DavidWolfe.comWhat could be fresher than the smell of lemons on a bright sunny day? Luckily, lemon essential oil packages that bright smell in a small package. And getting rid of the chemicals for a toxin-free you is just icing on the lemon cake.
Sure, lemon essential oil serves a wide variety of cleaning-related purposes. You can use it to spruce up your home, for one, and it absolutely is a better choice than harmful commercially-produced cleaners. You can even use this essential oil to brighten up your complexion, as well as whiten your teeth. And lemon essential oil packs a powerful scent that is both uplifting and energizing. This makes it a fantastic, fresh scent to have in your home. Additionally, lemon essential oil is great for aromatherapy, especially if you need a mood boost or uplift of the mind. Read below to find out all the ways you can use this wonderful essential oil!
Here are 10 powerful uses of lemon essential oil:
1. Laundry
We’ve all been there. You start a load, or maybe the second load of laundry, and you forget to transfer it to the dryer. Oops! If you put it directly into the dryer, you know it will end up smelling awful! You could always restart the load in the washer, of course. But rather than restarting the load, which wastes water and time, just add a few drops of lemon essential oil and your clothes won’t get that musty smell. Wow! (1)
2. Whitens Teeth
You don’t need to go out and buy commercially-produced teeth whitener. And, please, do not use a tanning bed to acquire whiter teeth! Instead, use lemon essential oil! Mix a few drops of it with some baking soda and coconut oil. Then rub it on your teeth for 2 minutes and rinse. (2) Use daily until desired shade of whiteness is achieved. However, lemon is acidic, and as such, it may start to corrode the enamel on your teeth.
3. Clean Hands
Do you dig in the dirt for a living? Maybe you like gardening or spend a lot of time outdoors. If you have a job or hobby that gets your hands greasy and gunky, this one is for you. Just add a couple of drops of lemon essential oil to your soap and say goodbye to the muck! (3)
4. Natural Disinfectant
Instead of using alcohol and bleach to disinfect your counter tops and clean your moldy shower, use lemon oil. (4)
Here’s what you do: Add 40 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops tea tree oil to a 16-oz spray bottle. Fill it with pure water, a little bit of white vinegar, and you have yourself an effective, natural cleaner. For a fun twist, try adding grapefruit essential oil or orange, as well. These essential oils will add to the power of your homemade disinfectant, and will add an extra pleasant, citrus fragrance to your home. Your guests will love the fresh, invigorating scent they smell when they walk into your house!
5. Face-Wash
Improve your complexion and leave your skin feeling soft and supple with your own lemon oil homemade face wash. Mix it with baking soda and honey for a natural acne-fighting blend. (5)
6. Wood and Silver Polish
Tarnished silver and jewelry can be an eye sore. However, you can use a lemon oil-soaked cloth to make them look new again. Furthermore, the scent is a lot more enjoyable (not to mention likely safer) to inhale than traditional polish! (6) Try mixing 5 drops of lemon essential oil with baking soda for a great natural remedy for tarnished silver.
7. Goo Zapper
Stickers and gum, as you likely know, can leave behind a sticky residue. When you buy a book or set of dishes, you may see a sticker stuck on the cover or on the surface underneath. You may try to peel it off with just your fingers, but to your frustration, it doesn’t always come off cleanly. There are commercially-produced products available to remedy this goopy frustration. However, you can also use lemon essential oil to help remove the goo. (7) Simply add a drop or two to the sticky residue then wipe gently with a clean towel.
8. Promotes Fat-Loss
Some studies show lemon can help support metabolism and weight loss. (8) Try putting a couple of drops of lemon oil into your water to help aid in your weight loss journey. This is also a great way to liven up your water, which otherwise can be too plain for some people to enjoy. In turn, this will ensure you’re getting enough water in the day. Many people do not drink enough water daily due to the plain taste water has to offer.
9. Improves Mood
We know how it is. Sometimes, work drags at a much-too-slow pace. And life in general can suck the energy out of you. Lemon essential oil has a wonderful uplifting scent that can help elevate your mood and fight depression. If you could use an afternoon pick-me-up, ditch the sugary drinks and try lemon aromatherapy, instead. Diffuse lemon essential oil in your home or sniff it directly from the bottle. (9) You may also consider using lemon essential oil with an essential oil necklace. This will enable you to carry its uplifting scent with you everywhere you go.
10. Immune Support
Cold season is right around the corner. However, there are a few different essential oils that support lymphatic system drainage. Lemon oil is one of them. Furthermore, it can help you overcome your cold. Mix it with coconut oil and rub it on your neck. (10) You can also try diffusing it next to your bed while you sleep.
Side Effects of Lemon Essential Oil to Consider
If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid use of lemon oil, or consult your doctor prior to use. Lemon essential oil may result in phototoxic effects. To avoid this, stay away from direct sun exposure after using lemon essential oil. This and other citrus oils intensify the damaging effects of the sun. Even when used externally, you should dilute lemon essential oil. Doing this will help cut down on the phototoxic effects, although it won’t remove the danger altogether. Lemon essential oil may cause an upset stomach, especially if more than just a couple of drops at a time are consumed. An overdose of this essential oil can also worsen heartburn. Avoid using near the eyes.