Lemon essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils due to its bright and citrusy scent and its ability to create a refreshing, uplifting atmosphere. Lemon balm is similar, with its fresh citrusy scent, but this plant also has minty or grassy aromas. Many individuals may think that lemon balm and lemon essential oil come from the same place, but they are actually two different oils. In this article, we will give you an overview of lemon essential oil, lemon balm, and how to potentially make this essential oil.
What Is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family. While lemon balm is native to the regions of south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and Central Asia, it is a very popular plant and is now grown around the globe. Lemon balm has a grassy, minty, and lemony scent, and it is very common in remedies for anxiety, stress, and digestive trouble.
It is important to note that lemon balm is not part of the citrus family, which means that it is a completely different plant from lemon. These essential oils may both have citrusy notes, but they are different and shouldn’t be confused, despite their similar names.
Lemon Balm Essential Oil Versus Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon balm essential oil and lemon essential oil are different, and you cannot make lemon essential oil using lemon balm. This is because these two plants come from different families, and they have different benefits when blended into an essential oil. Below, we give you an overview of both of these oils so you can understand the difference.
Lemon balm essential oil:
- Anti-inflammatory, great for soothing inflamed or irritated skin
- Citrusy, minty, and grassy aroma
- Used for relieving stress, anxiety, nausea, and indigestion
- Can help relieve symptoms of menstrual pain
Lemon essential oil:
- Reduces stress and fatigue, creates an energetic atmosphere
- Fresh, citrusy, and invigorating aroma
- Can be used topically to tone and brighten skin
- Promotes appetite and healthy digestion
Both of these essential oils are fairly popular, and they are common staples for many individuals who utilize aromatherapy for their soothing benefits and refreshing aroma.
How Do I Make Lemon Essential Oil?
While you can’t make lemon essential oil out of lemon balm, you may be able to make lemon essential oil at home using regular lemons. Unlike other essential oils which are created with steam distillation, many homemade lemon essential oils are made with cold-pressing or infusing processes. We give you the steps to create an infused lemon oil below.
- Choose a carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. You will need about three cups of oil for every six lemons you use.
- Grate your lemons into a bowl to collect the peel, making sure that no fruit gets on the peel, as this can introduce bacteria into your essential oil over time.
- Let your rinds sit out and dry for an hour or so, and then add them into a glass jar. Fill up the jar with your chosen oil and shake well to combine.
- Leave the jar to infuse for a day or two, shaking it occasionally. You can leave this infusing for up to two weeks.
- Strain your mixture once it is done soaking; you can repeat the soaking process again with the same oil and fresh lemon peels until your oil reaches the desired fragrance level.
- Transfer your finished and strained oil into a dark glass container and store it in a cool, dark place. Will last for up to several months.
You can use this infused oil for cooking or for topical use depending on the carrier oil you use. We recommend olive oil if you plan on mixing your lemon oil into recipes. If you are using your lemon oil for skin and hair benefits, use an oil that you know works well with your skin and hair and consider adding in some vitamin E to boost its benefits.
Can I Buy Lemon Essential Oil?
Both lemon essential oil and lemon balm essential oil are fairly popular, and you can easily purchase one of these oils online. You may also be able to purchase these oils in person at your favorite wellness store, as they are common essential oils.
Make sure when purchasing your lemon essential oil or lemon balm essential oil that you patch test it on your skin before combining it into a carrier oil or lotion for all-over use. You should also diffuse in small amounts first to test the aroma before committing to a larger, stronger scent.
Lemony Fresh Essential Oils
Both lemon and lemon balm essential oils are fresh, citrusy, and sure to brighten up your day whether you use them topically or diffuse them around your home. While it can be more time-consuming to create lemon essential oil from scratch, you can always purchase these oils from your favorite brand and get right to using them in your favorite products to add a splash of lemon to your day.
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