Yuzu Essential Oil-Benefits, Uses, and Origin
Yuzu essential oil is well known for its invigorating citrus aroma, making it one of the favorite oils for anxiety and stress relief. Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a citrus fruit tree from the family Rutaceae. This plant originated in Central China and Tibet regions. It was later introduced to Japan and Korea where it is now widely cultivated.
This small tree grows only 12 feet tall and produces large, yellow fruits. The yuzu fruit resembles that of a mandarin with a slightly uneven shape. Yuzu juice has a distinct taste from other citrus fruits. It has been a famous ingredient in drinks and gives added zest to many dishes.
It is believed that Yuzu is a hybrid of mandarin and Citrus ichangensis. Its fruits and leaves release a powerful aroma. Yuzu essential oil is extracted from the peel of the yuzu fruit through distillation or cold press. This pale-yellow oil gives off a scent that falls somewhere between grapefruit and mandarin orange with a slight hint of floral note. Some of the key components of yuzu oil are limonene, a-terpinene, myrcene, linalool, b-phellandrene and a-pinene. Limonene and linalool give the oil its distinct aroma.
Traditional Uses of Yuzu Essential Oil
Traditionally, during the night of the winter solstice, the Japanese wrap the fruit in cheesecloth and let it float in hot ceremonial bath to bring out its scent. This is believed to ward off winter-related illnesses.
They also use it to promote psychosomatic health. It was also used to treat arthritis and rheumatism and to fight the cold by incorporating the oil into bath water. The fruit was used to make sauces, wine, marmalade, and desserts.
Benefits of Using Yuzu Essential Oil
It is packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants work against free radicals that damage cells and cause oxidative stress. This type of stress is linked to several diseases. Yuzu contains several antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids. They have more vitamin C content than lemon. These help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, certain types of diabetes and cancer, and brain ailments.
Limonene, a flavor compound common in citrus fruits, has anti-inflammatory properties and is proven to treat bronchial asthma.
Improves circulation
Although blood clotting is useful, too much of it can block blood vessels which may lead to heart disease and heart attack. Yuzu has anti-clotting effects because of the hesperidin and naringin content in the flesh and peel of the fruit. This anti-clotting effect improves blood flow and lowers the risk of developing heart-related illnesses.
Can fight cancer
Limonoids in citrus oils showed the ability to fight breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Based on research, various beneficial components of the oil such as tangeritin and nobiletin effectively reduce the risk of tumor growth and leukemia cell growth. However, more research is needed to back up claims for yuzu as cancer treatment.
It is good for the skin
Yuzu is an excellent oil to use to achieve radiant-looking skin. Its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines helps give the skin a youthful glow.
Relief for anxiety and stress
Yuzu essential oil can calm the nerves and relieve anxiety and tension. It has been proven to reduce psychosomatic symptoms of stress such as depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. It can combat bouts of negative emotions and can boost self-confidence when used through a diffuser or vaporizer. To create sense of peace, blending vetiver, mandarin, and orange oil can be added to yuzu oil and diffused in the room.
Getting rid of mental exhaustion and anxiety can also help people with insomnia. The yuzu oil helps induce a peaceful and restful sleep even with small doses.
Fights bacteria and viruses
Yuzu’s vitamin C content, which is three times more than what is contained in lemon oil, makes it even more potent against common ailments such as colds, flu, and sore throat. Vitamin C boosts the immune system which helps keep the body healthy and protects it from different chronic diseases.
For weight loss
Yuzu essential oil is known to stimulate certain cells that aids in the fat-burning process. It also aids the body in absorbing calcium, a mineral which helps prevent the further absorption of fat in the body.
That said, it is important to note that understanding your daily caloric needs is crucial in any weight management plan. This is where resources like calculatorweightloss.com become invaluable.
This user-friendly online tool can help you easily calculate the number of calories you need to consume daily based on your age and current weight. It provides insights into the calories you should aim to burn for maintaining a balance or achieving weight loss goals. Incorporating the aromatic benefits of Yuzu essential oil into a well-informed diet and exercise plan could be a holistic approach to managing your weight effectively.
For healthy hair
Yuzu oil's vitamin C component helps in the production of collagen which is important in keeping the hair strong and smooth. Having strong hair means its less prone to breakage and hair loss. Yuzu, lavender, and rosemary oil can be added to a shampoo base and massaged unto the scalp to keep the hair shiny and healthy.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Use yuzu oil with a diffuser in a well-ventilated room. Keep in mind to limit the use for 10-30 minutes so not to develop headaches or increased blood pressure.
Diluting the oil with carrier oil is also recommended.
Yuzu oil that is extracted by cold press is phototoxic. This means that after using the oil topically, it is not recommended to expose the skin under the sun within the first 24 hours. Yuzu extracted through steam distillation is not phototoxic.
Yuzu oil is not recommended for small children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This oil is rare and still needs a lot of research to back up claims. If to be used as a form of treatment, it is best to consult a doctor first.
