Yuzu essential oil – what mysterious properties does it hold?

Yuzu essential oil is an extract produced from the peel of citrus fruits originating in China. Due to its valuable health properties, this plant has found applications in both cooking, and aromatherapy. The fruit has quickly become popular worldwide, and the oil produced from it is particularly in high demand.

What is yuzu and where does it come from?

Yuzu is an unusual fruit native to South-East Asia. It was brought to Japan and Korea from China during the Tang dynasty. Nowadays, the plant is cultivated not only throughout East Asia, but also in the United States. Yuzu is a cross between a sour mandarin and the Ichang papeda citrus . It is yellow-green in colour depending on its ripeness, has a hard skin and grows to a size of 5.5 to 7.5 cm. In appearance, it resembles a cross between a lime, a mandarin and a grapefruit, and its flavour is tart and sour. It also has an intense and refreshing aroma. The yuzu tree (Citrus junos) is quite short, reaching only about 180 cm, and is covered in numerous thorns. It has impressive leaves and wonderfully fragrant flowers, which are used in the production of various cosmetics, and especially perfumes. The fruit, produced by this tree, is a source of many substances beneficial to the human body.

Yuzu essential oil - the secrets of extracting the natural fragrance

Yuzu essential oil is extracted from the yellow and green peel of freshly harvested Citrus junos, typically grown in Japanese orchards. It is produced by pressing, vacuum distillation, steam distillation, and CO2 extraction. The essential oil from the peel of this fruit can be a colourless liquid or range in colour from orange to light brown. It has a strong, sweet, citrusy scent and is not soluble in water.

What are the health benefits of Yuzu oil?

Yuzu oil has a distinctive citrus scent, which is a blend of green mandarin and grapefruit. It is often used in aromatherapy and to support respiratory health. It can be blended with other essential oils. Its scent is refreshing and has many therapeutic properties, making it ideal for aromatherapy in a dry sauna. It is also an excellent ingredient in skincare products, as it helps maintain a youthful appearance. It also has a beneficial effect on mental well-being, reducing tension and stress. However, these are not all of its valuable properties.

• Yuzu essential oil for a beautiful appearance

The essential oil from this Asian fruit has refreshing and anti-ageing properties. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. This preparation helps to reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (), and also boosts collagen synthesis. As we know, collagen is an extremely important substance for maintaining a youthful appearance of the skin. Yuzu increases the elasticity and firmness of the epidermis, and also eliminates fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it has a toning and brightening effect on the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.

• Yuzu essential oil for well-being

Essential oils are a great way to improve your mood. Research into Yuzu oil and its effect on mental well-being has shown, that it is capable of improving mood. This is achieved by working with the brain to produce feel-good hormones (, such as serotonin), or by counteracting the rapid breakdown of this hormone. As a result, the body experiences a more focused and positive mood for a longer period of time.

• Yuzu essential oil for combating stress

Severe stress leads to many symptoms, such as high blood pressure, lack of concentration, rapid breathing. Scientists have proven, that Yuzu essential oil helps combat stress, by lowering levels of cortisol (, the stress hormone). As a result, it helps regulate blood pressure, lowers the heart rate, and improves mental clarity.

• Yuzu essential oil reduces the symptoms of asthma

Asthma is a serious condition, as it carries the risk of acute pneumonia and respiratory tract inflammation. It significantly impairs normal breathing and is a hindrance in daily life. Yuzu essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and is therefore able to reduce bronchial inflammation during an asthma attack, significantly improving lung function.

• Yuzu essential oil reduces pain

It has been found, that essential oils, such as Yuzu are able to block pain signals travelling along the nerves to the brain. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory substances reduce the body’s natural response to injury, thereby reducing pain and the time required for healing.

• Yuzu oils for a healthy heart

Due to its potassium content, Yuzu has an excellent effect on the circulatory system. It regulates heart function, and helps prevent heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Furthermore, it regulates cholesterol levels, and also plays a role in the processes responsible for blood clotting.

Other properties of Yuzu oil:

• relieves stomach cramps,
• helps combat colds and flu,
• invigorates the body and calms the mind,
• has strong antibacterial properties,
• helps combat cellulite,
• evens out skin tone.

Uses of yuzu oil

Yuzu oil has a wide range of uses. It can be used in various ways in aromatherapy, either by adding it to a diffuser or as an ingredient in cosmetics. If you wish to relax, you can add it to an inhalation blend. This oil derived from the Asian fruit is also frequently chosen for body massage – simply mix 6 drops of the oil with 30 ml of carrier oil, then apply the mixture topically (to the chest area, temples, and wrists). The oil can also be used in a bath, – simply add 10–15 drops to the bath. It is also suitable for use in dry saunas. Yuzu essential oil can be combined with other oils, such as:

• lemon essential oil,
• lime oil,
• orange oil,
• grapefruit oil,
• mandarin oil.

Interesting facts about Yuzu

In Japan, Yuzu was traditionally used in hot yuzu baths (or yuzuyu), which were intended to combat colds, improve circulation and soften the skin. Whole fruits, or those placed in bags beforehand, were thrown into a tub of hot water, to release their soothing scent and medicinal properties. This is a tradition, that is still frequently practised.
Interestingly,, yuzu contains more vitamin C, than the lemon, which is popular here! So consuming it can naturally boost our body’s resistance to infections. The fruit is a great ingredient in dishes, as well as an addition to tea, especially in autumn and winter, when the risk of falling ill is highest.
Fresh yuzu fruit must always be firm and hard, whilst its skin should not have any discolouration on its surface.