by Melissa Chichester
Lemon essential oil is possibly the most useful of them all, and its origins are surprisingly mysterious.
Lemons are truly an earthly gift, for it is unknown as to where these citrus delights came from (although India and China are suspected). In early AD lemons were cultivated in Southern Italy, eventually making their way to Egypt and the Middle East. By 1747, physician James Lind performed the first clinical trial by experimenting with lemon juice in the diets of Royal Navy sailors suffering from scurvy. In the original experiment, one out of the 12 sailors in the study was fit for duty, while a second one was near recovery. Lind also proposed that lemon improved the cleanliness of clothing and living quarters on the ships. Today, it’s difficult to find somewhere lemon isn’t used, as it is found in perfumes, cleaning products, marinades, marmalades, and of course, lemonade!
Lemon is the scent of instant happiness; it is cleansing, uplifting, fresh, sweet, and citrusy. We challenge you to find someone who doesn’t love lemon!
Here are 11 ways to incorporate more lemon oil into your life.
In a small bowl, mix Epsom salt and lemon oil until combined. Scoop one tablespoon into the washer before doing laundry. Pour the remainder into a glass jar for storage.
Mix all ingredients with a spoon in a small glass storage container until fully blended. Massage very gently onto lips to exfoliate, and pat with a warm, damp washcloth to remove sugar scrub residue.
Add oils to your favorite diffuser, then kick back with your feet up (pretend it is summer if necessary)!
In a medium sized bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. Store in a clean, recycled baby powder container (or a sealable container with holes in the top) and sprinkle onto the carpet before vacuuming.
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for a few minutes, and gently scrub with a new, soft-bristled toothbrush (dried toothpaste lodged in old bristles may scratch it). Rinse in lukewarm water and dry the jewelry with paper towel.
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Spread onto freshly cleansed face and neck, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Combine all ingredients in your favorite diffuser for a Mediterranean-inspired aromatherapy experience.
Pour the ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle, screw on the sprayer, and shake to mix. Spray on kitchen counters, sinks, and appliances to clean up grub!
Mash shea butter in a small bowl, pour in Vitamin E oil, and mix until smooth. Add essential oils and mix again. Rub into dry cuticles and onto nails for extra hydration. Store in an airtight glass container.
Combine all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag and shake until everything is blended. Pour the mixture into small, decorative muslin bags and store in musty drawers to refresh them.
Mix all ingredients and spread over thirsty skin for extra moisture.
