Smells Like Springtime to Me
The vernal equinox is tomorrow. Even though the sky is a bit grey and things are a little blustery at the moment, it is for real springtime.
Spring brings to mind cleaning, fresh starts, renewal. Visually, we might think of flowers – but when it comes to springtime and aromatherapy, my nose turns to the citrus family of scents.
Citrus oils are antiseptic, clensing, and mood lifting: the perfect combination for shaking off the dust and cabin fever of late winter.
Spring can be busy. Diffusing the scent of Bergamot (a mediterrainian citrus best known for flavoring Earl Grey tea) is a classic for stress relief without any sleepiness or loss of physical energy.
Lemon is a classic for cleaning. Believed to be one of the most antiseptic oils…and one of the most commonly used scents in commercial cleaning products…the phrase “lemony fresh” has become synonymous with clean. Lemon boosts the immune system to help fight off late season cold. Nothing clears feeling of negativity and lifts the energy in a room the way lemon does. Lemon is one of the most broadly useful essential oils, and a basic must-have oil for anyone who interested in using real aromatherapy. If you are using lemon for scent, or for lotions and topical use* it is important to get good quality, cold pressed, thereputic grade oil. For general cleaning,a less expensive oil is fine. 20 drops lemon oil, 10 drops peppermint oil, 2 oz water and 2 oz of white vingar shaken well in a spray bottle makes a refreshing, natural, nontoxic general purpose kitchen counter cleaner.
Orange works much the same, with a milder quality to the fragrance. If lemon has too much ‘snap’ or crispness, then orange is a good alternative. Both lemon and orange scents can help support a happy mood, orange is less giddy and euphoric, for a more balanced lift to the mood. Orange is nice as a single note, while lemon is excellent in blends.
Lime is a less well-known citrus scent, but has all the same qualities as its more populare cousins. Lime eases stress and anxiety like bergamot, lifts mood like orange, is antiseptic, immune boosting and cooling like lemon.
Slimming down for swimsuit season? Grapefruit is a vitamin packed low calorie food, but the scent of grapefruit oil has a reputation for reducing appetite. I’ve heard anectdotes of dieters keeping a small bottle of the oil with them to take a sniff to curb apetite between meals. Grape fruit is also a classic for oily skin scrubs and some acne uses*.
Add a little vanilla to any citrus or citrus blend for a mellow, “tropical paradise” kind of blend.
Citrus oils are refreshing, uplifting, and a perfect match for the busy spring season. Citrus smells like spring to me.
*Never use essential oils full strength on the skin unless directed by a professional. Always dilute oils properly in a inert oil, lotion, or other carrier. Some experts don’t use citrus oils in the skin at all. I use them sparingly as part of diluted blends. The IMPORTANT thing is to never use citrus oils on the skin right before going into the sun. The could cause sensitivity and a sunburn, even if you use sunblock over top. If you use any products with real citrus oil in them, don’t use them for 12 hours before going outside.
