Botanical Name Citrus limonum
Plant Part Peel of the fruit
Extraction Method Cold Pressed
Origin Italy
Description Lemon was originally a small thorny evergreen tree native to India. It is now common in Southern Europe, Florida and California.
Color A light yellow
Common Uses Lemon has been historically recognized as a cleanser. It is recognized as being antiseptic, and as having refreshing and cooling properties. Research has also shown lemon essential oil to enhance the ability to concentrate.
Strength of Aroma The aroma is similar to fresh lemon rinds except richer and more concentrated.
Aromatic Scent Lemon is highly prized for its high anti-bacterial properties. On skin and hair it can be used for its cleansing effect, as well as for treating cuts and boils.
History The fruit was well known in Europe by the middle ages, and Greeks and Romans were advocates of its therapeutic properties. Lemon essential oil reached the height of its fame when the British began using the citrus fruit to counteract the effects of scurvy.
Cautions Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation in some. Lemon is also phototoxic and should be avoided prior to exposure to direct sunlight.