Description:
The true origin of the lemon is not known. It is presumed that the origin is India, South Asia. Lemon is an important crop that grows in different parts of the world. The main producers are in India, Brazil, China, the United States, Spain, and Mexico. India, along with Mexico, Argentina and Brazil account for almost half the lemon oil production in the world. Among the world’s leading lemon growers and exporters are Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Australia, and South Africa.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
The Lemon (Citrus limon) is a species of a small evergreen tree in the flowering plant having the capacity to grow in all types of soil. Warm, moist loamy soil, uniform texture, enriched with organic matter, well-drained is ideal for cultivation. The soil should be well aerated. Heavy soil should be avoided. Lemon trees should be planted in a sunny and wind-protected area. The sub-tropical climate conditions are best suitable for optimum growth with excellent fruit development of this crop. The pH range from 5.5 to 7.5 is considered the best suitable for lemon tree farming. generally, the normal planting spacing is 4.5 m X 4.5 m. Urea and Superphosphate can be used as fertilizer. Micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, etc. may also need to be given.

The common method of essential oil extraction is the Cold process Method, though at times Steam Distillation is also done of citrus rind (peel). The citrus rind of Citrus limon contains 0.8% to 1.6% essential oil. Limonene is the major constituent of Lemon essential oil.

Odor profile:
Fresh citrus aroma

Major Constituents:
(+)-Limonene, Pinene, Gamma-Terpinene, a-Terpineol, Geranial, caryophyllene oxide, 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol, camphene and linalool.

Application:
~ Lemon essential oil has cleansing and deodorizing properties that can be utilized in making various industrial products for cleaning and purifying the air.
~ The therapeutic properties of lemon oil are antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, anti-anemic, antiseptic, anti-bactericidal, carminative, anti-sclerotic, diuretic, febrifuge, hemostatic, vermifuge, rubefacient, and insecticidal.

Aromatherapy:
~ Diffusing Lemon oil provides an uplifting environment and eases stress, elevates mood and stimulates the immune system.