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Traditional Use of Yuzu

Yuzu is an integral part of the Japanese culture.  Interestingly, not eaten as a fruit it but is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine (sort of how lemons are used by us...although I eat lemons)  Yuzu's flavor is tart and fragrant. It is a widely used ingredient in ponzu sauce and also used to make vinegar. Yuzu is used to make alcohol, marmalade, deserts , syrups and spicy sauces.

Botany

The Yuzu tree originates and grows  wild in central China and Tibet. It was introduced to Japan and Korea during the Tang dynasty, back inthe day.  It is a slow grow taking as long as 10 years before it will bear fruit. The Yuzu tree is uniques as a citrus tree as it is frost-hardy, and can be grown in regions with winters as low as −9 °C (15 °F)!   

Energetics and Chakras

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Yuzu

Yuzu essential oil has many esoteric strengths.   It is uplifting and balancing for the psyche.  It assists in helping one to gain a "more" expansive view of situations and life events.  Yuzu also provides protection against negativity and ill intended energies.  She can help you stand your ground and withstand a realm of tough situations.  I find this oil to be wonderful combined with frankincense in meditation and also with Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) and Laurel leaf (Laurus nobilis) for courage and trauma. 

Traditional Folklore

Yuzu has been around a long long time.  Back in the day, in the 18th century or so, the Japanese people used the fruit in ceremony.  It was the Yuzu Bath Ceremony in honor of the Winter Solstice, The yuzu bath ws knoown as  as yuzuyu. The fruit was tossed into the Japanese hot springs (sometimes wrapped in cloth and sometimes cut in half) so the fragrance and medicinal aspects held within peel could be released. It was believed that this would offer protection against illness, improve circulation, invigorate the system and calm the psyche. 

Therapeutic Benefits of Yuzu

Aroma-Chemistry of Yuzu

Like other citrus essential oils Yuzu is a monoterpene rich essntila oil with a high percentage of d-limonene. 

D-Limonene is a terpene (C10H16)  from the monoterpene chemical family and is found in very high percentages in citrus essential oils.  Limonene may be one of the most researched chemical components found in essential oils. 

• Limonene has been found to have antioxidant properties.  This allows it to counteract the effects of free radicals, which affect DNA mutations and are cancer causing. As an antioxidant, limonene can prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of cancer.  Limonene builds up in the tissues, which is a good thing.
• Limonene is a boost to the immune system.  In studies with rats, limonene was proven to produce more antibodies when exposed to foreign antigens. It also has been shown to fight bacteria and reduce allergic reactions.
• Limonene is effective as a minor pain reliever.  Limonene reduced widespread pain in the bones and muscles of mice.
• Limonene may reduce depression, stress, and anxiety as well as inflamation. D-Limonene is a selective activator of the adenosine A(2A) receptor on cell membranes. These receptors are vital for nervous system function. The lack of their activation is associated with anxiety, insomnia, and impaired dopamine transmission (addictive tendencies and lack of motivation). A lack of activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors on immune cells results in a hyperimmune response (allergic reactions). 
• Limonene is a skin penetration enhancer.  It does this by disrupting the cells of the horny layer of the skin, so when it is included in any skin formulation, the formula will be absorbed into the dermis faster and easier.
• It is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Very helpful in treating arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia
• Limonene was found to dissolve gallstones in a recent study. It activates several of the Phase I and Phase II liver detox enzymes responsible for clearing toxins. The terpenes of d-Limonene literally dissolve fat sludge.  Think of it as an internal degreaser!
• Limonene is also an anti-proliferative --- aka kills cancer cells

So, you can see how orange is a powerfully medicinal oil for the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental bodies.  The Citrus oils can contain anywhere between  66 and 95 percent d limonene!

Aroma of Yuzu

Blends Well With...

Safety Information for Yuzu

May cause skin irritation due to the high monoterpene content if you tend to have sensitive skin.   Use in low dilutions 1 to 2 percent when applying to the skin.  Oils that are oxidized magnify the potential for skin irritation.

References

• Hirota R, Roger NN, Nakamura H, Song HS, Sawamura M, Suganuma N. Anti-inflammatory effects of limonene from yuzu (Citrus junos Tanaka) essential oil on eosinophils. J Food Sci. 2010;75(3):H87-H92. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01541.x
• Matsumoto T, Kimura T, Hayashi T. Aromatic effects of a Japanese citrus fruit-yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka)-on psychoemotional states and autonomic nervous system activity during the menstrual cycle: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover study. Biopsychosoc Med. 2016;10:11. Published 2016 Apr 21. doi:10.1186/s13030-016-0063-7
• Matsumoto T, Kimura T, Hayashi T. Does Japanese Citrus Fruit Yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka) Fragrance Have Lavender-Like Therapeutic Effects That Alleviate Premenstrual Emotional Symptoms? A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(6):461-470. doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0328
• Matsumoto T, Asakura H, Hayashi T. Effects of olfactory stimulation from the fragrance of the Japanese citrus fruit yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka) on mood states and salivary chromogranin A as an endocrinologic stress marker. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(6):500-506. doi:10.1089/acm.2013.0425
• Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.