Top 6 essential oils - Part 1

Are you are starting your journey with oils, building your personal collection or simply feeling overwhelmed with the number of oils to choose from ?   Then this series of posts will be of interest as we look at my favorite oils for those new to the art and science of aromatherapy.    

• Lemon – Citrus x limon L / Citrus limonum Risson
• Sweet Orange – Citrus sinenis
• Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia (L. officinalis or L. vera)
• Peppermint – Mentha x poperito
• Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
• Frankincense – Boswellia scara

Let’s start with a look at Lemon and Sweet Orange – two gentle but powerful essential oils.  Both lemon and oranges have been used for centuries in different cultures and it was Christopher Columbus who is credited with bringing them to the New World (North America).  In fact, lemons, oranges and limes were very important to the survival of ancient sailors as they prevented Scurvy which killed more seafarers than any other peril. 

Citrus fruits belong to the Rutacease plant family and their oils can cause skin sensitivity, irritation, rashes and severe sunburns.  It is recommended you avoid exposing treated skin to sunlight, suntan beds and other sources of UV light up to 12 hours after use and use no more than 2 – 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier. 

These oils are extracted from the peels which are cold pressed to release the sharp, crisp, top note oils that many associate with feelings of being uplifted, refreshed and cleanliness.   If you have ever been squirted with “juice”  when peeling an orange or lemon, you have experience pure concentrated essential oil. 

The main benefits of both lemon and orange oils are their ability to kill bacteria, detoxify, reduce water retention and being calming to the nervous and digestive systems.  Its no wonder many cleaners, both commercial and DIY, include these bright and clear aromas. 

Lemon can help with acne, balancing oily or dry skin, thicken hair growth and increase shine, reduce headaches, insomnia, sore throats, sinus infections and respiratory conditions.  Lemon also supports detoxification, improves circulation, rheumatism, reduces high blood pressure and relieve constipation. 

Next time you feel anxious, confused, foggy brain, unfocused or depleted, try a whiff of lemon using a personal inhaler or diffuser.  When used in support of emotional and spiritual wellness, lemon can provide an increase in optimism and joy, clear emotional confusion & negative blockages, and expand one’s ability to receive and understand messages from the universe (intuitive information). 

TIP:  Did you know Lemon is fantastic at removing sticky residue – add a few drops to the sticky area and rub off gently with a clean cloth, paper towel or cotton ball, and rinse well with water.  Repeat if necessary. 

Sweet Orange has been identified as being an antidepressant especially post partum, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, sedative, and lymphatic stimulant.  It can help heal chapped and dull skin, oil skin, wrinkles, constipation, reduce nervousness, tension and stress.   Orange  also helps remove negativity & negative thought patterns, reduce worrying and encourage positive energy, joy, cheerfulness, self confidence and courage. 

Each of these oils offer different healing properties and can be added as a single oil or part of blend with your choice of carrier (oil or lotion), can be diffused or added to a personal inhaler.  Use in a bath is not recommended.  As with all essential oils, use 1 drop or less in a teaspoon of carrier when applying to your face or 2 – 3 drops per teaspoon for use on your body and hands. 

Join me next time as we look at Peppermint and Bergamot

Cheers

Fawn

If you have a chronic health condition especially low or high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy or are pregnant / nursing, please consult your health care professional or aromatherapist for personal guidance.  I do not support or recommend taking any essential oil internally including adding to water, food, baking or in any type of capsule.  Instead, please use fresh or dried herbs, clean / peeled pieces of fruit and other traditional ways of adding flavor to your food.  Taking essential oils in a capsule is not proven to effective in anyway and can do more harm than good especially long term.