As one of the most versatile essential oils in aromatherapy, lemon oil is considered a counterirritant, anti-septic, blood purifier, and lymphatic stimulant. The volatile oil is obtained from the fresh peel of Citrus limonum (citrus lemon) that contains an essential oil and a bitter principle. Crystals of the glucoside hesperidin are deposited by the evaporation of the white, pulpy portion when boiled in water. Diluted acids decompose it into hesperidin and glucose. The oil is more fragrant and valuable if obtained by expression rather than distillation. Lemon oil can cause an aller gic reaction.
