Scratch the peel of an orange or lemon and sniff. That’s the scent of citrus essential oils.
Citrus are brightly colored fruit that are grown in areas with abundant sunshine. Distill these plants down to their essential oils, and their sunny disposition shines through. Both calming and invigorating, these scents are used in aromatherapy to ease nervous tension and brighten a dark mood.
How to Use
Citrus oils are more than just pretty scents. They are some of the most useful essential oils available. Just a few drops of lemon or grapefruit oil give cleaning products extra muscle. They disinfect surfaces, purify the air, and leave behind a cheery fragrance.
Essential oils can influence our physiology by smell alone, yet most citrus oils can also be used internally. For safe internal use, buy organic (pesticides concentrate in the rind where oils are sourced), and consult a certified aromatherapist.
Citrus oils are used in soaps and in facial toners and astringents, but sometimes their sunny influence can be too strong. Topical application of some citrus oils can significantly increase photosensitivity, leaving skin vulnerable to sun damage. When applying citrus dilute with a carrier oil, and make sure to keep the area covered when venturing outside.
