Discover the Incredible Lemon Scent Benefits in Aromatherapy That Will Transform Your Wellbeing!

Citrus fruits, cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions globally, hold a significant place in agriculture. A considerable portion of these fruits, approximately 40-47%, becomes inedible waste after processing, posing environmental concerns. However, within these citrus fruits lies a treasure of essential oils (EOs), aromatic compounds found in oil sacs or glands present in leaves, flowers, and fruit peels. These citrus EOs, a complex mixture of roughly 400 compounds, have found applications in personal health care, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage color enhancers, and aromatherapy. The pleasant scent of citrus EOs imparts relaxing, calming, mood-uplifting, and cheer-enhancing effects.

Introduction to Citrus Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, an ancient treatment method, utilizes citrus EOs to alleviate various symptoms such as body pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. Essential oils are extracted from plants and used in a controlled manner with few or no side effects.

In aromatherapy, citrus EOs are applied either in massage oils or diffusion sprays for homes and vehicles. Diffusion creates a fresh feeling, enhances relaxation from stress and anxiety, and helps uplift mood and boost emotional and physical energy.

The Science Behind Citrus Essential Oils

Citrus EOs contain 85-99% volatile and 1-15% non-volatile components. Their content and chemical composition depend on the species and extraction methods used. Major components include bioactive compounds like monoterpenes and their derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols, limonene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene.

When inhaled, these fragrant volatile molecules can alter hemodynamic parameters or blood flow in the body by controlling circulation through the autonomous nervous system. Citrus EOs have also demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Many citrus EOs, such as orange and bitter orange, exhibit anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and sedative effects, influencing overall emotional behavior.

Stress conditions can alter the respiration process, which in turn activates the limbic system (amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) in the brain, inducing psycho-physiological responses. These responses can alter emotional responses. Furthermore, pulmonary diseases affect brain-cell growth and reduce oxygen supply, causing neurophysiological and neurobehavioral disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Extraction and Characterization of Citrus Essential Oils

Essential oils are present in the oil glands in the peel and cuticles of the citrus fruit peel or pericarp. The major component of the EOs is d-limonene. These oils are released when oil sacs are crushed during juice extraction or under pressure during cold pressing of the peel waste.

Traditional and Modern Extraction Methods

Cold pressing, a traditional method, yields a watery emulsion that is then centrifuged to recover the EOs. Stream stripping and distillation methods are also effective in removing oil components from oil-milled sludge. Modern methods include Microwave Steam Distillation (MSD), Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG), and Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Technique (DIC).

DIC technology facilitates essential oil extraction and expands the plant matrix. This method involves applying high-steam pressure (~0.6-1.0 MPa) for a short time (~5-60 s) followed by an instantaneous pressure drop towards vacuum 5 kPa with a rate ≥0.5 MPa s−1. This results in rapid expansion, auto evaporation, and faster cooling, enabling the extraction of volatile compounds and EOs within 1-4 min.

Advanced Techniques

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an emerging and inexpensive technique that allows efficient and fast extraction at ambient temperatures, without clean-up steps in the absence of harmful organic solvents. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in the SFE method because of its non-explosive, non-toxic nature and ease of availability. MHG is a highly efficient method as it accelerates the extraction process and enables the recovery of EOs without changes in the oil composition. MSD techniques cause more rapid rupture of the cell wall of the plant material under strong microwaves, quickly releasing the cell cytoplasm containing oils.

Read also: Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Keto)

Characterization Techniques

The extraction process yields a matrix containing a mixture of phytochemicals which ought to undergo separation, purification, and isolation to obtain individual compounds. Citrus EO is a complex mixture of ~400 volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Column chromatography, high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are generally employed using solvent combinations, such as hexane:n-butanol, ethyl acetate:hexane, butanol:water, chloroform:methanol, etc., in the basic process of purification and separation of compounds.

The different compounds are detected and quantitatively determined using a combination of modern instruments, viz., UV-visible, mass spectroscopy, and HPLC. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the most popular methods for the characterization of single-phase vapor samples and is suitable for samples with 2 (molecular hydrogen) to 1500 mass units. A combination of GC and MDGC with other techniques, such as mass spectroscopy (MS) and Raman spectroscopy is employed to improve the efficiency of the separating power of chromatography and analyze more complex structures. These techniques help identify volatile compounds, including limonene, γ-terpinene, and linalool, as major compounds and sabinene, camphene, and β-phellandrene as minor and chiral aromatic components in lemon and lime.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS) profiling and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) near-infrared spectroscopy are employed for the fingerprinting of lemon oil. Such analysis has high demand in the fragrance and flavor industries for terpenoids, citropten, bergamottin, furocoumarins, flavonoids, and fatty acids.

Composition and Aromatherapeutic Components

Citrus species are rich in various EOs, with many chemical components of interest for aromatherapy. Around 400 compounds, which cover 85-99% of the total oil fraction, have volatile and semi-volatile properties. These EOs can be grouped into five major classes: hydrocarbon monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major component is limonene, found in quantities ranging from 32% to 98%. Hydrocarbons, aliphatic aldehydes, and oxygen-containing mono- and sesquiterpenes are also significant and show antioxidant properties.

The composition of citrus EOs varies with citrus species, origin, climatic and geographical conditions, ripening, and method of extraction.

Therapeutic Effects and Applications

Applications of EOs have been observed to impart neuroprotective and anti-aging effects, and relief from respiratory congestion, pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, and other psychological and physiological disorders, mostly due to their antioxidant properties. When inhaled, the EOs can stimulate the olfactory, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, and the EOs release endorphins to initiate a feeling of well-being and an analgesic effect. Citrus EOs are considered safe and effective for treating insomnia and can decrease the side effects of drugs and sleep illnesses.

EOs can reach and act directly on the respiratory, circulatory, and central nervous systems through:

Inhalation through the respiratory tract.
Oral intake in the form of capsules, drops, or food.
Topical absorption through the skin.

Inhalation is the fastest and most effective way to induce responses in the central nervous system within a few seconds. The inhalation of the EO molecules delivers active volatile compounds to the brain.

Specific Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil, extracted from the peel of fresh lemons, is a versatile ingredient with numerous benefits. It is perfect in blends for dull and sluggish skin, offering a natural exfoliating effect packed with Vitamin C and anti-inflammatories.

Skin Benefits

Skin Antioxidant Powers: Lemon essential oil is packed with antioxidants that fight off free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage and preventing premature aging.
Natural Cleansing Agent: It effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying the skin, while its antiseptic properties treat acne and prevent future breakouts.
Skin Brightening Effect: It helps brighten dull complexions by removing dead cells and lightens dark spots, giving the skin a glowing appearance.

Mind and Body Benefits

Mood-Lifting and Calming Effects: Lemon essential oil contains compounds such as limonene, citral, and linalool, which are thought to have antidepressant properties. It helps reduce anxiety and stress levels and improves cognitive performance by boosting alertness and concentration.
Reduces Inflammation and Soreness: It contains antioxidants that help decrease swelling and ease discomfort, reducing pain and redness from overexertion during exercise.
Improves Circulation: It promotes better healing and recovery after physical activity by supplying oxygenated blood to the affected area faster, reducing lactic acid buildup in the muscles.

Hair Benefits

Rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes collagen production, strengthening the skin and connective tissues around the hair follicles, preventing hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth.
Promotes a Healthy Scalp: It keeps the scalp clean and free of buildup by cleansing away dirt, oil, and product residue. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties control dandruff-causing fungal growth and soothe irritation.
Adds Shine and Softness to Strands: It gives hair a natural boost of shine and conditions dry, brittle strands, making them softer and more manageable.

Other Therapeutic Uses

Anxiety and Depression Relief: Lemon oil can improve mood, soothing anxiety and lifting spirits.
Reduced Morning Sickness: It can significantly decrease nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Improved Mental Alertness: The scent of lemon oil has an invigorating effect on the mind, improving cognitive function.
Wound Healing: Lemon essential oil promotes faster healing of tissue infected with mange and can cleanse small cuts and scrapes.
Antifungal Properties: It is effective against fungi that cause athlete’s foot, thrush, and yeast infections when applied topically.

Precautions and Safety

As with all essential oils, caution is advised. It is recommended not to use lemon essential oil during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional. While research suggests various health benefits, it's crucial to talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and to research the quality of a brand’s products.

General Safety Guidelines

Patch Test: Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil to check for allergic reactions.
Dilution: Always dilute lemon essential oil with a carrier oil before topical application to avoid skin irritation.
Photosensitivity: Avoid direct sunlight when using lemon oil on the skin, as it can cause increased sensitivity to the sun.
Not for Ingestion: Essential oils are not food-grade products and should not be ingested.
Pet Safety: Lemon oil isn’t approved as safe for use on animals, as some essential oils can be toxic to pets.

How to Use Lemon Essential Oil Safely

Aromatherapy: Place 3 or 4 drops in a diffuser in a well-ventilated area and limit sessions to 30 minutes.
Topical Use: Mix well with a carrier oil (e.g., almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil) and test the mixture on a small area of skin before applying it to larger areas.

Choosing the Right Product

Look for oil that is cold-pressed and 100 percent pure. Check the ingredients list before making a purchase and ensure the bottle clearly states where it’s produced.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The global market of citrus EOs in the year 2018 was 6.31 billion USD, which is predicted to grow at a rate of 6.5% by the year 2025. The market has been estimated to grow up to 9.43 billion by the year 2028. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have a high demand for citrus EOs because of their use in various food and beverages, cosmetic preparations, and therapeutics. Similarly, the demand is expected to increase in Europe and the US due to their higher usage in the food and beverage industry and the substantial use of these products in aromatherapies.

The demand for citrus EOs has been continuously increasing to produce higher quality nutraceuticals, food and beverages, bakery items, natural preservatives for vegetables, meat and fish, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy products, perfumes, toiletries, personal care items, blending ingredients for herbal tea, and cosmetic ingredients.

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