Need a Mental Boost? Give These Citrus Essential Oils and Blends a Try.

Sunny citrus oils not only smell gorgeous they offer wonderful mood-boosting benefits. Some of my favorites include Citrus sinensis (orange), Citrus paradisi (rose grapefruit), Citrus limon, and Citrus aurantifolia (lime).

Citrus essential oils are typically rich in limonene and lime also typically has not only high levels of limonene but also gamma-terpinene and alpha-terpineol.

Research shows limonene offers immune support, is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and helps support liver health. Gamma-terpinene offers anti-spasmodic properties as well as anti-viral properties. Alpha-terpineol also offers analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as neuro-protective and sedative properties.

If you've ever peeled an orange, juiced a grapefruit, or cooked with lime you know they have a sparkling, bright scent. Essential oils contain the aromatic components found in the peel and fruit.

Energetically these aromatic compounds are said to move stagnant energy, offer a level of cleansing and clearing, and usher in a sense of joy and sunshine. These aromas can offer a sense of calm, comfort, and reassurance.

Citrus essential oils are a perfect choice for diffuser blends or aroma inhalers and are a great way to start the day or give yourself a boost mid day.

Aromatherapists often turn to citrus essential oils to support immune health, clean surfaces and the air, fight germs, support digestive health, ease aches, boost and brighten mood. Using one or more of these citrus oils in a diffuser blend or inhaler can be very supportive for anyone suffering from a low mood or low energy.

Here are a few recipes you can use to brighten your day:

Sunny Diffuser Blend

4 drops Citrus sinensis (orange)

2 drops Citrus paradisi (rose grapefruit)

2 drops Citrus aurantifolia (lime) or Citrus limon (lemon)

(optional add a drop of Menta x piperita (peppermint) or Eucalyptus globulus or radiata)

Add to a diffuser and enjoy the bright citrusy aroma to wake up in the morning or to boost your mood and brighten and freshen a space mid-day. It's like a burst of sunshine.

Sunny Inhaler Blend

8 drops Citrus sinensis (orange)

4 drops Citrus paradisi (rose grapefruit)

4 drops Citrus aurantifolia (lime) or Citrus limon (lemon)

Add the oils to the cotton wick of a blank inhaler and seal. Uncap and inhale as needed to boost mood or support feelings of low energy.

Comforting Diffuser Blend 4 drops Citrus sinensis (orange)

2 drops Citrus paradisi (rose grapefruit)

1 drop Eugenia caryophyllata (clove bud) or Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark

1 drop Zingiber officinale (ginger)

Add the oils to a diffuser and enjoy. This blend supports mood and also supports digestive health.The spicy aromas of ginger and clove or cinnamon are warming and comforting -- like an aromatic hug!

Comforting Inhaler Blend 8 drops Citrus sinensis (orange)

2 drops Citrus paradisi (rose grapefruit)

1 drop Eugenia caryophyllata (clove bud) or Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark

4 drops Zingiber officinale (ginger)

Add the oils to the cotton wick of a blank inhaler and seal. Uncap and inhale as needed to boost mood or support digestive health.

Citrus Cleaning Spray

This spray uses bright orange, germ-fighting lemongrass, and a touch of thyme to create a spray that makes cleaning a delight!

4 - 8 oz PET, HPDE, or glass spray bottle

4 oz of distilled water

Solubilizer (optional)

45 drops Citrus sinensis (orange) essential oil

5 drops Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) essential oil

5 drops Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris ct linalool (thyme ct. linalool) essential oil

If using add the solubulizer such as solubol or polysorbate 20 to the spray bottle and add essential oils. Blend oils into the solubulizer. Slowly add the distilled water to the mixture cap and use to clean counter tops, play ares, bathrooms, sinks, etc. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small area to make sure the surface is safe for the spray.

If not using a solubulizer add the essential oils directly to the spray bottle and add the water. You'll need to shake the spray before use to combine the essential oils and water. Since the spray does not contain a preservative be sure to use within a few weeks. Avoid spraying in or near the eyes or skin.

Be careful to avoid using citrus oils that are old or oxidized as they can be irritating to the mucus membranes. Likewise use the "spicy" oils of clove, cinnamon bark, and ginger in small amounts to avoid irritating mucus membranes.

Citrus oils are a wonderful addition to the day and offer many benefits physically and emotionally. What are your favorite citrus essential oils or aromas? How do you use citrus oils.