What aroma is good for boosting mood and may also help with studying? Lemon (Citrus limonum) has shown in studies to reduce anxiety and depression. It may also be a useful tool for studying. In a 2008 study, key constituents (taken internally) that reduced both physical and psychological stress included limonene and citral [1].
For internal use, enjoy the whole lemon, and squeeze its juice into water or tea.
For aromatic pleasure, try a few drops of the essential oil in a cool mist diffuser. Lemon is a very light top note, and its fresh citrus aroma blends well with other scents that help hold the aroma longer. These can include petitgrain, lavender, chamomile, juniper, and patchouli.
Lemon essential oil can also be diluted into a carrier oil for an uplifting aromatic massage, but stay out of the sun. Note: The topical use of lemon on the skin is not advisable in combination with sun exposure related to possible phototoxicity. When applying diluted essential oils, it is good to skin patch test a small area before applying all over the body, especially with sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Instructions: Blend these ingredients together. Then, rub on the body. Avoid sun exposure with the topical use of lemon essential oil. Discontinue use with any irritation.
Ingredients
Instructions: Drop the essential oils into a 5 ounce water diffuser. Then, breathe in the aroma to help relax! Click here to learn more about the safe use of essential oil diffusers: Do Essential Oil Diffusers Really Work?
Ingredients
Instructions: Fill a tall glass with sparkling mineral water. Then, juice half a lemon and mince about ten peppermint leaves. Next, add the lemon and mint to the glass and stir with a spoon. Finally, drink and enjoy!
Ingredients
Instructions: Drop three drops of each essential oil into a 5 ounce diffuser filled with water to help with studying.
[1] Fukumoto, S., et al. (2008). Effect of flavour components in lemon essential oil on physical or psychological stress. Stress and Health, 24(1), 3-12.
[2] Cha, J., Lee, S., & Yoo, Y.(2010). Effects of Aromatherapy on Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System, Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Aortic Augmentation Index in Patients with Essential Hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(5).
[3] Rho, K., Han, S., Kim, K., & Lee, M. (2006). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1447-1455.
[4] Komori, T., Matsumoto, T., Motomura, E., & Shiroyama, T. (2009). P. 2. g. 008 Effects of lemon and valerian inhalation on autonomic nerve activity in depressed and healthy subjects. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 19, S475-S476.
[5] Komiya, M., Takeuchi, T., & Harada, E. (2006). Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 172(2), 240-249.
[6] Lopes Campêlo, L., et al. (2011). Sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Citrus limon (Burn) essential oil in mice. Die Pharmazie-An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 66(8), 623-627.
[7] Jimbo, D., Kimura, Y., Taniguchi, M., Inoue, M., & Urakami, K. (2009). Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Psychogeriatrics, 9(4), 173-179.
[8] Ogeturk, M., Kose, E., Sarsilmaz, M., Akpinar, B., Kus, I., & Meydan, S. (2010). Effects of lemon essential oil aroma on the learning behaviors of rats. Neurosciences, 15(4), 292-293.
[9] Zhou, W., Fukumoto, S., & Yokogoshi, H. (2013). Components of lemon essential oil attenuate dementia induced by scopolamine. Nutritional neuroscience.
Click here to read all about lemon: Lemon Monograph.
Blog By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT
Updated: 12/17/18