THE PLANT
Lemon ( Citrus limon ) is a plant that together with orange, grapefruit, cedar and bergamot belongs to the category of citrus fruits belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is a plant native to northern India, grown in warm and temperate regions. It blooms all year round and for this reason ripe and unripe fruit can be found on the tree at the same time.
HISTORY
According to some findings it is thought that the lemon was also known at the time of the Romans, where they were depicted in mosaics and frescoes in Cartilage and Pompeii. Even the Arab people, who called it limun, used it as an ornamental plant.
PROPERTY'
Lemons are known to be rich in vitamin C , an ally of the immune system and a powerful antioxidant . It also has an effect on the stimulation of collagen, thanks to which it intervenes in the healing of wounds and cuts. Another fundamental substance it is rich in is citric acid, an acid substance with antibacterial and diuretic properties. It is a known practice to take hot water and lemon juice, precisely for these diuretic and draining properties. Furthermore, lemon juice is rich in potassium, useful for replenishing the mineral salts lost after intense physical activity. In the lemon peels we find a high quantity of essential oils that are extracted by cold pressing.
ESSENTIAL OIL
Like all essential oils obtained from citrus fruits, lemon brings with its aroma a message of positivity and vitality. Spread in a closed environment, it gives freshness and clarity, improving concentration and memory. Always in common with citrus essential oils, it has its aroma belonging to the top notes, in the scale of the olfactory pyramid. It is a light and volatile perfume that stimulates the senses. It is rich in terpenes (limonene, alpha-pinene, geranium) which give the oil antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties. It can be used for a toning massage that stimulates lymphatic and venous circulation by diluting 5 drops in a little sweet almond oil. It also has purifying and lightening properties and can be very useful for the creation of masks against acne and skin spots. Also in the essential oil an immunostimulating action is found, it strengthens the immune system and defends it from the attack of viruses and bacteria. It is also a hepatic and gastrointestinal stimulant, regulates gastrointestinal motility and eliminates gas. Inside we also find flavonoids (rutin and hesperidin) which in addition to the antioxidant action have a cholesterol-reducing action.
Attention, lemon essential oil is phototoxic and therefore should not be used on the skin if you are exposed to the sun afterwards.
CURIOSITY'
Nothing is thrown away from the lemon, if you have leftover peels after squeezing the fruit, prepare an all-purpose cleaner. Infuse the lemon peels in 200 ml of hot water, 200 ml of white vinegar and 200 ml of food alcohol. Leave to macerate for a week and filter into a spray. Your cleaner is ready! If you want you can add 2-3 drops of essential oil to intensify the functionality of the product.
WARNINGS
Limit the use of lemon juice in case of gastric acidity and gastroesophageal reflux.
If you want to surround yourself with its fresh, citrus and summery scent, try Lemon essential oil