BEFORE you use CITRUS OILS - READ!

Okay. so but before we get started, put it back of your head that we have to know some important safety things about essential oils before we use them and that's because they're PHOTOSENSITIVE! Stick that word in the back of your head and I'll touch on it a bit more later, but I do want to put that in the back your head - photosensitive.  What does that mean about the oils and what can or can't I do with them? 

Let's talk citrus. We're going to talk about nine AMAZING Citrus Oils. There are other citrus oils out there or other blends that have citrus oils in them so be aware as we discuss things like PHOTOSENSITIVITY and OIL SAFETY!  

What does that mean? it means that with citrus oils you want to be careful not to use those oils out in areas that will be exposed directly to sunlight because you can be more susceptible to sunburn and NO ONE wants that!! BUT that  DOESN'T mean you should AVOID these oils. 

INSTEAD

• Always dilute citrus oils using a carrier oil! 
• Apply photosensitive oils in discrete places (e.g. where your shirt/swimsuit covers or the bottom of your feet!) 
• Diffuse Citrus Oils
• Add (appropriate- e.g. orange, grapefruit, lemon) doTERRA essential oils to your water. 
• Make sure you are putting those oils ONLY in glass or stainless steel! Citrus oils will break down the plastic and who wants to drink plastic... NO THANKS! 
• Use doTERRA's body wash and pre-made lotions/ spa products (these are infused with citrus oils that are cold-press distilled so that there is no concern that the oils in those products are photosensitive! 

SAFTY NOTE ON INTERNAL USE! 
Most (if not all) single citrus oils can be taken internally in your water! Try out different oils to see which ones you like most! HOWEVER - MAKE SURE YOUR OILS ARE PURE! Don't just trust the label. Trust the testing! BE 1000% positive your oils are pure, if you have even one iota of doubt please don't take them internally!  

doTERRA is the brand I trust because you can see the CPTG testing for each batch of oil (the batch number is on the bottom of the bottle and you can see the test results for the single oils on sourcetoyou.com). 

LET'S GET STARTED: 
Let's learn about some of these AMAZING Citrus oils and their benefits (in no particular order)! 

• CITRUS OILS (in general - Each citrus oil has multiple uses, I'm including just a few to get you started. I highly recommend getting a book or app!) 
• Add your favorites to a spray bottle of vinegar or water spray your surface and wipe it down with a clean rag! I love Norwex cloths (if you need a representative comment below and I'll link you with someone I know). 
• Citrus oils are all uplifting, happy smelling oils that can help you reduce stress. 
• Citrus oils are made from the rind of the plant so unlike the actual fruit it's not contraindicated with medications - e.g. grapefruit)

• Grapefruit (one of my favorites)  
• add 1-2 drops to water to help with sugar cravings 
• mix with a carrier (I choose fractionated coconut oil) and rub on the area of concern to breakdown fat cells (although be careful of photosensitivity) 
  
  
• Lemon (it takes 45 rinds to distill 15 mL of lemon oil!) 
• add 1-2 drops to your water to help cleanse the body
• add 1-2 drops to a small bowl of water and run in the microwave for 1 minute (or so) then wipe clean. 
• add 1-2 drops to a small bowl of water and use it with a rag to remove sticky residue. 
  
  
• Bergamot 
• add 2-3 drops to the diffuser - AMAZING emotional support! Especially for feelings of anxiousness or stress! 
• apply with a carrier to the affected area to help with muscle cramps

• Wild Orange (The Chinese first recognized the value of the peel of an orange, for treating coughs and colds.). 
• add 5-10 drops of wild orange and purify to a spray bottle of water or white vinegar to use as an all-purpose spray. 
• use wild orange in the diffuser to cleanse the air and is both energizing and can help you sleep (crazy isn't it!). 
  
  
• Lime 
• use 1 drop with a carrier on the back of your neck to help with a drippy nose. 
• 1-2 drops of oil in a shot of water, gargle to help with the occasional sore throat. 
• 1-2 drops with a carrier on your belly to support the digestive system. 
  
  
• Citrus Bliss (Invigorating Blend with Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, Clementine, Vanilla Absolute) 
• add with Balance (it's my happy blend) to a diffuser to purify the air, and help get change the mood  (you could also use it with a carrier and apply to the bottom of the feet)
• add citrus bliss and peppermint to the diffuser to help with focus. 
  
  
• Cheer (uplifting blend with Wild Orange, Clove Bud, Star Anise, Lemon Myrtle, Nutmeg, Vanilla Bean Extract, Ginger, Cinnamon, Zdravetz Herb) 
• add to a diffuser to promote uplifting feelings, to cleanse the air, and to support a healthy immune system. 
• add to a roller with a carrier and apply to abdomen to help support digestive issues or to pulse points for some encouragement. 
  
  
• Tangerine (it's been used for over 3,000 years in integrative medicine)
• diffuse or cup in your hands to help with feelings of nervousness or when you're overthinking things and need to just calm down. 
• Also delicious in your water! 
• Add with a carrier oil and apply to skin irritations to promote healing (also good for dandruff (add to shampoo or conditioner)
• the secret weapon to add with breathe or deep blue to help with a cough. 
  
  
• Green Mandarin (This fruit was offered to rulers in China as a symbol of respect representing abundance and happiness during Chinese New Year) 
• add 1-2 drops with a carrier and rub on your belly to help with a sluggish digestive system. 
• Great for cleaning surfaces and SMELLS amazing!