Using the Citrus Oils

doTERRA has a variety of citrus oils, including Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, and Wild Orange. All citrus oils come from the rind of the fruit. Citrus essential oils are also all produced using cold expression, also known as cold-pressing. These are also great oils to take internally or diffuse. Though you can use them topically, be sure to avoid sunlight for 12 hours after when applying the oil directly to your skin, whether Neat or diluted for sensitive skin.

The most notable similarity between the six citrus essential oils is their ability to affect the emotions. Most of these oils, including Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, and Wild Orange can help uplift your mood or 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. Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange also are excellent at purifying the air as they are diffused.

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 the 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 doTERRA 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, use Grapefruit
• Help smooth your skin by adding two to three drops to your body scrub and body wash
• Diffuse Grapefruit to promote a sense of focus while studying or reading

Lemon

• Dilute with coconut oil for a daily fingernail conditioning massage
• Use with Peppermint in water for a refreshing mouth rinse
• Place a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball and place in
  room to remove odour and freshen room 

Lime

• Add one drop to your facial cleanser or shampoo for added cleansing properties
• Combine one to two drops with equal amounts Melaleuca 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*
• Cleansing and purifying properties
• 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, teas, or lemonade for extra citrus flavor
• 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