Yum! I L O V E the citrus oils. They are great in drinks, in refreshing water, and in used in the diffuser. All citrus oils are coldpressed from the rind of the fruit. What is not to like is their phototoxicity on the skin when I go out in the sun. As I always taught in my classes, if you want to use the citrus oils on your skin, put it where the sun doesn’t shine!
So, let’s take a look at these beautiful oils. Which ones am I speaking about? Sweet Orange, bitter orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, Jade lemon, Bergamot, mandarin, tangerine, and Yuzu. Yes, these are all classified as citrus fruits but actually not all of them are phototoxic. Can you guess which one is the MOST toxic to the skin when exposed to sunlight and which one is not?
Bergamot, Citrus aurantium bergamia is the MOST phototoxic oil of all of them. If you are a connoisseur of teas, you are familiar with the flavoring of Earl Grey Tea—it’s from bergamot. The effect of this particular oil is calming and stress relieving and mood elevating. It’s also known to support your immune system by providing an inhospitable environment for microbes.
Another highly phototoxic oil is Bitter Orange, Citrus aurantium var. amara. Yes, it is different from the sweet orange you are probably familiar with. Bitter orange fruit is smaller and darker than the sweet orange. Its leaves are used to make petitgrain oil and the blossoms for neroli oil. This oil is rarely used by itself but is blended with other oils. Sweet orange, Citrus sinensis on the other hand is delicious especially when added to water or other drinks. Sweet orange has been documented in lots of research studies to be supportive when going through life threatening experiences. Energetically it helps to unblock and circulate stagnant energy. It is one of the best all-around essential oils for the digestive system and for circulation. It is a relaxing oil and energizing at the same time. Just remember it is phototoxic.
Lemon, Citrus limon is a wonderful cleansing and clearing oil that unfortunately is also phototoxic. Lemons became popular when it was discovered that it warded off scurvy during long sea voyages. This has been one of Europe’s cure-alls for centuries. Today we know lemon oil to be a powerful antioxidant and a support to the whole body especially when it is flu season. Its astringent properties are helpful for skin wrinkles and is effective against many skin problems. The primary effect is antiseptic and there is lots of research confirming this. Its fragrance sharpens the focus, clarifies and uplifts and eases worry.
OK, here is one you probably wouldn’t think of –Yuzu, Citrus junos. This is a Japanese fruit thought to be a hybrid. It has high levels of limonene making it a very positive oil that affects mood and heightens senses.
Tangerine, Citrus riticulata is very similar to mandarin, Citrus riticulata so I will describe both together. As you can see, they both have the same Latin name. Both are good for digestion and the skin, and yes, both are phototoxic.
Next is a rather recent oil, Jade Lemon, Citrus limon Eureka var. formosensis. This is another variety that comes from China. It contains the same major constituents as lemon but is slightly different percentages. Another recent oil to make the scene is lime, Citrus latfolia. I love the taste of lime. It is primarily used in skin care and in supporting and strengthening the respiratory and immune systems. This is also a great one for the diffuser.
OK, which of the citrus oils is NOT phototoxic? That would be grapefruit, citrus x paradise! It lacks the furanocoumarin—bergaptene. This is a hybrid between sweet orange and the pomelo or shaddock. I love the taste of grapefruit essential oil. It is detoxifying, fat-dissolving, cleansing, and an uplifting oil. It’s great for skin care and cellulite. For emotional healing, it is used to encourage joy, positivity, alertness, and spontaneity. It gives a refreshing lift to water.
So, this summer, why not experiment with some of the citrus oils in your water or in the diffuser. Just remember, if you choose to apply to the skin, just make sure you place it where the sun doesn’t shine! If you want to know more about the citrus oils, contact me.
Linda Smith
720-201-9377