Good quality lemon essential oil is extracted by cold pressing or expression of the outer rind of the nearly ripe fruit. Organically grown lemons are preferred for therapeutic uses because citrus, in general, in a highly sprayed crop and expression presses out pesticides and herbicides. Essential oils have many uses--therapeutic, household, and in perfumery. Lemon is no exception. Studies in Japan found that diffusing lemon essential oil into the air reduced typing errors by 54%, due to its ability to help concentration. Mix 4 drops in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil to make a massage oil for external use: sore throat, warts, wounds, or insect bites. If you have brittle nails, you can massage lemon oil or lemon juice into them morning and night for a week. For a sore throat or tonsillitis, add two drops lemon essential oil to a small amount of water and gargle 3-4 times a day. Add 4 drops to your bath water. Make an air freshener spray with 2 oz. of distilled water, 15 drops of lavender, 10 drops of lemon, and 5 drops of lime essential oil. Like other citrus oils, avoid direct sunlight after applying lemon oil to your skin as it may be phototoxic. Of course, you are wearing a good sunscreen always and avoiding too much sun, right? A few of lemon's therapeutic actions: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, hypotensive, styptic, vermifuge.

Lime has a fresh, sweet, citrus peel aroma and properties similar to lemon but not quite as piercing. It's an uplifting oil, very refreshing for tired minds, fatigued bodies, anxiety, apathy, and depression. The lime fruit originated in Asia, and it is believed that the Moors brought limes to Europe. Around the sixteenth century the Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought limes to America. Of course, limes were used by ship crews to prevent scurvy since there are a good Vitamin C source. Therapeutic properties include: antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and tonic. It is said to be good for removing gum, oil and grease spots--I haven't tried that yet! For digestive problems, add 2 drops to a small glass of water and drink slowly. Wait 20 minutes or so and feel your stomach calm. Avoid direct sunlight after applying lime oil to your skin as it may be phototoxic.

Peppermint essential oil is distilled from the leaves, flowers, and stems. The largest producer of peppermint essential oil in present time is the USA, mainly in Oregon, Idaho, Indiana, Washington, and Wisconsin. Peppermint was cultivated by the Egyptians and used in ritual perfume and as a stomach soother. It is known for antispasmodic properties and is found in enterically coated capsules used for irritable bowel syndrome. Although we think of peppermint as stimulating and refreshing, it is an adaptogenic oil and can either stimulate or sedate depending on what action the body needs. Make your own blend using a tablespoon of carrier oil with 2 drops each of peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, helichrysum, and cypress oil. For headache, gently rub on your temples toward hairline, and on neck and shoulders, always being careful to avoid your eyes. This same blend will work well on bruises, insect bites, and rheumatic areas. Breathing peppermint's aroma is helpful for nausea. Using essential oils in soaps and body lotions is a good way to enjoy their benefits because they are diluted in a base. If you are using more concentrated forms, observe common sense safety and don't overdo. A little goes a long way! Avoid using peppermint and other mints with homeopathics. In general, avoid essential oils during pregnancy and especially during the first trimester.