As the name suggests, Citrus Essential Oils originate from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. People love citrus essential oils for their elevating and refreshing fragrance. The brightness, color, and freshness of these oils make them ideal for use in summers. They are juicy and offer a wide range of health benefits to people. Besides therapeutic purposes, you can also use them for homemade cleaning products, cooking, soaps, candles, and more. This oil not just refreshes but also revitalizes a person.
How did citrus fruits originate?
Citrus fruits were cultivated in the humid areas of Southeast Asia. According to historians, by 300 A.D. oranges, limes, and lemons were cultivated in Italy. From there, it spread all over the continent and beyond.
What are citrus essential oils?
Citrus essential oils comprise a group of remarkable essential oils that are made with different members of the citrus family. Some of the most common types of citrus oils are sweet orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, and bergamot essential oil.
How are citrus essential oils prepared?
Citrus essential oil is made from the steam distillation process. This oil is extracted by cold pressing the peels of fresh fruits, where the maximum amount of fragrance and goodness resides. The procedure does not use the other areas of the citrus plant, such as its leaves, roots, seeds, and bark, for the manufacture of oil. It only uses the peel of the citrus fruit.
Citrus fruit skins undergo processing using expression machinery. This process is carried out many times to release all the oil content present in it. The oil that is obtained is then filtered. The outcome is pure, high-quality citrus oil that is enriched with the nutrition and fragrance of the original fruit. In addition to this procedure, fruit peels can also be steam distilled to obtain the oil.
What are the properties of citrus essential oil?
Citrus fruits are known for their wonderful smell. The high amounts of flavonoids and limonoids in them are the reason for its refreshing fragrance and brilliant antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These natural oils are loaded with high amounts of vitamin C that make them a powerful antioxidant.
What are the areas of application of citrus oils?
Citrus oils have been used for centuries in the formulation of insect deterrents, bug sprays, household cleaning products, candles, skin and hair care products, and aromatherapy treatments. The soothing and invigorating fragrances of citrus oils are best used to beat the heat in summers and lighten moods.
In what ways can you use citrus essential oils?
So, let us see in what ways you can benefit from citrus essential oils.
1. Grounding
Add a few drops of citrus essential oils of your choice in a diffuser or bath bombs. The uplifting and relaxing attributes of this oil are effective to ease anxiety and lower stress and irritability in a person. Some of the widely used citrus oils are Bergamot essential oil, Neroli essential oil, lime essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, etc.
2. Cleaning
Many disinfectant household cleaning products have citrus oils in them. The strong and natural ingredients present in these oils not just effectively destroy germs and fight pathogens but also add a refreshing touch to your home. They are a great way to sanitize your home. Due to these benefits, many homemade cleaning products use these oils in place of a cheap and natural substitute for the harmful chemicals.
3. Bathing Accessories
People are fond of the energizing and vitalizing effect of citrus essential oils. These oils are effective in relaxing the body from the scorching heat in the summer season. Many soaps and shampoos that are available in the market contain these oils. It calms the mind and gives a fresh feeling.
4. Oral consumption
You can add a drop of this oil to one teaspoon of honey, coconut oil, or maple syrup and consume it with water or morning tea to start your day in the most refreshing way.
Citrus Essential Oils Benefits
Citrus oils have a lot of positive impact on the overall health of a person. Exposure to these oils in the form of bathing accessories or skin and hair care products offers immense relief from breathing troubles, stress, anxiety, and skin issues. Below is a complete list of benefits that you can get by including these oils in your daily routine.
1. Skincare Products
A majority of citrus essential oils provide anti-aging properties to people. It is commonly seen in a wide range of lotions and skincare creams. These oils can treat different types of skin issues that arise due to oily skin, such as acne, pimples, stretch marks, and dermatitis. Body scrubs made from essential oils are a wonderful method to obtain the advantages of citrus oils.
2. Energizing Effect
Citrus oils like lemon essential oil and sweet orange essential oil have a calming effect on the person. It is an energy-boosting, stimulating, and uplifting agent that is a great remedy to heighten your mood and senses.
3. Enhance Immunity Levels
Being loaded with vitamin C, citrus essential oils work as antimicrobial agents in the body. Due to their immune-boosting abilities, these oils are added in the preparation of conventional medicines.
The major natural ingredient responsible for this action is “d-limonene,” which is a powerful cancer-fighting agent. This ingredient is an oral dietary supplement that has antitumor properties in it. It makes it effective in fighting against cancer in the body.
Limonene inhibits the growth of tumors and induces programmed death of cancer cells in the body. D-limonene is a medically approved ingredient that doesn’t pose any carcinogenic risk to human beings. It is effective against various kinds of cancer.
The pathogen-killing action of this ingredient promotes a healthy immune system. Due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is added in the preparation of several immune-boosting formulations too.
4. Works as a Stress Reliever
Citrus oils have special compounds that relax and soothe the body. They provide exemplary relief from depression as well as anxiety in a person. Include citrus oils in your stress management program to maximize your recovery and enhance overall well-being.
5. Keeps your skin healthy
Another important benefit of the use of the citrus oils is that it vitalizes the skin, effectively treats insect bites, and cures a wide range of health benefits in a person. Some of the popularly used citrus oils for this purpose are bergamot essential oil, blood orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, lime essential oil, neroli essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, and sweet orange essential oil.
Types of Citrus Oils
If you are impressed by these wonderful benefits of citrus oils and want to give them a try, then we have compiled a handful of the most potent essential oils. You can include any of these to get a healthy body and skin naturally.
1. Orange essential oil
This is the basic and highly useful citrus essential oil for all those who wish to explore the wonderful world of citrus oils. This oil is very effective in the treatment of cancer. People widely use it due to its remarkable therapeutic properties. Orange essential oil shows a remarkable effect in giving relief from anxiety. This punchy oil is loved mostly for its energizing aroma and mood-lifting properties.
From food flavoring agents and skin care products to industrial cleaners, orange essential oil is a versatile and highly affordable oil present in the market. Companies use it in the preparation of deodorants, lotions, and soaps.
The presence of d-limonene in this oil restricts the buildup of tumor cells. It contains polymethoxyflavones, a type of phytochemical that reduces the growth of cancer-causing cells and protects the person from lung cancer.
2. Bergamot essential oil
People primarily use this oil for its deodorizing properties. It is also a powerful antiseptic and pain management agent. People cite it as a potent mood relaxant and enhancer. Its unique citrus base notes with a spicy edge fragrance make it a popular flavoring agent.
Bergamot essential oil is used to freshen up the air as well as lighten the mood. Due to its skin-relaxing, enriching, and stress-relieving properties, it is mostly used in massage oils.
This oil has been used in the preparation of conventional Chinese remedies and to impart a distinct flavor to black tea. Bergamot essential oil has the quality to elevate mood and lessen fatigue and cortisol levels in the body. This oil’s inherent antibacterial qualities help prevent the growth of E. coli and other bacteria. This action makes it ideal for cleaning the surface.
3. Petitgrain essential oil
Another important citrus oil on our list is petitgrain essential oil. This oil is derived from distillation of the young branches and fresh leaves of the orange tree. With an abundance of advantages, the uses of this essential oil go beyond just a flavoring agent for drinks and food.
Petitgrain essential oil is a wonderful deodorant that neutralizes body odor as well as limits the development of bacteria. This essential oil is advised for its remarkable energy-boosting attributes. Adding a few drops of it to bathing water gives you a luxurious and perfumed shower.
4. Lemon essential oil
Lemons have been used for years in cooking as well as daily life. This oil resembles lemon in terms of its composition. Some of the noteworthy benefits of this oil are its antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial action. Lemon essential oil is prepared by cold pressing the peel of the fruit, where there is the maximum amount of nutrition. This oil is known for its distinct, refreshing scent.
Lemon oil is helpful in the treatment of an extensive range of health issues that includes vomiting, depression, anxiety, etc. Its powerful composition and a noteworthy and vibrant scent not only cleanse the air but also energize the spirits and uplift a person’s mood. It is also used in skin care. However, never keep lemon oil on your face overnight, as it can cause irritation to the sensitive skin. Instead, you should mix a drop of lemon oil with a non-comedogenic oil and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes before washing it off.
5. Grapefruit essential oil
This oil, as its name implies, comes from grapefruit. It has excellent cleansing properties for the body. The high amounts of antioxidants and stress-lowering chemicals in the oil improve hair and skin health.
It is also beneficial in promoting weight reduction in a person. If you are a higher-weight person and want to achieve a healthy weight, then including grapefruit essential oil can be the right way to accomplish your fitness objective. This oil is good for your body’s composition and metabolism. Topical massage with this oil results in effective fat burn, a lowered body and cellulite circumference, and increased self-esteem.
Grapefruit essential oil has remarkable antibacterial properties that keep your home clean and hygienic throughout the day. Its uplifting fragrance energizes the body. The high level of limonene present in this oil is used in the formulation of excellent DIY cleaning recipes.
Due to this exemplary quality, many of the commercial cleaners available in the market are made from it. Lemon essential oils are commonly used in disinfectant sprays to clean countertops, doorknobs, faucets, and any other condition. It has a strong protective and antimicrobial effect in the body.
How to Make Lemon Oil?
You can make the lemon oil at home using a cold infusion method. This process is explained in detail below –
Cold Infusion Method (Takes 2 Weeks)
Ingredients:
- 6 whole lemons
- 3 cups carrier oil (such as grapeseed, sweet almond, or coconut oil)
- Airtight jar
Steps:
- Wash lemons thoroughly and dry them.
- Peel the lemons, avoiding the white pith (which is bitter).
- Place the peels in an airtight jar.
- Pour the carrier oil over the peels, seal the jar, and shake well.
- Place the jar on a sunny windowsill for two weeks, shaking daily.
- After two weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine strainer to remove the peels.
- Store the lemon oil in a cool, dark place for up to a month
Warnings and safety precautions for using citrus essential oils
Like any other health treatment, the use of citrus essential oil should also be well administered and managed. It should be used with due care and respect.
1. Check the quality
To get the maximum benefit from this oil, you need to always pay attention to its quality at the time of buying it. Though fruit peel is considered to be the region that has the maximum nutrition, it is also very much exposed to insecticides and disinfectant sprays that farmers use to keep the produce free from disease.
At the time of buying the oil, make sure you choose the trusted essential oil provider that provides you residue-free and toxin-free oils. Always ensure that they are 100% natural and pure and do not cause any allergic reactions to the body. Always speak to your doctor or an experienced aromatherapist to suggest to you the safest essential oil, its dosage, and the right way to use it.
2. Disciplined use
However, it is very important to perform your research and obtain assistance from a reliable source of information before you use any essential oil for the treatment of a medical condition. It is important to note that each type of citrus oil has to be respected as well as used in strict limits in accordance with the rules set out by the manufacturing firm.
It is important to talk to the doctor before applying it on the skin. Pregnant ladies and children should use it only after the approval of their doctor.
3. Use it the right way
The way you use essential oils also determines the type of effect it will have on your body. A diffuser is a wonderful as well as safe means to relish the advantages of citrus essential oils. In a few cases, such as improving digestion and weight reduction, essential oils need to be consumed in oral form. Due to this reason, you need to seek professional-level advice and carry out proper research prior to ingesting the oil.
4. Phototoxic nature
The next important thing that you need to consider when consuming an essential oil is that it can lead to a phototoxic reaction in the person. Citrus essential oils are known for their phototoxicity ability. This implies that when these oils come into contact with harmful UV rays from the sun, they can induce a nasty reaction in a person.
For this reason, it is not advisable to apply these oils to the skin before going out in the sun. Use of this oil is not recommended for people with sensitive skin. Once initiated, phototoxic reactions can stay for a period of twenty-four hours after application on the skin. The safest way to use these oils is in the form of aromatherapy that is performed with the help of an aroma stick or a diffuser.
Conclusion
Citrus essential oils can raise the spirit of a person with their invigorating and evocative aromas that are produced by the wonderful citrus family of fruits. This quality leads to the extensive use of these oils in a wide range of applications. The addition of a few drops of citrus essential oils works as an instant mood lifter and improves digestive health. In all, these oils are a delightful addition to your health and home!
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