LEMON
| INCI: | Citrus limonum | CAS: | 8008-56-8 | EINECS: | 284-515-8 | Flavouring according to EC regulation 1334/2008 |
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LEMONCitrus limonum (Rutacee)
Origin: Italy (Sicily)
Originally from eastern India, lemon now grows spontaneously throughout the Mediterranean basin and in Portugal. It's widely cultivated all over the world but especially in Sicily, Cyprus, Guinea and Israel.
An evergreen tree that grows to a height of six metres, it has smooth, ovate, serrate leaves, tough thorns and fragrant white flowers.
The fruit is green at first, turning yellow as it ripens. The lemon is still used as a cure-all in many Mediterranean regions.
EXTRACTION OLFACTIVE AFFINITIES The essential oil is obtained by cold pressing the fresh peels, and is a clear, greenish-yellow liquid with a fresh, citric fragrance. It combines well with other citrus oils and with the essential oils of Camomile, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Labdanum, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang and absolute Benzoin oil.
PROPERTIES (according to popular herbalist tradition)
Lemon (juice and zest) is widely used in cooking.
The essential oil of lemon is non-toxic, and used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and anti-depressant action. It's used as a remedy for acne, eczema, insect bites, calluses and labial herpes; it is advisable to avoid exposure to sunlight after application, however, as it is a phototoxic oil.
It also has anti-septic, astringent, anti-toxic, bactericide, cicatrizant, styptic, fever-reducing, rubefacient, tonic and anti-helminthic properties.
It's widely used as an aroma in medicines, perfumes, soaps and detergents.
Its applications in the food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) industries are too many to enumerate.
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