Using the wonderful Citrus Oils

DōTERRA has a lovely variety of citrus oils, including bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, and, of course, the wonderful wild orange. All citrus oils come from the rind of the fruit and are also produced using cold expression, also known as cold-pressing. These are also fabulous oils to take internally or diffuse. Although you can use them topically, it’s really important to avoid direct sunlight on exposed areas of skin for 12 hours after after application. These oils contain compounds known as furanocoumarins which increase UV sensitivity and can lead to a rash or even blisters. The good news is that green mandarin is, exceptionally, safe to use in the summer on your skin - diluted of course!

The most notable similarity between the citrus essential oils is their ability to affect the emotions. Most of these oils can help uplift your mood and boost your energy levels. On the other hand, Bergamot is calming and soothing to the emotions. The best way to use citrus oils for mood or emotional balance is to use them topically on the back of your neck or the bottom of your feet, or aromatically in a diffuser. For an instant boost of joy and positivity you can also add a few drops to your palms and inhale deeply and slowly four times. Wild orange is my absolute favourite for this. Lemon, lime, and wild orange also are excellent at purifying the air and energising your space when diffused. I love to add a few drops of peppermint or spearmint to the mix for extra freshness.

Read on for more details on the uses that make each citrus oil unique.

Bergamot

  • Diffuse in the classroom, at work, or at home when stress is high

  • Add to your soap while showering and inhale deeply to experience its soothing aroma while enjoying its purifying skin benefits

  • Apply to your feet before bedtime for a sense of calm and harmony

  • Add one to two drops to your next DIY skin care cleanser

  • Make your own perfume or cologne—mixes well with lavender, patchouli, lime, and arborvitae

  • Diffuse for a sense of self-confidence

  • Use with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a calming and relaxing massage

Grapefruit

  • Add grapefruit essential oil to your nightly facial routine to improve the appearance of blemishes

  • For a soothing massage that leaves behind a light fragrance

  • Help smooth your skin and boost circulation by adding two to three drops to your body scrub and body wash or on your brush for dry brushing to really feel invigorated

Lemon

  • Dilute with coconut oil for a daily fingernail conditioning massage

  • Use with peppermint in water for a refreshing mouth rinse

  • Add to your water first thing for a taste with added cleansing benefits

  • Lemon is the oil of focus - diffuse with peppermint and rosemary when studying or working at home

Lime

  • Add one drop to your facial cleanser or shampoo for added cleansing properties

  • Combine one to two drops with equal amounts tea tree for a soothing scalp massage

  • Diffuse while studying and then apply to wrists again while testing on the same subjects

Tangerine

  • Contains powerful antioxidants which can support a healthy immune system when taken internally in water or a veggie capsule*

  • Add two to three drops as a flavoring in any dessert recipes from cake to ice-cream

  • Add one to two drops in water, smoothies or teas for extra citrus flavour

  • Apply to flex points or your abdomen for feelings of happiness (dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize sensitivity if needed)


Wild Orange

  • Before a stress filled day, diffuse for a revitalizing aroma to encourage you and motivate

  • Add to your cacao for a delicious orange flavour

  • Sniff from the bottle to feel energised and cheerful


Enjoy using your citrus oils and if you have any questions please get in touch!

Charlotte Kaeller-Cox