Wild Orange

Some essential oils have a tint to them, like wild orange. I wouldn't put it on my pillow like I do lavender, because it will stain the sheets. Wild orange is my four-year old's favorite. One Sunday, while we were at church, she was feeling a little whiny and tired. Trying to keep her calm and focused, I pulled the bottle of wild orange out of my purse, took off the cap, and waved it around her nose. Immediately she took it from me and started placing drops in her hands and smelling it. Her mood changed instantly, as if I had given her some candy. She wouldn't put the bottle down. She happened to be wearing a white dress that day, so I told her, "Be careful- it can stain your dress, and we won't be able to get it out," to which she replied, "But it will smell good!" (I got smart and filled a tiny sample roll-on vial with it so she could have her own and the oil wouldn't come out as quickly.)

The science of aromatherapy is nothing new. A certain scent can take you back to a specific time/place/memory in an instant. The smell of citrus is sweet and light, causing an uplifting effect. It doesn't take long for the aroma to put you in a better mood. For that reason, it is effective in helping to relieve stress. Simply place a drop in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup them over your nose, and breathe in. We also like to pair it with peppermint in the diffuser to aid in focus.

Wild orange is also used in a protective blend with clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. This blend has been my go-to lately, since we have been traveling. Everyone wants to feel their best self, especially when traveling, but switching climates, being exposed to different pollen/microbes and simply getting out of the normal routine can often have a negative effect on your body. I used this blend every night with my children on our last trip, and it was a life-saver. I could tell their little bodies needed a bit of an immunity boost, and the oil supported them well. What I loved most was that at the end of the trip, I was feeling better too! When you use essential oils to help others, you cannot help but be blessed from their healing power yourself.

What's YOUR favorite essential oil, and why?