Boost your mood: Maintain and restore your health through aromatherapy

At times, winter seems never-ending. It makes me long for the warm sun and longer days of summer. One way that I boost my mood is through aromatherapy, which uses essential oils from plants to maintain and restore health.

Smell is one of our strongest senses. When we breathe in an aroma, scent molecules travel through the nose to the olfactory membrane. The receptors there recognize scent molecules and send messages to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system holds involuntary emotional responses, and we assign emotions to the aromas we breathe in.

I love the fresh, clean aroma of citrus oils and find that even a quick spritz of a citrus spray can improve my mood and refocus my attention. That is why when I smell citrus, I am reminded of words like clean, uplifting and fresh, and I am transported back to summer days sipping lemonade by the lake.

Citrus essential oils recipe

One of my favorite citrus blends includes the essential oils of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and lemon (Citrus limon). I make the following citrus spray for a mood enhancer.

• Take a four-ounce spray bottle and fill it with 3.5 ounces of water.
• Add 12 drops of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis).
• Add 12 drops of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi).  
• Add 12 drops of lemon (Citrus limon) essential oils.
• When ready to use the spray, shake the bottle and spritz into the air.

Benefits of essential oils 

The citrus essential oils not only have wonderful aromas that remind us of summer days, they also have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Essential oils are made up of many chemical components. In citrus oils, the main chemical component is d-limonene,which research has shown has disinfectant properties.

During winter months with bacteria and viruses lingering in the air and on surfaces, I use the citrus spray on my countertops and door knobs to fight germs.

Essential oils safety

When using citrus oils, it is important to note some safety concerns:

• Citrus oils should not be applied directly to the skin as they can be irritating.
• If applying to skin, citrus oils should be mixed in a carrier oil (like jojoba or grape seed) or unscented lotion at a 1 percent dilution, or 5-6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of oil or lotion.
• Most citrus oils are phototoxic, which means that if the oils are used on the skin and the skin is exposed to sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sun are enhanced and sunburn may occur. To be safe, cover up any exposed skin for 24 hours after applying citrus oils when going outside.
• It is best to use organic or unsprayed citrus oils because they are made from the rind of the fruit. Pesticides have been found in citrus essential oils that are not grown organically.

As we endure winter, try mixing up some citrus spray to improve your mood, and wipe down a few counter tops while you are at it.