Aroma: Citrusy, fresh and sweet
Extraction method: Cold-pressed
Part used: Orange peel/rind
Main benefits:
Orange oil sparks feelings of warmth and happiness while helping to eliminate toxins and address common ailments, such as anxiety or skin issues.
The essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the sweet orange fruit. In aromatherapy, it is commonly used for its antidepressant and sedative properties. With its citrusy and fresh aroma, orange oil uplifts your spirits, while squeezing away any stress.
Orange oil can also work as a secret weapon against grease and dirt in the kitchen.
MAIN CONSTITUENTS
Limonene, linalool, myrceneand alpha-pinene
SWEET ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS
Orange is a top note used in many famous perfumes, including Eaud'OrangeVerte (Hermes) and Orange Soleia by Guerlain.
If you are looking for ideas on sweet orange oil blends, you may consider mixing orange oil with lime, tangerine, patchouli, sandalwood, cinnamon, frankincenseand lavender.
HISTORY OF ORANGE
The orange fruit is a hybrid between pomelo and mandarin. It is native to Southern China, Northeast India, and Myanmar. The earliest mention of the sweet orange comes from Chinese literature and dates back to 314 BC.
In Europe, the Moors introduced the orange to the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century but the orange became popular in the 15th and 16th centuries thanks to Italian and Portuguese merchants, who spread orange trees along the Mediterranean region and beyond.
A fun fact about orange history is that Louis the Great loved orange trees and built the grandest of all royal Orangeries at the Palace of Versailles. During that time, sweet orange was considered a luxury good and was reserved for the wealthy exclusively. It is said that when Louis condemned his finance minister in 1664, part of the confiscated treasures included over 1,000 orange trees.
Nowadays, the sweet orange is the number one citrus in the world, accounting for about 70% of the total citrus production. Brazil, Florida (USA), and China are the three largest producers of sweet oranges. The orange trees often reach 6 meters and they can bear abundantly from 50 to 80 years or even more. Tangy and sweet, orange is not just a refreshing juice.
Relieves anxiety
The sweet orange essential oil has been proven to be both uplifting and relaxing on an emotional level. Aromatherapists commonly use orange oil as a natural antidepressant, because it can efficiently reduce anxiety-related symptoms.
A study, including 20 female university students, examined the physiological effects of rose and orange oil after olfactory stimulation. Ultimately, the study reports an increase in "comfortable," "relaxed" and "natural" feelings among trial participants.
Lowers blood pressure
The Orange essential oil can help treat high blood pressure and generally improve blood flow. A study published in 2014 compared the effects of humans inhaling fresh air to inhaling orange essential oil. It turned out that the people who inhaled the orange oil experienced a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, a “feeling of relaxation” was reported with the group that inhaled sweet orange oil.
Treats blemishes and dull complexion
Orange essential oil can fight bacteria that cause skin breakouts and it can help reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne lesions. Furthermore, orange oil mixed with carrier oil can improve a dull complexion and restore your youthful look. It can also diminish hyperpigmentation but be careful as orange oil is photosensitive.
Encourages lymphatic drainage
Sweet orange oil may stimulate the lymphatic system and your liver, and remove toxins and waste from your body. Dilute 2 to 4 drops of orange oil with coconut oil and gently massage your body to stimulate the lymph system.
Good as an all-purpose natural household cleaner
The orange essential oil has a refreshing, citrus aroma and antibacterial properties. It can be a very potent natural home cleanser. You can mix it with other citrus oils and pure alcohol (or carrier oil) to clean countertops, cutting boards or appliances. You can also use orange oil to repel ants and other bugs from the kitchen area.
MEDICINAL USES OF SWEET ORANGE OIL
A study from 2012 including 28 volunteers proved that orange and sweet basil oils can be effective in treating acne. The 28 volunteers were divided into four groups and had to use four different formulations: (1) antibacterial solution made of essential oils, (2) keratolytic medication (3) essential oils mixed with acetic acid and (4) keratolytic medication with acetic acid. Eight weeks later, all groups reported an improvement in the acne condition, which ranged between 43% and 75% clearance of the acne lesions.
There is also evidence that orange oil can help treat chronic bronchitis and sinusitis. Together with Myrtol and eucalyptus oil, orange oil proved to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can be used to support respiratory health.
D-limonene, which comprises at least 90 percent of the orange peel oil, is a monoterpene that has strong chemo-preventive activity. It has been shown to reduce tumor growth in some animal studies. Study reports suggest that monoterpenes can block mammary, skin, liver, lung and stomach cancers.
As monoterpenes help induce apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death) and influence cancer growth-regulating proteins, orange oil and other citrus oils can be perhaps used in some cancer adjuvant therapies.
Orange essence terpenes all exhibited inhibitory activity against Salmonella spp. in a test executed in 2018. Together with other six citrus oils, orange oil showed the potential to be used as an all-natural antimicrobial agent in the food industry.
A randomized clinical trial from 2017 examined the effects of orange oil on patients admitted to a hospital for bone fractures. The researchers put four drops of orange oil on a pad and pinned it to the patients’ collars. The orange oil-infused pad was replaced by a new one each hour. Researchers concluded that inhaling orange oil can relieve pain and can be used as a complementary medicine in patients experiencing pain due to a bone fracture.
- Use in the bathtub for aromatherapy benefits
- Diffuse for emotional and mental benefits
- Massage, well diluted, for physical ailments
Healing properties:
- sedative
- antiseptic
- carminative
- choleretic (increases the bile secretion from the liver)
- astringents (remove excess oil from the skin)
SWEET ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL - PRECAUTIONS
You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after the topical application of orange oil.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Orange oil is a highly concentrated product and should only be used with extreme caution. Please note that all information is provided for informational purposes and we always recommend additional consultation with a specialist before usage, especially when used in childhood, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you suffer from chronic diseases! Citrus oils are photosensitive, so you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight at least 12 hours after topical usage.
Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, inner ear and other sensitive parts of the body! Keep out of reach of children.
Orange oil for skin lightening
This DIY face mask with orange oil can improve dull complexion and hydrate combination skin types. You need to mix:
Mix well and apply to a cleansed face. Leave for one hour and rinse well.
Orange-infused body oil
Use this orange-infused oil to rejuvenate and restore the body and stimulate blood and lymph flow.
Uplifting aroma blend with orange oil
The sweet orange essential oil has a refreshing aroma that helps boost energy levels and helps with anxiety. Try this aroma recipe:
Suitable for a 100ml diffuser.
Home-cleansing spray with orange oil
Use this easy DIY recipe to keep your home dirt and nasty odors free.
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