Lemons really are an amazing fruit…not only do they add flavor and dimension to so many foods and beverages, but they, and the essential oil made from them, also have many therapeutic effects on the body.  Lemon oil has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-rheumatic properties, as well as being a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory.  This makes its uses around the home practically limitless.

1. Circulatory Aid – Lemon essential oil can help with circulatory woes.  It helps stimulate blood flow.  It can also help reduce high blood pressure, and help stop nose bleeds.
2. Digestion – Lemon is very cleansing to the digestion system.  It can help ease constipation and dyspepsia.  It has also been known to reduce nausea, and is very useful to many pregnant women with morning sickness.  Some report that even just the smell will help them feel better.
3. Fight Infection – Lemon essential oil can be used to boost immunity as well.  Since lemon is anti-bacterial and antiseptic, it is also used to help fight common infections such as the common cold and influenza.  This, plus its anti-inflammatory power makes lemon essential oil especially helpful, when consumed in a drink, for throat infections.  Lemon also helps reduce fever.
4. Skin Care – There is a lot of roles that lemon essential oil can play in skin care as well, as long as it is diluted enough, as it can irritate the skin in strong doses.  It is a great tool for exfoliation, acne, and greasy skin and hair, and helps with problems such as insect bites, varicose veins, and warts as well.
5. Cleaning Products – With all the virtues listed above, it’s no wonder that lemon essential oil would be a good addition to cleaning products as well.  People have been cleaning with lemon for centuries, and for good reason.  It disinfects without being too harsh, and combined with a few other simple kitchen products, can help make a great natural multi-purpose cleanser that is also safe to use around children.

Lemon essential oil is a must have for any essential oil enthusiast’s cupboard.  It is a very well-rounded oil, and has uses in virtually every household arena.  Whether you use it cosmetically, to help your circulatory and/or digestive systems, to fight infection, or to clean with, or all of the above, chances are that it’s already an indispensable part of your household.