Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines have powerful, health-promoting properties.
They can also be incorporated into a nature-focused spiritual practice, symbolizing cleansing, renewal, healing, and the energy of the sun.
Health Benefits Of Citrus Fruits
Oranges are high in vitamin C, and a good source of plant-base calcium and dietary fiber.
Oranges have been shown to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin C and fiber in oranges are associated with reduced risk of colon cancer.
Lemons are high in antioxidants and may have anti-cancer properties. There is some research suggesting that limonoids may also play a role in lowering cholesterol.
Lime are high in antioxidants and have anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids in limes have been shown to stop cancer cell division as well as having antibiotic properties. Limes have have been used to help prevent Cholera outbreaks in west Africa (more).
Spiritual & Magickal Properties of Citrus Fruits
In general, citrus fruits symbolize cleansing and purification.
Oranges and lemons, in particular, represent joy, happiness, and the abundance energy of the sun (think summer light and warmth!)
Here are some keywords for each of the main types of citrus fruits:
Orange: Joy, happiness, purification, money, luck.
Lemon: Longevity, happiness, refreshment/rejuvenation, purification, money, physical energy.
Lime: Protection, purification.
Grapefruit: Purification.
Tangerine: Purification, magickal energy.
Citrus Correspondences
Sabbats/Seasons: While citrus fruits are typically in season during the fall and winter months, I find them representative of both summer and winter solstices (Litha and Yule).
Element: Water, fire.
Crystals/Stones: Orange calcite, tangerine quartz, orange aventurine, green aventurine, sunstone, goldstone.
Candle Colors: Orange, yellow, green, white.
Using Citrus In Rituals & Recipes
You can use citrus in so many ways to enhance a nature-focused spiritual practice.
- Hang dried orange slices on your Yule or Christmas tree.
- Decorate your Yule and Litha altars with fresh oranges or lemons.
- Incorporate a lime into a prosperity altar with green aventurine, citrine, and other symbols of luck and financial abundance.
- Diffuse orange, tangerine, lemon, lime, bergamot, or grapefruit essential oils to scent your space with the uplifting fragrance of citrus. Citrus essential oils can help alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Incorporate citrus into recipes, or drink a small glass of orange juice or homemade lemonade.
Citrus Recipes
One way I connect with citrus fruit is by blending them into delicious green smoothies.
I don’t just make green smoothies for the health benefits. I incorporate green smoothies into my spiritual self-care routine every morning.
I blend oranges in my green smoothie when I want to lift my spirits – especially during the cold, dark winter months.
I also incorporate citrus fruits like oranges and lemons when I am working on increasing abundance in my life.
All citrus fruits are great for cleansing body, mind, and spirit.
Here are a few of my favorite citrus smoothie recipes:
1) Orange-Grapefruit Green Smoothie
- 1 small banana, peeled
- 1/2 orange, peeled and deseeded
- 1/2 grapefruit, peeled and deseeded
- 2 small handfuls of baby spinach
- 4 ounces of almond milk
2) Orange-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
- 1 orange
- 1/2 cup whole strawberries
- 1 banana, peeled
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 1/2 cup water if needed
3) Orange-Papaya Smoothie
- 1 orange
- 1 cup papaya, cubed
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 1/2 cup water if needed
4) Creamy Lemon-Banana Smoothie
- 1 lemon wedge, peeled
- 1 banana
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 1/2 cup water
5) Strawberry-Lemonade Smoothie
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon wedge, peeled
- 4 large strawberries
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup water
6) Tangerine-Coconut Smoothie
- 2 tangerines, peeled and deseeded
- 1 young green or Thai coconut (meat)
- 1 banana (or 2 cups papaya, cubed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
- 4-6 ounces of coconut water or coconut milk