Monday, February 8, 2016

Citrus is citrus, right? Or is it?

Sometimes, when we hear about citrus oils in the essential oil realm, we hear words like, "invigorating" "joyful" "energizing" "elevating"... But those are so vague, and do all of the citrus oils offer the same characteristics and properties? It's easy to get things muddled, and even easier to just lump them all in to one category and forget that each of the citrus oils offers its own unique benefits.

There are of course things that the citrus oils have in common. They are all cold pressed from the rind, and they do have uplifting properties, and all of them have a UV exposure risk. That means that once you apply a citrus oil to your skin, it can become photosensitive, and create a higher risk of sun damage to your skin. So always be sure to use sunscreen, or avoid the sun (on the area that the oil was applied) for 12-24 hours. I like to either dilute them with a carrier oil, or apply the oils to areas that won't be exposed to the sun.

The oils I will be talking about in this post are Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, and Wild Orange. Each of them have their own unique scent, their own chemical make up, and their own wonderful benefits, both to your emotions and to your physical health.

Please keep in mind that these oils should not be used in place of the care of a qualified doctor. You should always seek help if you have feelings of hopelessness, or depression, or with serious health concerns. This post is not meant to diagnose or offer medical advice of any kind. These oils will not "cure" anything, but assist your body and mind.




BERGAMOT



This is the oil of Self-Acceptance. 

It's chemical make up is approximately 56% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, 30% Esters, 11% Monoterpene Alcohols, and other trace amounts of other compounds. 

Sourced from Italy.

It is a neurotonic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antibacterial, antifungal, and digestive.

It can address emotions of despair, low self-esteem, self-judgment, feeling unlovable, and hopelessness.

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally.





GRAPEFRUIT


This is the oil of honoring the body. 

It's chemical make up is approximately 98% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, and trace amounts of all other compounds. 

Sourced from U.S.A.

It is a diuretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, antitoxic, purifier, and expectorant.

It can address emotions of hate for the body, addiction to food or dieting, eating disorders, anxiety over appearance.

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally. 



LEMON

This is the oil of Focus. 

It's chemical make up is approximately 98% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, (71% being limonene) 2% Aldehydes, and a little greater than 3% Lactones and Coumarins. 

Sourced from Italy.

It is antiseptic, diuretic, antioxidant, antibacterial, detoxification, disinfectant, mucolytic, astringent, and a degreaser. 

It can address emotions of confusion, inability to focus, mental fatigue, lack of joy and energy, learning disorders, and guilt. 

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally.



 LIME


This is the oil of Zest for Life. 

It's chemical make up is 50-65% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, 5-15% Oxides, trace-20% Monoterpene Alcohols, 1-2% Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons, 0-4% Aldehydes, and a little over 3% Coumarins. 

Sourced from Mexico.

It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, antibacterial, tonic, uplifting, detoxifier, disinfectant, and diuretic. 

It can address emotions of apathy, resignation, grief, suicidal thoughts and feelings, and discouragement. (PLEASE SEEK HELP FROM A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS). 

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally.



TANGERINE

This is the oil of Cheer and Creativity. 

It's chemical make up is approximately 99% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, and trace amounts of other compounds. 

Sourced from U.S.A.

It is antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, sedative, and mucolytic. 

It can address emotions of feeling overburdened by responsibilities, dutifulness which stifles creativity, downtrodden, heavy heart, and lack of fun or joy in life. 

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally. 




WILD ORANGE



This is the oil of Abundance. 

It's chemical make up is approximately 93% Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, (89% of which is limonene) 3% Coumarins, 3% Monoterpene Alcohols, 2% Aldehydes, and trace amounts of other compounds. 

Sourced from Dominican Republic. 

It is energizing, sedative, anti-carcinoma, carminative, antiseptic, antidepressant, and immunostimulant. 

It can address emotions of scarcity, over-serious temperament, rigidity, dull, workaholism, low energy, discouragement, hoarding, envy, fear, nervousness, and inflexibility.

It can be used topically, aromatically, and internally. 


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Personally, I love Bergamot for use in diffusers, blended with other oils that help me relax and which promote restful sleep. 

I love to add a drop of Grapefruit to my water, which can help with cravings, and topically with other oils to use for body wraps. 

I also love to use Lemon for cleaning, and for immune support internally. 

Lime is wonderful in the diffuser when I am feeling a little down, as it promotes feelings of well-being. It is also a wonderful oil to use during cooking. 

Tangerine is one of my favorite citrus oils, and I love how fresh it smells. It is in one of my favorite essential oil blends, and really does give me feelings of joy. It is uplifting when used aromatically. 

Wild Orange smells so wonderful. It literally smells like freshly squeezed orange juice. I love to diffuse it with peppermint, and I love to add it to recipes like brownies. 

If you have any further questions about these oils, please feel free to email me.  

Please remember to use your common sense and use the oils wisely in addition to the advice of your care provider. 

And I cannot stress this enough, If you are having suicidal thoughts or are suffering from severe depression, please seek help. Life will not be the same without you. You are loved and you are needed. I mean that sincerely. This world needs you. 

The National Suicide Prevention Line can be reached at 1-(800) 273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

I hope that this shows that using citrus oils can help you on your way to your own oil zen! 

With Love, 
Susan 

I do not own the rights to the photos in this post.







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