What is summer without lemonade? Or a lime infused cocktail or salad? Nothing brightens up a long hot summer day better than a splash of citrus. The essential oils from citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, tangerines and grapefruits all have the dynamic power to refreshen, cool, cleanse and uplift.
Unlike the essential oils that are steam distilled from a variety of plant components like leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, wood, and bark. the essential oils from citrus fruits are instead cold expressed from the peel of the fruit. This process of extraction, which simply means that the essential oils are squeezed out from the peel at very high pressure, allows the essential oils to maintain their light, high notes and offer a very clean and pure experience.
All citrus oils are well known to further uplift our state of mind. For example, just a quick whiff of the light sweet scent of Red Mandarin essential oil can gently, and effectively, make us feel happier.
How? The top-note aromas, which refer simply to the various citruses’ clear light crisp scents, are subtly stimulating and inspire a kind of energy that promotes movement, and circulation.
Misting with a blend of lemon and grapefruit essential oils can also support our efforts to deeply cleanse and clarify.
That said, what are the best citrus essential oils to use during the summer?
I’d select oils that will help you cool down, cleanse your skin, and clarify your mind. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite citruses. Try them separately, or get creative and blend a couple of them together!
Lemon (Citrus limon) : anti-bacterial, astringent, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, deeply cleansing, supports digestive system, cleaning agent, cooling, mood lifting.
Usage: Air freshener, house cleaning agent, gentle bleaching agent for home and body-care, deodorant, body splash, anti-depressant, cooling support.
Red Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): Sedative, soothing, anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, calming, skin clarifying, mood lifting.
Usage: Body mist, hair tonic, add to linen wash load and body care products, inhalant to use when feeling nevous, and sore muscle massage, combat insomnia and relaxes muscle tension.
Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia): Anti-bacterial, cleansing, stimulating for circulation, astringent, restorative, promotes clear thinking.
Usage: Add to house cleaning agents, massage oils, hair tonics, body washes and cleansers, room sprays and inhalant to use when feeling sad or lethargic.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): anti-bacterial, refreshing and cooling, anti-depressant, anti-septic, restorative, muscle fatigue, sluggish skin, circulation.
Usage: Add to soaps, cleansers, skin tonics, linen sprays, room sprays, body mists, massage oils to help improve circulation and muscle vibrancy.
Some fun and effective combinations to play around with:
Lime – Lemon – Grapefruit
Red mandarin – Lime
Lime -Grapefruit
Grapefruit – Red mandarin.
Drop a couple of drops into your favorite spray bottle, or unscented body wash and feel the sunny summer scents of cirtrus brighten your disposition!
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