Do you ever get a whiff of oranges when you enter a home? Even when no one was around to peel the oranges, you must have wondered where the odor was coming from. You’re smelling orange’s natural essential oil, which is stored in the peel. The sweet and sour aroma of citrus essential oils puts a smile on your face and gives you a burst of energy.

Citrus essential oil is made by cold pressing the fruit or steam distillation. Many people only associate citrus essential oils with warmer months, yet their bright scents are perfect for any season. They are what you need to beat the winter blues and depression.

A Brief Introduction of Citrus Essential Oils

Citrus essential oils come in various smells and serve various purposes. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options available. Some are known to relieve stress, and others are great for making you feel better.

When it comes to citrus, you should know if you like it sweet, bitter, sour, or sugary. The best oil to use is the one you enjoy the most, as they are all slightly different. We’ll give you a quick rundown of the various citrus oils and their properties.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Sweet orange essential oil, often called orange oil, is one of the most popular citrus oils. It is inexpensive and packed with valuable properties. The sweet orange essential oil is a must-have for those just getting their feet wet in the world of citrus oils. It mixes well with other essential oils and has a powerful, sugary citrus aroma. Among its many benefits is the ability to induce sleep and stress and anxiety reduction. When looking for essential oils, choose one that is organic.

Tangerine Essential Oil

Tangerine essential oil smells as fresh and fruity as a tangerine peel. Because of its pleasant aroma, you will feel refreshed and energetic. In addition to helping calm the mind, it helps the body relax. The tangerine essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a powerful cleaner.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Most people use Bergamot essential oil, which is known as a mood-lifter. It has a unique citrusy scent with a hint of spice. It is beneficial in periods and phases of depression. Bergapten is a chemical that is found naturally in bergamot essential oil. It makes the oil very phototoxic, so it should be used carefully on the skin.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil has a rich and pleasant aroma. It works wonders in eliminating unpleasant odors. Lemon essential oil, obtained by cold pressing the fruit’s nutrient-rich peel, is often lauded for its ability to kill bacteria and clean surfaces. The limonene present in lemon essential oil gives it that refreshing scent.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil is sweet-smelling, bright, and uplifting, but it also possesses some bitter characteristics. It helps fight free radicals and reduces stress. It can be sprayed around the room to help you wake up and feel better. Grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic, so it should be used with caution.

Citrus Essential Oils and Their Uses

Citrus essential oils are potent and can help you in many ways. They are known for making you feel better, which is good news for people who find the long, gloomy winters hard.

Some of our favorite uses of citrus-based essential oils are listed below:

Health Benefits

Citrus essential oils impact a wide range of issues, including breathing, anxiety, and skin problems. They have antimicrobial properties which help in respiratory diseases. While we can’t pretend to be health experts trying to preach the benefits of citrus essential oil, there is tons of credible information about its uses online.

Skincare

Essential oils from citrus fruits have remarkable properties that can help with many skin problems. Because they are antimicrobial, they help reduce inflammation and are great for acne, eczema, and rosacea. Their anti-aging qualities have led to their use in a wide range of skincare products.

Insect Repellents

You must have smelled citronella in bug sprays, candles, and insect repellents. Insects can be effectively repelled by using citrus oils. You can use citronella essential oil as an insect repellent.

Removes Toxins

By now, you must know that germs are almost everywhere. The market is filled with a plethora of chemically laden products designed to kill them. However, if you prefer natural remedies, citrus essential oils aid in the detoxification process.

Boost Energy and Mood

The best-known use of citrus essential oil is to give you more energy. They raise your spirits and make you feel calm and light. If you’re feeling down, diffuse citrus essential oil, and you’ll feel better right away.

Storage and Shelf Life

Citrus essential oils should be kept out of the light and in a cool, dark place. Due to their limited shelf life, essential oils should be used within a year after purchase (although some recommend using them within six months). Ensure the bottle you store your essential oil in is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. You can put them in the fridge if you want them to last longer.

A Word of Caution About Citrus Oils on Your Skin

Citrus oils are highly concentrated and have a powerful aroma in addition to being phototoxic. Always consider the potential for skin irritation and allergies when using blends and topical treatments. Essential oils should never be used without first consulting a qualified professional.

Choose Organic Essential Oil

Essential oils are generally used for topical treatments and diffusion, so choosing an organic citrus essential oil is very important. Pesticides are often found all over the peels of citrus fruits grown in typical ways. Since the cold-pressed method is used to extract oil, the essential oil may have traces of pesticides if they are not organic. When looking for essential oils, choose one that is organic.

Wrap Up

Using citrus oil is rewarding and enjoyable. No matter which oil you choose, they all have the power to lift your mood and calm your senses with their delightful aromas.

You can add citrus oils to soaps, candles, and other homemade products, but nothing beats putting a few drops of bergamot or sweet orange in a diffuser for a quick mood boost.