Lemon and tea tree oil are two essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy and alternative healing. Lemon oil is made by cold-pressing fresh lemon peel, according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils." Tea tree oil is made by steam distilling the stems and leaves of the paperbark tea tree. These oils may provide several health benefits but talk to your doctor before using tea tree or lemon oil to treat any condition.
Skin Care
Tea tree oil may help relieve numerous skin conditions, according to Lawless. The chemical compounds in this essential oil may remove bacteria from the surface of your skin, and may help treat skin inflammation. External application of tea tree oil may reduce acne outbreaks, speed the healing of burns and cold sores and prevent wound infection.
Arthritis
Apply lemon oil to joints that are affected by pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. This oil may help relieve joint inflammation, according to Lawless. It may also help prevent the degeneration of joint membranes and connective tissues caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Allergic Rashes
The chemicals in tea tree oil may help reduce the spread and severity of skin rashes caused by poisonous plants, according to the Herbs 2000 website. Apply this essential oil to areas affected by poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.
Fatty Liver
Lemon oil may help your body clear away excess fats that accumulate in your liver, according to Lawless. Liver fats accumulate as this organ removes toxins, viruses and bacteria from your bloodstream. Excess liver fats can prevent blood from properly flowing through your liver, preventing it from detoxifying your blood.
Immune System Enhancement
Tea tea oil may boost immune system function, according to Lawless. This oil may help your body ward off colds, influenza, bronchitis, chicken pox and sinusitis.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- Herbs 2000: Tea Tree Oil
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