The name is derived from the Arabic 'laimun' or the Persian 'limun'. The
tree was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages and the fruit
has a good content of vitamins A, B and C. It is used in diffusers in banks
to reduce worker-error and it is a popular flavoring agent for food and
perfumes.
Description of Lemon plant:
This evergreen tree grows up to about 6 meters (20 feet) and has dark green
serrated oval leaves with pink/white flowers that are highly perfumed. The
trees have thorns and fruit that turn from green to yellow on ripening. It
has serrated oval leaves, thorns and very fragrant flowers. Oil is
refreshing and rejuvenating, its aroma inspires and brings fresh energy to
the mind.
Appearance: Thin liquid
Aroma : : Strong, Clear, Citrus
Color : Pale yellow with greenish tint
Chemical constituents: Lemon oil has various chemical
compounds that include Limonene, Citral, Geranial, Citronellyl Acetate,
Pinene, carotene and pectin.
Extraction: It is obtained by cold pressed or expression
of the peel.
Aromatherapy uses:
It is highly detoxifying and energizing and also fresh and zesty. It is
considered as purifirer for skin and respiratory tract. It has therapeutic
properties which includes anti-viral, antitoxic, adaptogen, antifungal,
antiseptic, antisclerotic, bactericidal, cicatrizant, insecticidal,
diuretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, vermifuge, hemostatic, hypotensive,
vasoconstrictor and decongestant, it also stimulates liver and lymph
activity.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
It works like general tonic, infections, detoxification, general fatigue,
obesity, balances sebum, acne, oils, warts. It further enhances the shine
and growth of hair and nails. It reduces physical exhaustion, digestion,
rheumatism, arthritis, colds, flu and all respiratory disorders. It Promotes
weight loss, reduces cellulite, useful for oily complexions. Strengthens
epidermis function, aids epidermal circulation, gland stimulant and
purification. Stimulates connective tissue, elastin and collagen.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Lemon oil is used to scent candles, freshen potpourri, in soap making,
massage oils, bath oil and as a perfume body oil. Lemon oil added to water
and spray counter tops to sterilize utensils. Dishcloth soaked overnight in
a bowl of water and a drop of lemon oil disinfect and kill germs. Drop of
lemon oil added to dishwasher before the wash cycle cleans the surface. Use
a paper towel soaked with several drops of lemon oil to sanitize bathroom
fixtures. Place a drop of lemon oil on cold sores, herpes or other mouth
ulcers to lessen pain and aid healing. Put a drop of lemon oil on bleeding
gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.
Lemon oil is used as a Fragrance oil for its citrus odour. It is also used
as incence burner.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Lemon oil is used to scent candles, freshen potpourri, in soap making,
massage oils, bath oil and as a perfume body oil. Lemon oil added to water
and spray counter tops to sterilize utensils. Dishcloth soaked overnight in
a bowl of water and a drop of lemon oil disinfect and kill germs. Drop of
lemon oil added to dishwasher before the wash cycle cleans the surface. Use
a paper towel soaked with several drops of lemon oil to sanitize bathroom
fixtures. Place a drop of lemon oil on cold sores, herpes or other mouth
ulcers to lessen pain and aid healing. Put a drop of lemon oil on bleeding
gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.
Lemon oil is used as a Fragrance oil for its citrus odour. It is also used
as incence burner.
Flavor industry:
Lemon is widely used in preparing sausage in American cuisine.
Sausage,
one of the oldest processed convenience foods, came about as a way to make
efficient use of an animal. Sausage makers came up with concoctions of
perfectly edible and nutritious meat scraps, organ meats, spices and
seasonings by widespread use of lemon.
Lemon is widely used in making lemonade in Asian and Western culture.
Lemonade, which in its simplest form is a drink made with lemon juice, sugar
and water, has a history dating back at least to the thirteenth century,
when Arab cookery books offered recipes for drinks made from lemon syrup.
Lemonade arrived in America no later than the eighteenth century, imported
from the various European cultures of immigrants. Lemonade is among the most
delightful and most commonly used of all drinks . For preparing French
Pesto, lemon is used extensively.
Lemon is combined alongwith flat leaf parsley and basil and with Parmesan
cheese, olive oil and a hint of garlic. It's the generous addition of lemon
juice and zest, however, that makes this pesto distinctive and more
refreshing than the classic version.
Like all pestos, this one takes only a few minutes to assemble and puree,
and makes an ideal sauce for cooked pasta. Then each serving was garnished
with a sprig of basil and a dusting of Parmesan.
A salad of arugula or baby spinach tossed in a red or white wine
vinaigrette and a loaf of crusty ciabatta would make fine sides. For a
no-fuss dessert, one could serve raspberries and sliced peaches topped with
dollops of whipped cream in wine glasses, along with some good store-bought
biscotti. Linguine with lemon pesto and scallops . Lemon is also used for
Meringue pie mix.
Lemon oil is used for flavoring confectionaries, preservative for meat
products,sauces, gravies and dressings for several soups. Lemon oil is also
consumed as chewable mineral supplement which comprises: a chewing gum
composition coated with an outer shell containing layers of a mineral
compound and a coating syrup and wherein the mineral compound has an average
particle size of about 5 to about 75 microns to impart good "mouthfeel"
to the chewable mineral supplement.
