11 Aromatherapy Essentials from India: Uses and Benefits

6. Lemon — Bright mood lift and natural cleaning aid (phototoxic caution)

Lemon oil is a cheerful citrus oil used in traditional Indian household cleaning and for mood enhancement. Its fresh scent makes it useful in DIY surface cleaners and diffuser blends that revive a room’s atmosphere. Lemon oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties useful for light cleaning; a common household cleaner mixes 15–20 drops of lemon, 250 ml of water, and a little vinegar in a spray bottle. Because lemon oil can be phototoxic when applied undiluted to skin, avoid direct sun exposure for 12–24 hours after topical application or keep topical use to very low dilutions, such as 0.5–1% for adult skin. For ingestible uses, do not self-administer essential oils internally—speak with a clinician. When buying, choose oils labeled Citrus limon and check that the producer notes cold‑pressed extraction for citrus oils. Store lemon oil away from heat and light to preserve its fresh notes. (Sources: Veda Oils; MedicalNewsToday.)