Your March Guide to Essential Oils - Health and Wellness Nashville

Sheila McGinnis continues her series of articles looking at the uses and benefits of some Essential Oils.

This month: Citrus.

I love these citrus oils for so many reasons- Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lemon (Citrus limon), and Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) in particular. The smells of each oil are uplifting. So much so that I refer to my citrus oils as sunshine in a bottle. All of these oils are cold pressed from the peel of the fruit. They are antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antibacterial (ever wonder why most cleaning products have a citrus smell?).

Lemon is known for its uses as an air disinfectant, a natural wood polish (mix with olive oil), and as an agent to help absorb toxins (place one to two drops in water).

Orange has been used as an anti-depressant, to help with withdrawal issues, and to help with food borne illness.

Grapefruit works like the other citrus oils, but also helps with over eating, as a lymphatic decongestant, and diuretic.

Warning: avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 hours if you put directly on the skin (photosensitive).

Here is my favorite diffusing recipe: add 2 drops of Orange essential oil, 2 drops of Lavender, and 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil to about 1 cup of clean water and add to diffuser for a clean, happy, and calming scent.

Another recipe I enjoy is for a Citrus Herb Dressing. Mix the following together well: 2 tsp. Of Tarragon (fresh), 2 tsp of Basil( fresh), ½ tsp of Oregano( fresh), 1 cup of good quality extra virgin Olive oil, dash of Sea salt and Pepper, 3 drops of Lemon, 3 drops of Lime (great for salads, fish, and/or chicken). Note: if using dried use 1/4 of measurements.

My challenge to you: play around with these oils and come up with your own personalized favorite recipe!

Naturally Yours,

Sheila McGinnis

*Photo by Jonathan Pielmayer on Unsplash