WHY CERTIFIED ORGANIC IS KEY TO CITRUS GOODNESS

Of all the amazing essential oil aromas there are, the citrus oils are arguably the most impactful. Known in perfumery as principally 'top note' fragrances, they are among the most stimulating and energising oils that bring an immediate cleansing aroma which is intensely fresh and uplifting.

Most citrus essential oils are extracted from the rind of the fruit (there are some exceptions) and even if you didn't know it, you have certainly witnessed the truth of it. The sharp aromatic zing that bursts forth when you pierce the peel of an orange, a lemon, a grapefruit… is pretty unmistakable.

Just think for a minute how you react at that moment when the natural oils are released… who doesn't linger to enjoy it more, or breathe deeper to fully savour the effect?

Right there is why you don't have to be an aromatherapist to appreciate the therapeutic power of citrus oils - you can feel yourself responding to the inherent lightness on many levels.

Master perfumers have been using citrus oils to attract and lift our senses for centuries. And of course, where they are sufficiently bountiful, all citrus fruits are used in a variety of ways to imbue homes with that fresh, clean appeal.

Citrus oil therapeutic powers

When it comes to getting that citrus freshness in a bottle, there are clever synthetic imitations that make things easy and cheap for commercial products. But it is important to be very clear that a synthetic fragrance will never produce the deep molecular response your body has to the pure essence of a sun ripened fruit.

Yes, you can recognise the association to a lemony smell. But no, it will not communicate with your body's intelligence.

Essential oils contain the essence of healthy organic processes including such things as plant hormones, which can talk to our endocrine system, nutrient compounds that promote cell regeneration, and fundamental immune mechanisms, like antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

With synthetic fragrance - nowadays pretty much everywhere in such things as candles, shower gels, soaps, cleaning products, car fresheners - you get none of the benefits of enhanced wellbeing or therapeutic support.

And your body will know the difference. Just as you can feel your natural response to the release of citrus as you peel an orange, you can feel the lack of response to a product with artificial fragrance. The pure citrus oils are truly enlightening - you will never look back.

Just be sure to know what you are looking for - the main citrus essential oils are extracted from the rind. And the rind must be cold-pressed to liberate the true concentrated essence.

But beware… if the fruit is not organic the essence might not be pure.

Even if you do go to the trouble of finding cold-pressed citrus, there is another obstacle that can undermine all your efforts to get to that profound therapeutic essence and the many health benefits it holds within.

Pesticides and sprays are very common in commercial citrus production. And significantly, the associated toxic compounds are most directly absorbed by the outer layer of the peel - accumulated chemicals are found to be especially present in the oil rich rind.

This is why the recommendation to always use pure organic oils for therapeutic use is especially important for the citrus oils. The difference between organic and non-organic is crucial for healthful therapeutic use and I certainly would never risk using a citrus oil of unknown origins - even a cold-pressed one - without purity testing or a trusted organic certification.

I would also add that you should buy from a reputable therapeutic company because handling and transport standards must also be high to ensure the integrity of the oil remains intact.

Pure citrus essential oils offer environmentally friendly uses for your home and a whole host of therapeutic benefits

Once you have a reliable source, you can start to use citrus to nurture natural vitality and enhance wellbeing in many ways. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Lemon Essential Oil (certified organic) Citrus Limonum

Anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antiseptic… the pure concentrated extract of Lemon has myriad properties for health and wellbeing. Add 10d (drops) to water for eco-cleaning. 3-5d to drinking water to cleanse and boost immunity. Diffuse 10d to purify the air and uplift the senses.

Grapefruit Oil (certified organic) Citrus paradisii

Detoxifying, stimulant & 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 Oil (certified organic) Citrus aurantifolia

Antiviral, antiseptic, restorative and tonic… the pure essential oil of Lime offers an intense, cleansing energy boost. Diffuse 5d for confidence, positivity, fresh air and appetite.

Orange Sweet (certified organic) Citrus aurantium

Both 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.

Bergamot Oil (certified organic) Citrus auranthium var. bergamia

Antiseptic, deodorant, 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 a natural deodorant.

Medicinal-grade essential 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 a maximum purity and therapeutic value.