Are you thinking of making your own lemon essential oils? It’s a great idea! Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made the oils yourself.
So how do you make this amazing product? Let’s find out!
Lemons are a citrus fruit that is widely known for their tangy, acidic taste. But what many people don’t know is that lemons are also a great source of essential oils.
These oils are extracted from the lemon peel and are used in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy, skincare, and cleaning products.
Recent studies have shown that lemon essential oils can have a number of health benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, boosting energy levels, aiding in digestion, and even helping to fight cancer. So how do you make lemon essential oils?
The process is actually quite simple and only requires a few ingredients: Continue reading for some insights on how to make your own lemon essential oils.
How To Make Lemon Essential Oils
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that lemon essential oils are one of the most popular essential oils on the market. And fortunately, making them is a relatively straightforward process that only requires a few things to get it done:
There are two main ways to extract essential oils from lemons: cold pressing and steam distillation.
How To Make Lemon Essential Oils: Cold Pressing Method
Let’s start with cold pressing in this article, as it is the simpler of the two methods.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- A few lemon fruits – You’ll need one lemon for every 10-15 drops of oil you wish to produce.
- A knife – To cut the lemons in half.
- A grater – To remove the zest from the lemons.
- Cheesecloth or strainer – To strain the oil.
- A clean, dark glass bottle – To store the oil.
What You’ll Need: Equipment
- A mortar and pestle – To crush the lemon peels.
Read: How to use peppermint essential oil for sore throat
How To Make Lemon Essential Oils: Instructions
Step 1: Cut the lemons in half – Using a sharp knife, cut the lemons in half to have two equal halves. Be careful not to cut yourself!
Step 2: Remove the zest – Use a grater to remove the zest from the lemon halves. Make sure you get as much of the zest as possible, as it is where most of the essential oils are found.
Step 3: Place the zest in the mortar -Put the lemon zest in the mortar and use the pestle to crush it up. You want to make sure that the zest is finely ground before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Add olive oil – Pour a small amount of olive oil into the mortar and mix it with the zest.
Step 5: Strain the mixture – Place a piece of cheesecloth or a strainer over the glass bottle and pour the contents of the mortar into it. Squeeze as much of the oil out of the zest as possible.
Step 6: Place the oil in a glass bottle – Once you’ve extracted all of the oil, place it in a clean, dark glass bottle. Label the bottle with the date and the type of oil it contains. It will take roughly weeks for the lemon essential oils to be ready for use.
Read: How to make air freshener to sell
How To Make Lemon Essential Oils: Steam Distillation Method
The other way to extract essential oils from lemons is through steam distillation. This process is a bit more involved than cold pressing, but it results in a higher quality oil.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- Lemons
- Coconut oil
- Approximately 2 liters of water
- Vodka or other alcohol – You’ll need about 40-50 ml of vodka or other alcohol for every litre of essential oil you wish to produce.
What You’ll Need: Equipment
- A still – This is a piece of equipment that is used to distil essential oils.
- A large pot – You’ll need a pot that is at least twice the size of your still.
- A smaller pot or saucepan will be used to heat the water.
- A thermometer – To measure the temperature of the water.
- A funnel – To pour the oil into the bottles.
- Labels – To label the bottles with the date and type of oil.
How To Make Lemon Essential Oils: Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Lemons:- The lemons should be washed and dried with a paper towel. Allow another half-hour for it to thoroughly dry.
Step 2: Peel the lemons:- peel the lemons using a paring knife. Be careful not to get any white pith, as it will make the essential oil bitter.
Step 3: Heat the Coconut Oils:- Pour the coconut oil into a pot or saucepan and heat it until it is liquid. Add the lemon peels to the coconut oil and stir. Let it simmer for about two hours.
Step 4: Add the Vodka or Alcohol:- Add the vodka or alcohol to the mixture and continue to simmer for another two hours.
Step 5: Distill the Oil:-Place the still over the large pot and make sure that the tube from the still is in the pot. Pour the mixture into the still and let it distil. Collect the essential oil in a glass bottle as it comes out of the still.
Step 6: Label the Bottle:- Once you’ve collected all of the essential oil, label the bottle with the date and type of oil it contains. The lemon essential oil will be ready for use in a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions about lemon essential oils
How long will the lemon essential oil last?
The lemon essential oil will last for about a year, provided it is stored in a cool, dark place. You can also extend the shelf life by adding a few drops of vodka or other alcohol to it.
How much lemon essential oil can I make?
You can make about 30 ml of lemon essential oil using the cold press method. If you use the steam distillation method, you can make up to 60 ml of lemon essential oil.
What are some uses for a lemon essential oil?
Lemon essential oil can be used in a diffuser to freshen the air or mixed with a carrier oil and used as a massage oil. It can also be added to water for a refreshing drink.
Making your own lemon essential oil is a great way to save money and get a pure, high-quality product. It is also a fun project that you can do at home.
With this simple guide on how to make lemon essential oils, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of this versatile oil in no time.
Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take all of the necessary precautions.