Yuzu Essential Oil Profile

The first time I encountered this remarkable fruit was in 1996 whilst lecturing in Japan, and I was immediately intrigued by its distinctive, refreshing fragrance and reputation in folk medicine. The peel of this fruit produces a delightful citrus fragrance with a faint floral overtone which is unique and quite difficult to describe.

Learning more about this fruit became a bit of an obsession, and I resolved to track down a grower and better yet, a distillery, on my next visit to Japan. It actually took 3 more trips before I was successful in my quest, and eventually Sue and I flew from Japan to the nearby island of Shikoku to visit a distillery and meet the growers. The visit was a nightmare to arrange but it was well worth the effort, and this essential oil now holds a special place in our hearts.

Origin of yuzu

Although Citrus junos grows wild in Tibet and Korea, it is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan for cultivation around the 10th century. Due to its popularity there, it is cultivated on a grand commercial scale especially in Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku, where large yuzu groves can be found.

Curiously, these other countries do not appear to produce the essential oil in very large commercial quantities, and despite many attempts I have been unable to locate producers of yuzu oil who are interested in exporting the oil. This is a pity, since it would be fascinating to compare the oils produced from the different origins.

Physical description

From the Rutaceae family, Citrus junos bears a physical resemblance to the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara), reaching a height of approximately 4 metres (13ft). It has a rounded top of deep green, smooth, oval shaped leaves and attractive white flowers which bloom in early autumn.

In Shikoku during the late autumn, the small fruits ripen from dark green to a yellow-golden colour, and begin to resemble oranges which measure about 7.0 cm (2¾ inches) in diameter. The peel is much less smooth than that of an orange, often having a more pitted and bumpy appearance. Interestingly, yuzu is one of the most cold resistant citrus fruits.

Traditional and modern uses

Traditionally, the fruits were used in a hot bath on the day of the winter solstice (Toji) to ward off a range of winter ills, such as colds and flu. To make a ‘Yuzu yu’ (Yuzu bath), the whole fruits or just the peel are added to the hot bathtub, and a nice long relaxing soak would bring about a feeling of wellbeing.

Of course, yuzu baths can be enjoyed at anytime for other conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains. When used this way, the essential oil released from the fruit produces a tonic effect that stimulates the circulatory system and digestive system.

Both the fruit-juice and the rind of yuzu are extremely popular as flavouring agents in Japan, imparting an absolutely delicious, lemon-fruity and floral tang wherever it is employed. It is used to make a refreshing lemonade-type beverage, blended in salad dressings, made into marmalade and is even employed in ice-cream (my favourite!). In fact there seems to be no end of ways the Japanese have found to utilise the rind of this delicious fruit!

Extraction and aromatherapy uses

The essential oil is extracted by cold expression of the rind, producing a pale yellow essential oil with an exquisite citrus aroma somewhere between grapefruit and mandarin, with subtle overtones of bergamot and lime. It has a very dry, tangy quality whilst producing an almost floral note that is very appealing.

Used in aromatherapy, we have found that yuzu oil is very similar in action to bergamot, having a refreshing and uplifting effect on the body whilst calming the mind. Also in common with bergamot, this oil has a powerful anti-bacterial action which makes it effective against colds and flu, which would account for its success and popularity in Japanese folk medicine.

It excels when used with cases of anxiety, stress, burn-out and nervous tension, where it imparts a stabilising, strengthening and energising effect in the traditional holistic way. Yuzu also brings relief to frustration, regret and depressive states, helping to dispel these negative emotions and bring focus to the mind.

For those who suffer from grief or a lack of confidence this oil instils strength and courage, especially when blended with jasmine. In my experience, yuzu is an oil that helps to facilitate change, on both an emotional and spiritual level.

As you might expect, yuzu blends easily with all citrus oils, although to do so simply dilutes its unique fragrance. Try blending it instead with basil, benzoin, clary sage, chamomile Roman, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose (absolute & otto), sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang.

I find yuzu a very intriguing and rewarding oil to use, and hope that more will soon be discovered about its therapeutic properties. After a long and stressful day, I find it really gives a powerful boost to both mind and body and would not want to be without it.

Try Yuzu Essential Oil yourself, and see if you agree it is a truly fascinating citrus oil.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2004