Who needs some zest in their life?.....ME!

This week is.... Citrus Oils Week! I love the smell of citrus oils in my products, they always brighten up my mood upon smelling them...just like fresh air, aahhhhh.

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Many citrus fruits yield essential oils, and they tend to have similar properties. In general they are refreshing, stimulating oils, good for the morning bath, leaving you feeling cleansed and alive. Below I listed a few citrus fruits and their benefits:

LEMON - Possibly the most cleansing and antiseptic of the citrus oils, useful for boosting the immune system and in skin care. It can also refresh and clarify thoughts.

GRAPEFRUIT - Oil of grapefruit is very helpful in the digestion of fatty foods and helps to combat cellulite and congested pores. It has an uplifting effect and will sooth headaches and nervous exhaustion.

LIMES - Oil of lime is good for stimulating a sluggish system and may be used when a tonic is needed, in massage or in the bath.

MANDARIN - Refreshing and cleansing, the sweetly scented oil is especially good for skin problems such as acne. It also helps digestion, soothing heartburn and nausea.

BERGAMOT - The peel of the ripe fruit yields an oil that is mild and gentle. It is the most effective antidepressant oil of all, best used at the start of the day. The oil can be used on a burner for generally lifting the atmosphere. Do not use on the skin in bright sunlight, as it increases photosensitivity.


Here are some recipes:


Citrus Grove Moisturizing Bath Oil
This bath oil is dispersible and keeps well without refrigeration.

Ingredients

• 60 drops Lemon essential oil
• 40 drops Orange essential oil
• 30 drops Grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops essential oil of Cloves
• 1 tablespoon tincture of benzoin
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) Vodka
• 1/4 cup lanolin
• 1 tablespoon runny honey
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) infused oil

To make and use

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the essential oils and tincture of benzion in the vodka.
2. Heat the lanolin, honey, and infused oil in a small saucepan until warm and melted (be careful not to get the mixture hot).
3. Take off heat, cool slightly and slowly add the essential oils mixture while stirring constantly.
4. To use, add 1/4-1/2 cup to the bath as the water is running.

Citrus Fruit Salad
Refreshing, colorful and full of vitamins, this is sunshine in a bowl.




Ingredients

• 3 oranges
• 1 grapefruit
• 1 ruby grapefruit
• 2 clementines or mandarin oranges
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1-2 tbsp cane sugar (optional)
• Lime zest, to decorate (optional)

How to make

1. With a sharp knife, cut away the skin and pith from the oranges and grapefruit. Cutting toward the core of the fruit and working over a bowl, cut away each segment, sliding the knife blade close to the membrane that separates them.
2. Place all the segments in a bowl. Squeeze any remaining juice from the membranes, then discard the membranes.
3. Peel the clementines and divide into segments. Add to the bowl, then add the lime juice. Sprinkle with the sugar, if using. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, until chilled.
4. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the salad into dessert cups and garnish with the lime zest, if using. Serve chilled.

Variation

Sweet Citrus Salad
Make as above, but replace the 2 grapefruits with 1 pomelo or ugli fruit. These fruits have naturally sweeter flavors, so you can omit the sugar entirely.


Hope you enjoyed this post, if you found it informative please feel free to pass along. Have you ever made a wonderful concoction using citrus oils?  If so please tell me about...comment below.

Thanks,
Demeka

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