Lemon Oil Recipes

Lemon is a valuable citrus fruit, highly appreciated for its juice that contains approximately, 5 percent citric acid. It is this high amount of organic acid that imparts sour taste to lemon. In fact, lemon fruit was a prime source for extraction of citric acid, particularly before the advent of fermentation process. Lemon is used for cooking, baking and other non culinary purposes. Besides juice, other products like, lemon oil, pulp and zest are used for a range of applications.

Lemon oil is extracted from the rind or zest portion and appears yellowish green in color. Commercial production is done by means of cold extraction. Its aroma resembles that of freshly cut lemon fruit. Because of the strong pleasing flavor and antiseptic properties, lemon oil is added in skin care products, aromatherapy, furniture polish and housecleaning solutions. In short, lemon oil recipes varies depending on the purpose for which you are using this essential oil.

Uses of Lemon Oil

In the health food stores, you will get pure lemon oil and lemon oil concoction that contains specific amounts of other essential oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil and mineral oil. Purchase the right product that suits your requirements. For aromatherapy, concentrated lemon oil is used directly. Many people found relief from mental fatigue and stressful conditions by inhaling lemon oil vapors. An easy way is to add a few drops of this essential oil in an oil burner and breathe in the vapors. The same remedy is also effective to treat the symptoms of chest congestion, cold and flu.

If you are planning to use lemon oil for personal care, both diluted and undiluted oil can be utilized. Say for example; for reducing outbreaks of acne, add a drop of oil in a cotton ball and rub in the acne prone skin areas. Being a natural astringent, it will remove skin toxins and leave your skin glowing. In order to strengthen immune system, you can prepare a simple lemon oil concoction by adding 2-3 drops of oil in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Drinking this dilute solution will improve immune responses. Following are some other lemon oil recipes, which you may find interesting and useful.

Vegetable with Lemon Oil

Ingredients

• ¼ cup lemon-infused olive oil
• 4 cups assorted raw vegetables (cut into bite sized pieces)
• 1 sprig thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions for Preparation

In a saucepan, add lemon-infused olive oil and thyme. Put over medium heat and allow to warm up for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and discard thyme, while retaining the flavored oil. Add vegetable in a mixing bowl and drizzle oil over it. Toss well and season with salt. Cover lid and refrigerate for about 6 hours before serving.

Lemon Oil Dressing

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 drops lemon oil
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 8 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
• ½ tsp of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt

Directions for Preparation

This recipe is the simplest, yet delicious dressing for summertime salads. Lemon juice when combined with the rich flavored olive oil makes a delectable salad dressing. Take an airtight jar and add all the ingredients - olive oil, lemon oil, juice, garlic, black pepper and salt. Cover the lid tightly and shake rigorously for 1-2 minutes. Pour over shredded salads or green salads and serve.

As you see lemon oil uses, be sure to keep this essential oil as one of your kitchen items. Whichever purpose you use lemon oil for, it leaves a pleasant aroma and does not cause any side effects. What is more, you can use this essential oil for more than 10 months from the date of extraction. Try out the various lemon oil recipes and reap the benefits of this multipurpose oil.