Oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray it onto shower walls, windows, wooden furniture, metal surfaces, and countertops to eliminate mould and achieve a streak-free shine.

Lemon Oil can also be blended with Tea Tree Oil and vinegar, diluted in water to create a cleaning spray. For its antiseptic quality, Lemon Essential Oil can be added to homemade soaps.

Lemons have antiseptic qualities which help exfoliate dead cells and aid in fighting dandruff and flakes. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities can also help soothe the itchy skin irritations affiliated with dandruff.

And apparently you can cook with them and put them alcoholic drinks

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