oil SPOTLIGHT: lemon

Lemon! Where do I even start with this AMAZING oil? It can be used for everything from cooking and cleaning to emotional and physical balance! Emotionally and spiritually, lemon essential oil can help promote focus and clarity. Its uplifting scent awakens the senses and clears the mind of distractions, helping to focus the mind on the task at hand. It can also be helpful to overcome confusion or doubt, fatigue, and lack of enthusiasm.

Lemon is so very versatile, and it’s one of the popular oils in Young Living’s Premium Starter Kit. In fact, it's one of the three oils I consistently reorder because I use it so much (right up there with lavender and peppermint!). So many uses throughout the entire house; I never thought I would be brightening my complexion with the very same thing I use to de-grease my stove-top. This is some powerful stuff, yet 100% natural and gentle enough to use on my skin!

Here are some of the many ways it can be used:

For the mind:
Increase brain function and stimulate neurons by diffusing lemon essential oil for study or testing.

Inhale lemon essential oil or place a few drops on a cotton ball to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Place a drop in your hands to inhale, rub a drop into long or short hair, or diffuse through the room during times of anxiety.

For the body:
Place a drop of lemon essential oil on oily skin or blemishes to help balance oil glands and minimize oil production.

Soothe corns, calluses, or bunions by rubbing lemon essential oil on the affected area morning and evening.

Add several drops of lemon essential oil to a chicken marinade for a delicious dinner.

For a natural hand sanitizer, rub a drop on your hands.

Apply a drop of lemon oil to the tongue to freshen breath.

Add lemon essential oil to a cup of water in the morning for a detoxifying and pH balancing drink.

Add to water or a smoothie for a refreshing pick-me-up.
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Lemon is also one of the essential oils that make up what’s commonly called the Weight Loss/Detox Trio. The combination of Lemon, Peppermint and Citrus Fresh/Grapefruit together can help to suppress appetite and rid the body of toxins.

Lemon is a great EO to add into your favorite beverages and snacks. I keep a bottle in the kitchen so I can add a drop to my green smoothies, yogurt, and fizzy water!

​In the home:

Combine 2–3 drops of lemon essential oil with water in a spray bottle to help cleanse and sanitize surfaces.

Add 10–15 drops of lemon essential oil to a gallon of natural carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains, brighten carpet and rugs, and leave a fresh smell in the room.

Add 10-15 drops to water and use as a stain remover for laundry.

Use 1–2 drops to remove gum, oil, grease spots, glue or adhesive, and crayon from most surfaces.

Place a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball and put in the refrigerator or garbage can to help eliminate odors.

To clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil. Place produce in water, stir around so all surfaces come in contact with the lemon.

Soak dish clothes in a bowl of water with 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil overnight to kill germs.

For a natural furniture polish, add several drops to a half cup of olive oil or beeswax.

In your yoga practice:
Add a drop of lemon to vitaflex points such as the thumbs or big toes, or diffuse to boost energy and promote focus during the practice.
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Lemon can also aid in balancing the Manipura Chakra, the third chakra located in the solar plexus which is the center of self-confidence, by helping to stimulate and cleanse the digestive system. I diffuse this one in my yoga classes when focusing on solar plexus balancing poses to foster balanced emotions and positive self-esteem.