Lemon Essential Oil: Properties, Uses and Recipes

Lemon (citrus limon) essential oil is one of the most versatile and commonly used essential oils.

Properties:

• Reduces anxiety: One study has shown that prolonged exposure to lemon essential oil reduced anxiety in rats¹
• Decreases pain: Lemon essential oil can reduce inflammation⁴ and has been shown to reduce pain behaviors in rats¹
• Contains antioxidants: Lemon is one of a number of essential oils shown to contain antioxidants⁵
• Reduce physical and psychological stress³
• Antifungal⁶
• Antimicrobial²: Lemon has been used to treat the common cold and the flu, due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.⁴

Uses and Recipes

Around the House:

• Enhance dishwasher soap: Add 1-2 drops to your dishwasher soap. Utilize the antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon to get extra clean and spot free dishes.
• Disinfect your cutting board: Simply put a few drops on a wet sponge to scrub your cutting board, before cleaning as usual.
• Silver polish: Put lemon essential oil on a cloth to shine up your silver.
• All-natural Febreze:
• In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup vodka or rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of white vinegar and 10-20 drops of lemon essential oil (or a scent of your choice)
• Cleanse the air: Is your room smelling stale? Diffuse lemon for a fresh scent that also helps rids the air of bacteria and viruses.
• Clean your fruits and veggies: Put a few drops of lemon essential oil in a bowl of water to clean your fruits and vegetables naturally.
• Clean your toothbrush: Add a drop of lemon to your toothbrush once a week to keep it fresh.
• DIY Car Air Freshener: Can’t get rid of that odor in your car? Try putting a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball and place in the air vent or secure with a clothespin. If you’re feeling creative, try making one of these decorative air fresheners (via Frugally Blonde)

Health and Well-Being

• Reduce anxiety: The scent of lemon has been shown to reduce anxiety¹ and stress³. Try diffusing or applying to pressure points (*When wearing topically, be cautious going to the sun. Citrus essential oils can cause photosensitity and may cause you to be more likely to get a sunburn⁴).
• Upset Stomach?: Lemon essential oil has been used for upset stomachs, by aiding digestion⁴. Try this roller bottle blend to rub on your stomach:
• In a 10mL roller bottle, combine:
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
• Fill with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or fractionated coconut oil
• Cold Sores: The antiviral properties of lemon essential oils may help speed up healing time for cold sores. Put a drop on a cotton ball and dab onto the sore.
• Toenail Fungus Fighter: Lemon has antifungal properties that make it effective against toenail fungus.  Try mixing 10 drops of lemon essential oil into ½ cup of epsom salt. Dissolve into hot water for a cleansing foot bath.
• Fight off colds and respiratory infections: Lemon in your diffuser can help fight off illnesses. Try combining with Thieves blend.
• Freshen your breath: keep your breath fresh by gargling with lemon water.
• Allergy season relief:
• In a roller bottle, combine:
• 6 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops of Lemon essential oil
• 6 drops of Lavender essential oil
• Fill with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or fractionated coconut oil
• In a diffuser, combine:
• 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of Lemon essential oil
• 2 drops of Lavender essential oil
• Combine with water in accordance with your diffusers directions
• Acne: Use a drop of lemon essential oil to reduce blemishes.
• Boost energy: Diffuse 3 drops of lemon with 3 drops of peppermint for a fresh energy boost.

Note: You will be many posts that advise adding lemon essential oil to water. While this many have a number of health benefits, ingestion of essential oils should be done under the supervision of an experienced aromatherapist. Ingestion of lemon essential oil is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), however, many people have experienced throat or stomach irritation. If, after consulting a professional, you would like to ingest lemon, adding diluted lemon oil to a capsule is one of the safest methods of ingestion. Please understand that even though essential oils are natural, they can have some serious side effects, so always use carefully..

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

1. Ceccarelli, I., Lariviere, W. R., Fiorenzani, P., Sacerdote, P., & Aloisi, A. M. (2004). Effects of long-term exposure of lemon essential oil odor on behavioral, hormonal and neuronal parameters in male and female rats. Brain Research, 1001(1-2), 78-86. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2003.10.063
2. Fisher, K., & Phillips, C. (2008). Potential antimicrobial uses of essential oils in food: Is citrus the answer? Trends in Food Science & Technology, 19(3), 156-164. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2007.11.006
3. Fukumoto, S., Morishita, A., Furutachi, K., Terashima, T., Nakayama, T., & Yokogoshi, H. (2008). Effect of flavour components in lemon essential oil on physical or psychological stress. Stress and Health, 24(1), 3-12. doi:10.1002/smi.1158
4. LEMON: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD. (2009). Retrieved April 23, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-545-lemon.aspx?activeingredientid=545
5. Misharina, T. A., & Samusenko, A. L. (2008). Antioxidant properties of essential oils from lemon, grapefruit, coriander, clove, and their mixtures. Appl Biochem Microbiol Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, 44(4), 438-442. doi:10.1134/s0003683808040182
6. Perdones, A., Sánchez-González, L., Chiralt, A., & Vargas, M. (2012). Effect of chitosan–lemon essential oil coatings on storage-keeping quality of strawberry. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 70, 32-41. doi:10.1016/j.postharvbio.2012.04.002

10 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Insomnia

I have had insomnia issues for about 15 years.  Before essential oils, I was taking two presectiptions and an over-the-counter medication just to fall asleep.  Essential oils have helped me get more sleep than I have in years.

Which Oils to Choose

Many people find that different oils and combinations work best for them.  Feel free to play around with different combinations and find what works best for you.

1. Lavender: Lavender has been used to treat insomnia, restlessness, nervousness and depression. It can be effective for all types of insomnia. Many medical studies have shown the positive effects of lavender on sleep quality.

2. Cedarwood: The scent of cedarwood has been shown to release serotonin, which can convert to melatonin in the brain. Melatonin helps trigger fatigue and helps induce a calm, restful sleep.

3. Valerian: Valerian has been used for insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It seems to work as a sedative on the brain and central nervous system. Valerian helps people fall and stay asleep.

4. Vetiver: Vetiver is used for anxiety and nervousness and can help with insomnia relating to mental alertness or agitation. 

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5. Roman Chamomile: Researchers claim that Roman Chamomile works as a mild sedative and helps relax muscles. It's also commonly used for indigestion.

6. Marjoram: Marjoram has a wide variety of uses, including to ease sleep disorders, muscle spasms, depression, headaches and nerve pain.

Blends

Going with blends helps to keep things simple. These are pre-mixed bottles of essential oils, so that you don't need to count drops from multiple bottles.

7. Stress Away: Contains copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla, ocotea and lavender, The addition of ocotea can help lower blood pressure and aid in relaxation.  This is my personal favorite. 

8. Peace & Calming II: Contains Tangerine, Orange, Ylang ylang, Patchouli, Northern lights black spruce, Matricaria, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamot, Cassia, and Davana. This isn't my personal favorite, but many people swear by it. I have used this on my puppy (I put a drop on her head and sometimes on her paws) and have seen her go for running laps around the house to  a calm, snuggly puppy in minutes.

9. RutaVaLa: This blend of rue, valerian and lavender is good for relaxation and stress relief.

10. Tranquil Roll-on:Contains lavender, cedarwood and roman chamomile. Comes in a convenient roll-on bottle for topical application.

Others: German Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, SleepyIze (out of stock), Bergamot, Frankincense

How to Use

1. Aromatherapy:

Try mixing and matching your own blends from the oils above or use one of the combos below. Use 3-10 drops in your diffuser. Following the instructions on your diffuser for correct water measurements.

Sweet Dreams

2 drops Lavender

2 drops Roman Chamomile

2 drops Marjoram

Peaceful Slumber

4 drops Stress Away

2 drops Frankincense

Night Time Blend

3 drops Cedarwood

3 drops Lavender

2 drops Lime

Pre-made blends:

SleepyIze

Stress Away

Peace & Calming

RutaVaLa

2. Bubble bath

Check out this DIY Calming Sleepy Time bubble bath via Hello Glow

3. Topical application

Essential oils work well when applied topically. I wear Stress Away on my wrists every night and cedarwood on my forehead and the bottom of my feet.  Sometimes I use the Tranquil Roll-on the wrists, neck and temples.Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Peace & Calming are popular choices.  RutaVaLa is another great choice, but is currently out of stock.

4. Linen spray

Check out this Lavender Linen spray recipe via Back to Her Roots

5. Shower bomb

For those of us who prefer showers over baths, try these shower bombs. 

These are great for congestion too!. You can play around with the recipe using the essential oils above. I like to do a Ylang Ylang - bergamot - marjoram blend or a lavender - cedarwood blend.

Alternately, you can put a few drops of essential oils on a washcloth. Place it on the shower floor,out of the direct water stream. This keeps the essential oils from just washing down the drain.

6. Massage oil

Check out this homemade muscle relaxing massage oil recipe. It's especially beneficial if tension is preventing you from getting a good night's sleep.

7. Relaxing lotions

Make some awesome body butters for a good night's rest. This is my favorite recipe. Try the All is Calm blend or, my personal favorite, Comfort & Joy (I LOVE bergamot!)

8. Bath salts

Epsom salt are great for easing tense muscles. Adding in essential oils makes it even more relaxing.

Check out One Essential Community's relaxing bath salt recipes.

9. Make a reed diffuser

Reed diffusers are a great way to get aromatherapy benefits without purchasing a diffuser. Follow the instructions at One Essential Community.

10. SleepEssence capsules

Still not getting any sleep? Try Young Living's SleepEssence. These soft gel capsules combine melatonin with an essential oil blend (lavender, vetiver, valerian, rue and tangerine) to help you get the best sleep! This stuff is thebomb.com

Interested in learning more?

Contact me or read here to discover how to become a member and get the BEST deals!

Use 

Want a copy of the Essential Oils Checklist to help you decide which oils are best for you? Send me an e-mail!

Young Living Membership

After months of using Young Living products, I decided to look into a membership. I was mostly interested so that I could purchase products at the wholesale prices. I had no idea that the perks would be THIS good! I'm the type of person that likes to research everything and get the best deals. Membership is easily the best way to get Young Living deals.

*For the record, I believe in brutal honesty. If I didn't think this was an awesome product and the cheapest way to shop for it, I wouldn't waste my time sharing. But this is a great deal! I saved 57% on my order this month!

What are the Advantages of Becoming a Member?

1. FREE Stuff!

This is easily my favorite perk. If you become an Essential Rewards member, then every month you can free Young Living products.  This month, a $300 order netted you $253.61 in FREE products! Everything that was in the April 2016 rewards was a product that I either wanted to try or that I already used daily. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am excited to try the KidScents line for myself, Yes, I will be carrying "Owie" in my purse for the never ending bruises I seem to get.  Yes, my husband will probably make fun of me for it.



2. The Discount

This is the most obvious of the perks. The 24% discount is awesome and adds up quickly.

3. Rewards Points

In addition, members get rewards points on their orders. Starting at 10% and building up to 20% on the 13th month of membership, rewards points are like gift cards. You can use it to purchase any products you choose.

How the Math Worked Out:

This month, I placed an order for $300.50 of Young Living products. (2/3rds was mine. I didn't become a member to sell).

The retail value of those products was $417.11. This is slightly more than the 24% discount, because I ordered an Essential Rewards package, which is another way for members to save on bundled products.

The free products were valued at $253.61.

I also got $30 worth of rewards points.

Add it all up, and my $300.50 order ended up being worth $700.72!

Even if you have no intention of selling the product, becoming a member is still the best deal for getting Young Living products. Young Living also offers a generous compensation plan, but this information is intended for the people who are shopping for the best deal for their own use.

How to Become a Member:

1. Head to the sign-up page at Young Living

2. Use the number 3783250 as a Sponsor and Enroller ID

3. Select a membership kit

My recommendations:

If you are brand new to essential oils, I would recommend getting the Premium Starter Kit with the Dewdrop Diffuser. It comes with great basic essential oils, including Lavender, Copiaba, Lemon, Peppermint, Frankincense, DiGize, Purification, Thieves, PanAway, Stress Away, and RC.

If you have been using essential oils for a while and don't need a diffuser, I would recommend the Basic Starter Kit.

I wouldn't recommend the other premium kits (Thieves or NingXia), as you can get a better deal in the next step.

*I sincerely want YOU to get the best deal! Note that sponsors get $25 in rewards points if you purchase a Premium Kit, but I will only make recommendations that give you the best bargain, so I will still recommend the BASIC Kit.

4. Add Essential Rewards Kit (optional)

This is why I won't recommend the Thieves Premium Kit. If you get the BASIC Kit in step 1 and add the Thieves Kit in step 2 as an Essential Rewards Kit, the price is THE SAME. But if you do it this way, you also become enrolled in the Essential Rewards program, that lets you get free stuff and 10-20% back in Rewards Points. It's the better deal.

When I signed up, I got the Basic Kit and the Wellness Essential Rewards Kit, but I have been eyeing up that Thieves Essentials Kit. Note that you can cancel at any time and can switch kits whenever you'd like. As a member, there are no obligations to ever buy another product ever again.

5. Add other products (optional)

I almost missed this step. At the bottom, there is a bottom you can click to add other Young Living products to your cart. This is especially important if you are interested in getting any of the FREE monthly promotional products.

6. Proceed to checkout and add your information!

Why I Use Stress Away Essential Oil Blend (Giveaway Ends 4/30)

I've been using Young Living's essential oils for several months. Stress Away is easily one of my favorites. I wear it almost every day and have seen considerable improvement with anxiety.

Aren't sure about essential oils? Enter the giveaway and try it for FREE! (Retail value: $39.14)

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What's Inside:

Copaiba (Copaifera reticulata): manages pain
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia): uplifting and promotes mental clarity
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica): calms the mind
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): sweet fragrance
Ocotea (Ocotea quixos): helps balance blood pressure
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): calms the body

How to Use:

1. Use in a diffuser: this is especially helpful for insomnia. I also used it as a classroom teacher during tests.

2. Apply to wrists, bottom of feet, or behind the ears

3. Add to epsom salts for a relaxing bath

4. Add to a lotion base

5. Headache relief: apply to forehead and/or temples to help relieve headaches



*My review is my own opinion. I was not paid by Yong Living for this review, nor was the product provided.

**The information provided here is for EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY and is in NO WAY intended to replace proper medical advice. IT IS NOT for diagnostic or prescriptive use or to be construed as instruction on how to cure or treat any condition, illness or disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your physician.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living products or membership, please feel free to contact me.

The Start of My Journey to Health and Happiness

Today marks a big milestone for me. Today, I reduced my prescription medications down to three! To most, it may not seem like a big deal; to me, it is a major victory.

Those close to me know that I've struggled with health issues for many years. By the time I graduated high school, I had undergone four surgeries and had racked up diagnoses: endometriosis, arthritis, Raynaud's Phenomenon, muscular trigger points and others. College was not much kinder. I was told I had Celiac disease, fibromyalgia, tachycardia, a bladder disease, kidney stones...

The trend continued into adulthood. Countless times I was told that I had some new diagnosis and was given some new medication. I stopped being able to keep it all straight or maybe I had just stopped trying.

I had lost hope. I knew that I was lucky. Luckier than many. I may not have been "healthy," but I was alive. My life wasn't in danger. But it was difficult to stay positive. Many days it was a struggle just to get out of bed, to take a shower, to function like a normal human being.

Then October came around. I was in two accidents, both of which caused spinal injuries. I couldn't hold my own head up, let alone perform essential daily functions. I couldn't work, I couldn't go to the grocery store (and gained 20 pounds from take-out), I couldn't take out the trash. I had 5+ doctor's appointments a week, I was on 11+ prescriptions, including 3 controlled substances. I still couldn't function.

I am blessed to have wonderful friends in my life. One day, two of my good friends, Autumn and Kristine, came over. They prayed with me. They helped me come up with a plan. I began seeking natural alternatives for my symptoms. I started eating anti-inflammatory foods and spices. I used essential oils for insomnia and the pain. I avoided GMOs and added hormones. Autumn and Kristine gave me a lot of advice, but more importantly, they helped me find what I had lost.

Hope.

And that has made all the difference.