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Lemon, Lime, Orange, Mandarin and Grapefruit… the range of essential oils that can be extracted from these beautiful, bountiful plants is really quite extraordinary. So too are the health promoting, mood lifting & life enhancing benefits they bring.
Take Orange, for example. One tree: three essential oils. Each with its own specific scent and set of characteristics. First we have Orange Sweet, warming and cheerful, which is derived from the rind (or peel) of the fruit. Then there’s Petitgrain Bigarade, calming and restorative, extracted from the leaf. Lastly Neroli, relaxing and inspiring, from the blossom.
I often take samples of these three oils into my workshops to demonstrate the importance of ensuring essential oils are extracted from the right part of the plant - but also to show how special and generous the Orange tree is. I then go on to talk about the other citrus essential oils, most of which are extracted from the rind.
Ah rind! Nature’s own perfect packaging. You may remember as a child, digging your thumbnail into the skin of an orange, or a lemon, lime or mandarin, to release that wonderfully intense citrus aroma? Try this now and inhale the goodness. You can almost see the little particles floating in the air – that’s how potent it is!
But something to be mindful of these days is the extent to which citrus crops are sprayed. Pesticides are very common in commercial citrus production. And significantly, those toxic compounds are easily absorbed (and held) by the outer layer of the peel – which is where your essential oils come from.
This is why it’s important to only use certified organic oils - especially when it comes to the citrus. The difference between organic and non-organic is crucial for healthful, therapeutic use and I would never risk using a citrus oil of unknown origins without purity testing or a trusted organic certification.
Cold pressing vs. distilling. Another factor to consider (for purity of scent and therapeutic effect) is that the citrus peel be cold pressed rather than distilled, as this preserves integrity and liberates the true concentrated essence.
Extracted the right way, citrus essential oils offer incredible environmentally friendly uses for your home and a whole host of deeply cleansing, therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. Once you have a reliable source – cue Absolute Essential’s 100% pure, fully organic range - you can start to use these oils to nurture natural vitality and enhance wellbeing in many ways.
As we are in Spring (the season of renewal) here are a few citrus-centred ideas to get you started:
Lemon (Organic) Citrus limonum
Antioxidant, antiseptic and cleansing - the pure concentrated extract of Lemon has myriad properties for health and wellbeing. Add 10d (drops) to water for eco-cleaning. 1-2d to 1 litre drinking water to cleanse and boost immunity. Diffuse 10d to purify the air and uplift the senses. A super vitality oil with great detox properties.
Grapefruit (Organic) Citrus paradisii
Detoxifying, stimulating and tonic - pure Grapefruit wakes up body and mind. Diffuse 10d to start the day. Add 5d to damp cloth and rub to cellulite; 10d to water with Epsom salts for swollen feet; or 30d to 20mls of Grapeseed oil for lymph massage.
Lime (Organic) Citrus aurantifolia
Antiseptic, restorative and tonic - Lime offers an intense, cleansing energy boost. Diffuse 5d for confidence, positivity & fresh air. A few drops to a diffuser will support a natural appetite.
Orange Sweet (Organic) Citrus aurantium
Warm and cheerful, the cleansing lift of pure Orange extract offers tonic & balancing qualities. Diffuse 5-10d to promote harmony, clear the mind and calm emotions.
Mandarin (Organic) Citrus reticulata
Fresh and lively, Mandarin oil helps create a positive, relaxed and happy atmosphere, while boosting creativity and energy. Diffuse 10d to inspire your environment. Add 2-3 drops to 5 drops Lavender True in Sweet Almond oil for a restorative massage blend.
Bergamot (Organic) Citrus auranthium var. bergamia
Antiseptic, refreshing, calming - pure Bergamot essential oil brings restorative qualities to the lift of citrus. Diffuse 3-5d to lighten mood and aid calm. Add 3d with 2d Lemon to 5mls Jojoba or body lotion for natural deodorant.
Neroli 3% in Jojoba (Organic)
Relaxing and inspiring, the pure extract of Neroli Blossom is a positive tonic for body & mind and skin. Add 5 drops to a diffuser in a closed living space to support healthy levels of self confidence and initiative. Add 3 drops to 10ml of Jojoba and apply to the neck for a beautifully therapeutic perfume. (Or purchase our ready blended Neroli 3% in Jojoba).
Petitgrain Bigarade (Organic) Citrus auranthium aur.
Exotic, fresh and wonderfully calming to the senses, the pure essential oil of Petitgrain Bigarade has a relaxing, cleansing effect that is especially effective in times of stress. Apply 10 drops to a diffuser or the bath to create a fragrant, soothing atmosphere. Blend 5 drops with 3 drops Sandalwood and add to diffuser or bath to calm tension, and balance / fortify body and mind.
Click on any of the active links above, and they'll take you direct to our website, where you can find out more and purchase. ALSO FOR A LIMITED TIME: all the citrus essential oils featured above are ON SPECIAL: 20% OFF from 16 October - 22 October 2018. Be quick! (Your discount will be applied automatically at checkout. Offer available while stocks last. This is a consumer-only promotion.)
Medicinal-grade therapeutic plant oils must be 100% pure. At Absolute Essential we use certified organic or wild grown (sustainable) plants to produce our oils and all extraction processes are strictly controlled to produce the best quality oil with maximum purity and therapeutic value.
- Dr Bo Hedgen