Body & Soul: Uplifting Citrus Massage Oil

By Janice Cox
Published on October 25, 2011
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Photo by Lilyana Vynogradova
Essential oils in citrus peels can lift energy by sending signals to your brain through the olfactory nerves in your nose.

Use any combination of citrus in this massage oil recipe: grapefruit, tangerine, lemon or lime. Whatever you have on hand, the fresh, clean scent of the citrus zest is a known energizer. MAKES 4 OUNCES

• 1/2 cup assorted citrus zest (the colored part of the peel)
• 1/2 cup light oil, such as sunflower, canola or light sesame

1. Place the zest in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour the oil over and gently heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Cool completely to allow the essential oils from the zest to be released, about 30 minutes. Remove the zest and pour into a clean container.

2. To use: Use as a homemade massage oil or as a natural moisturizer on clean skin.


Janice Cox is the co-author of EcoBeauty (Ten Speed Press, 2009).

Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Boost Your Energy with Botanicals.

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