3 Citrus Fragrances That Boost Health & Well-being

Certain scents are known to elicit specific responses from the brain. Lavender is universally known as a scent that can relax and calm you. The woodsy scent of eucalyptus, usually combined with peppermint, is popularly used to help decongest clogged noses. There are also several citrus fragrances that are found to bring benefits for your health and well-being.

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of citrus scents, then read on to know how.

Zest and Zing

Citrus fragrances can add verve to your daily life. You just have to try and test which ones agree with your olfactory senses the most.

Studies show that there are numerous benefits brought about by the use of these zesty fruit fragrances. Participants in a Brazilian study, for example, were less anxious after they sniffed orange oil in a sniff test that included tea tree oil, sweet orange essential oil, and pure water.

According to Barbara Thomley, Mayo Clinic’s lead coordinator for its Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program, the scent of fresh fruit can make a big difference as observed in their patients. Based on their use of aromatherapy with patients, citrus scents are usually helpful in curbing anxiety, digestion, nausea, and stress.

Citrus fruits can be used in a variety of ways. There are innovative companies that create functional and sustainable products that highlight the unique properties of citrus fruits in creating fine fragrances (such as colognes and perfumes), home cleaning and maintenance products, and personal care goods.  

Whether you want to go to a beach wedding feeling energized, make your home look and smell clean, or go to the office with a spring in your step, spritzing on a citrus fragrance or using a citrus-based cleaner can do the trick.

If you want to know which citrus scent suits you best, here are the fruits that produce these citrus fragrances that can benefit your health and well-being:

1. Grapefruit

Known for its blend of sweet and sour tastes, grapefruit is a tropical fruit that has beneficial qualities for your health and well-being.

Aside from the significant amount of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that you can get from eating grapefruit, its aroma also has its advantages. For one, its orange-tinted citrus scent is often used in aromatherapy. While more research is still needed on its application to humans, the scent of grapefruit essential oil may help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss.

In addition, initial studies suggest that inhaling this citrus scent may be helpful in reducing blood pressure and stress levels. The use of grapefruit in aromatherapy may also be beneficial as a complementary therapy for relieving anxiety and balancing one’s mood.

2. Kumquat

This exotic fruit is native to the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in South Asia. However, its various advantageous qualities made it quite popular and it can now be found in other continents.

Kumquat has a similar scent to that of sweet orange but has a distinctly richer aroma. Aside from the peels, its essential oils are also used in aromatherapy and as an ingredient in home cleaning and maintenance products. For example, if you want to freshen up a stale-smelling room, you can spritz a kumquat-scented air freshener to instantly deodorize the area.

You can also use kumquat-scented items such as aromatherapy oils, candles, or fine fragrances to perk up your mood. Add a few drops of kumquat essential oil to your diffuser to liven you up on those lazy mornings, or when you need an uplifting shot at the end of the day. The juicy citrus scent is also said to help boost the immune system.

3. Lemon

This fruit is commonly found in kitchens and homes around the world. Aside from its zesty flavor and health-boosting qualities, its distinct lemony scent is a fragrance used in a multitude of products. 

From laundry detergents, dishwashing soaps, furniture cleaners, and other home cleaning essentials, its fresh fragrance is also used in hygiene and hair care products, and colognes.

Lemon is also said to have therapeutic benefits. Its scent helps promote concentration and can aid in productivity. For example, rubbing a lemon-scented fragrance on the inside of your wrist can help enhance your positive attitude and performance before a stressful meeting. A study at Northumbria University in the UK found that exposure to lemon balm and its scent can improve one’s cognitive performance and mood.

Lemon-scented products also have a calming effect on humans, especially when you are feeling angry, anxious, or stressed out. It can help boost the production of serotonin and norepinephrine in your body. These hormones are responsible for making you feel happy and awake but still calm.

Scents and Sensibility

Whether you want to feel perked up or just cool and chill, you can try any of the above citrus scents and see which ones do the best job for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of personal care items or home care products. What matters is how these fragrances can infuse your life with energy and positivity.