Start Afresh with Citrus Oils – Orange, Grapefruit and Lemon

We start the New Year with high expectations and promises to ourselves to improve our health, be it losing weight, quitting negative habits or embarking on a new fitness plan. Coincidentally, if you live in a sunny climate, our winter days are cheered by the sight of local citrus trees full of ripe, yellow and orange fruit nestled among glossy, dark green leaves. Did you know that the essential oils of citrus fruits provide some of the easiest and most economical ways to achieve most of your New Year’s health resolutions? Citrus oils alleviate depression and the winter blues, help fight cellulite, water retention and holiday weight gain, gently boost energy levels and strengthen your immune system. Grapefruit oil helps those quitting smoking deal with nicotine withdrawal, and orange and lemon oils can keep your muscles and joints pain-free.

Unlike most essential oils, which are steam-distilled from specific therapeutic plants, citrus oils are ‘cold-pressed’ by hand or machine from the rinds of the fruit themselves. Look closely at the peel of any citrus fruit and you will see tiny circular cells, or sacs, containing the essential oil. As you peel and twist the rind, the essential oils are released in a micro-fine spray, and you will enjoy not just the fruits’ delicious and distinctive aromas, but also their antibacterial and health-promoting properties. In classical aromatherapy, all citrus oils are considered tonifying, cleansing and energizing on the physical level, and uplifting and inspiring on the mental and emotional level. You can receive immediate benefits simply by inhaling the essential oil molecules directly from the bottle, diffusing the essences into your home or office environment, or receiving a massage with a custom-blended oil.

The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis var. dulcis) originated in China around 2500 BCE and is now cultivated all around the world. It is the only tree that provides three distinctive essential oils used in the practice of classical aromatherapy: orange essential oil from the fruit rind, an essential oil named petitgrain from the young leaves and twigs, and the exquisite neroli oil from the orange blossoms. All three oils are used in the treatment of stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and other ailments of nervous origin. Orange oil instantly improves mood, reduces anger and promotes relaxation and peace of mind. A study undertaken at the Neurological Clinic at the University of Vienna assessed the effectiveness of orange oil diffused throughout a dental office waiting room and found that it relaxed the patients, reducing anxiety and promoting a more positive mood and higher level of calmness. A Hong Kong study examined the effectiveness of massage with orange oil in treating moderate to severe knee pain of seniors with osteoarthritis over a four-week period. Those studied reported marked reductions in pain intensity and stiffness, with enhanced physical function.

Orange oil, like all citrus oils, exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that have led to a whole new generation of environmentally friendly household cleaning products that clean and purify the home while providing mood-enhancing aromatic benefits. The key component of citrus oils is d-limonene, a highly effective cleanser and degreaser. D-limonene is now also known to be significantly chemo preventive, with potential value as a dietary anti-cancer agent in humans. Because of its high Vitamin C content and anti-bacterial qualities, orange oil is helpful to combat colds, flu and respiratory conditions. It is also an excellent skincare ingredient. Acne, blemishes and oily, over-active skin can be corrected through regular use of products containing citrus oils. The National Institute of Health studied orange oil in the treatment of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections of the skin, reporting excellent results. Orange oil aids in collagen synthesis and can help your skin look younger by rejuvenating, soothing and improving skin’s elasticity. It is a potent antioxidant, and can help smooth out and minimize wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) essential oil is obtained from the rinds of both pink and white grapefruit and is a wonderful oil to inhale to quickly dispel brain fog or lethargy. Its slightly sweet, floral-fruity aroma promotes mental clarity and provides a positive, optimistic attitude on life. In France, grapefruit oil is best known for its role in treating cellulite, bloating and excess fat deposits. Diuretic and detoxifying, grapefruit oil (often combined with other citrus oils such as bitter orange, tangerine, lemon, lime and bergamot) is the key ingredient in formulas designed to tone the body and get rid of excess fat and water weight. A study conducted by scientists at the Shiseido company in Japan confirmed that grapefruit oil inhibits the formation of additional brown and white fat cells in the body, confirming its reputation as an overall body toning ingredient in health and beauty products.

Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil shares the characteristics of both orange and grapefruit oils and is familiar and widely used in both cleaning and skincare products. Lemon stimulates the production of white blood cells, helps to fight infections and counteracts acidity in the body. As a result, it is an important oil to use for gout, arthritis, and other painful conditions arising from acid/alkaline imbalance. Lemon, orange and grapefruit oils blended together in a carrier base create a potent synergy for the management of pain and inflammation, and can enhance your quality of life, bringing a fresh outlook to everyday activities. Get to know the citrus oils --- let them help you make this year, and every year, one of vibrant health and wellness!