Who doesn’t love the smell of citrus? The bright, crisp scent of citrus fruit is so familiar and uplifting. Citrus essential oils can provide a much needed boost in energy and can offer uplifting effects on mind, body and spirit.
Grapefruit essential oil is one of my favorites, and one I reach for often in my personal life and in my clinical practice. I am partial to Rose Grapefruit – it has a sparkly, fresh, light and uplifting scent and is so reviving. Grapefruit is a fabulous choice for relieving us from mental exhaustion and stress. Care must be used if applying Grapefruit to the skin, as it is phototoxic. Blend at no more than a 4% dilution (24 drops maximum per 1 oz. of carrier). For day to day life, it is almost never necessary to blend at a higher than 2% dilution, and a 1% dilution is usually sufficient.
Sweet Orange is another lovely essential oil to help combat fatigue. Just one sniff of Orange essential oil brings feelings of joy and happiness. It is so uplifting and fresh. If diffusing, it also helps to cleanse the air of germs, which is an added plus. Sweet Orange is not phototoxic, but again, I would recommend blending at a 2% or lower dilution if applying to skin.
The refreshing, vibrant scent of Tangerine essential oil is so beautiful and full of energy. It just seems to exude sunshine! Tangerine is a great oil to diffuse, and is especially nice blended with some of the other citrus oils. Although not phototoxic, it is recommended to blend at no more than a 1% dilution for skin, as it can be irritating.
I think everyone loves the scent of fresh lemons, and Lemon essential oil smells like you are standing in the middle of a beautiful lemon grove. It is so energizing, mind-clearing and uplifting. It is hard to be lethargic or in a bad mood while smelling lemon! If using on skin, blend at no more than a 2% dilution.
Makrut Lime (Kaffir Lime) essential oil is amazingly energizing and uplifting. The bright, crisp smell is delightful on its own or blended with other citrus oils. It is also a very purifying oil. Again, caution must be used if putting on skin – blend at 1% dilution and it is best when blended with skin nourishing essential oils.
When shopping for citrus essential oils, it is best to purchase organic. Citrus crops are generally very heavily sprayed with pesticides, and those harmful chemicals can still be found in the essential oils if you don’t look for those labeled organic.
Whether diffusing your citrus oils, inhaling, blending in a cream or other carrier or spritzing a bit in your room, these oils are sure to bring you energy, clarity, and brighten your mood.
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