COMMON NAME: Petitgrain Lemon

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Citrus limon, C. limonum

FAMILY NAME: Rutaceae (Rue)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Southeast Asia, India, naturalized throughout Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Egypt, France

HISTORY INFORMATION: The Egyptians used lemon as an antidote to meat and fish poisoning and typhoid epidemics. The lemon tree was introduced into Europe when soldiers returned from the crusades. Columbus introduced the lemon tree to Haiti and the Dominican Republic in 1493. Used primarily as a perfume oil as it blends well and supports other oils.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Lemon is derived from the Arab laimun and Persian limun meaning citrus. The nerol in Lemon Petitgrain is almost as high as that found in Neroli which makes this the most pleasing scent of the Petitgrains. There is a Petitgrain from every citrus as the citrus oil comes from the peel and the petitgrain comes from the leaf. The petitgrains are not distilled as frequently as the peel so they tend to be rare.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A small evergreen tree growing up to 20ft high with serrated oval leaves, stiff thorns and very fragrant white flowers producing green fruits that turn yellow when ripe.

PARTS PROCESSED: Leaves and twigs

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Primarily Nerol

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, astringent, calmative, deodorant, digestive, nervine, refreshing, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, uplifting. Used for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle inflammation and pain, anxiety, insomnia.

MENTAL USES: We all protect ourselves from pain. Lemon Petitgrain opens us to exam our ideation behind why we must protect ourselves from pain and why we think that we can't handle it.

EMOTIONAL USES: Rigid, protecting one self from pain, addictive, isolated from self and others, difficulty maintaining relationships, TO spiritually centered, having a sense that you can handle what ever life puts before you, open, flexible, loving toward self and others

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are dealing with a great deal of pain. You could be a child of an alcoholic and you lost your childhood and innocence very early. Lemon Petitgrain deals with the dilemma of how to stay open and vulnerable in a world that hurts and abuses. When one feels abused or hurt how does one stay open and love more not less? Lemon Petitgrain allows one to stay open and helps one to find answers to their pain. Why do people who say they love you, hurt you?

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, stream inhalation

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing, avoid in pregnancy and with infants and children, possible skin irritant, appears nontoxic at low dosages.