Citrus oils are one of the most popular oils that can be found in an essential oil collection. Often coined a favorite, citrus oils are both versatile and effective and provide their own set of uses and benefits we can take advantage of.
Some of the most common and popular citrus oils include orange, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin, lime, and bergamot. They have a very refreshing scent that is both uplifting and invigorating.
How are Citrus Oils Extracted?
Two methods are often used to extract citrus oils. These methods include distillation and expression. One of the biggest advantages of using the distillation process is that the volatile compounds can be distilled at much lower temperatures.
Expression, also known as cold pressing, is a method specific to citrus oils. In this process, the rind and peel of the fruit are soaked in warm water and then pressed where the oils and juice are then collected. The essential oil is siphoned from the juice and solid matter that may have been left behind.
Benefits of Citrus Oils
There are several benefits to using citrus oils, including the following:
Helps boost and elevate your mood. These essential oils work on the chemicals of the brain and hormones, and this is what leads to an improved mood.
Provides antioxidant protection. They help neutralize free radicals and help relieve any stress that there may be on the immune system
Gets rid of germs. They are very well known for their ability to kill germs and fight pathogens. They are often used in homemade cleaning products for this reason
Supports the immune system. Diffusing citrus oils can significantly boost your immune system
Air freshener. It is a good essential oil to diffuse, spray into the air, and clean the air.
Sanitizes. It can be used to wash and sanitize produce
Ease anxiety. If you are feeling overly anxious or irritable, citrus oils can help calm you and help your mood disorders
How to Use Citrus Oils
Citrus oils can be used in a diffuser. It is a good way to freshen up the home, eliminate germs, and reap the benefits of its immune-boosting and mood-enhancing properties.
They can also be used in a spray bottle. Simply add several drops of the citrus oil of your choice and fill the rest of the bottle with water. It can then be used as either a room spray or even a body spray.
Massage is another use. You can mix a few drops of citrus oil to a carrier oil and use it topically for massage. You can add six drops of bergamot oil to six drops of grapefruit oil, for example, and then add in some jojoba oil and it makes a great lotion to help melt the stress away.
Meta: Citrus oils have several benefits for the body and mind that you can take advantage of in the home through diffusion or room sprays.
