Materials:
– 6 to 8 fresh lemons
– A vegetable peeler or grater
– A glass jar with a tightly fitting lid
– Carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, or olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash and dry the lemons
Before you start, make sure that the lemons are clean and free from any dirt or residue. Rinse them with water and dry them with a clean towel.
Step 2: Peel the lemons
Using a vegetable peeler or grater, carefully peel the outer layer of the lemon zest. Make sure to avoid the white pith as it can make the oil bitter. You can also use a sharp knife to cut the zest into small pieces.
Step 3: Place the lemon peels in a jar
Take a clean glass jar and put the lemon peels in it. Make sure that the jar is big enough to hold all the peels and has a tight-fitting lid.
Step 4: Add carrier oil
Pour enough carrier oil into the jar to cover the lemon peels completely. Jojoba, almond, or olive oil are all good choices for carrier oils. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar gently to mix the oil and lemon peels.
Step 5: Store the jar
Place the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Make sure to shake the jar every day to help the oil infuse with the lemon peels.
Step 6: Strain the oil
After 2 weeks, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Squeeze the lemon peels to extract as much oil as possible.
Step 7: Store the oil
Pour the strained oil into a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life.
Uses of Lemon Oil:
– Aromatherapy: Lemon oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to uplift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve concentration and focus. Add a few drops of lemon oil to a diffuser or vaporizer to enjoy its benefits.
– Cleaning: Lemon oil is an effective natural cleaner due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Add a few drops of lemon oil to your cleaning solution or mix it with vinegar and water to clean surfaces.
– Personal Care: Lemon oil is a popular ingredient in personal care products due to its refreshing scent and skin benefits. You can add a few drops of lemon oil to your shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy hair and scalp. You can also mix it with a carrier oil and use it as a moisturizer for your skin.
– Cooking: Lemon oil is often used in cooking and baking as a flavoring agent. You can add a few drops of lemon oil to desserts, salad dressings, marinades, and sauces for its citrusy flavor.
In conclusion, lemon oil has many benefits and is easy to prepare at home. By following these simple steps, you can make your own lemon oil and enjoy its versatile uses. Just make sure to store it properly and enjoy all its amazing benefits!