Orange

Species name: Citrus sinensis

Also known as: Orange essential oil, Portugal orange, China orange, sweet orange

This essential oil comes from tropical, fruit bearing, evergreen trees that are native to China. The orange tree is one of the most cultivated trees being very popular in America.

Orange oil is extracted from the orange peel via a cold-press method.

Sweet orange oil has a fresh, crisp smell. It is yellow to orange in hue. It is thin and water-like in texture. The shelf life, like most other citrus oil, is approximately six months.  

The oil is commonly found as a flavoring in foods, beverages, liqueurs, candy and chocolates.

Home Remedies using Orange Essential Oil

In vapor therapy orange oil can be used in a diffuser, simmer pot, or steam bath.

Sweet orange oil can be used in a blended massage oil or can be added to a warm bath to help ease tension. It can work with cinnamon, ginger and clove essential oils.

A few drops of sweet orange oil can be used in a cream or lotion base for skin health.

Benefits of Orange Essential Oil

The scent of this essential oil is often used to diffuse a smoke filled room and as a spritzer after cleaning. Added to furniture polish, it protects against insect damage.

Sweet orange essential oil is used in aromatherapy to invigorate. It is a sunny and radiant oil, bringing happiness and warmth to the mind helping people to relax and helping children to sleep at night. It is useful in cases of nervous tension and stress.

Sweet orange essential oil is thought of as a heart tonic with the ability to relieve fear and calm the pulse and tension on the heart.

It calms digestive problems, eliminates toxins and stimulates the body’s filtration systems. It promotes the glandular secretion of bile that helps the digestive tract. It can help with constipation, cramps, dyspepsia, indigestion and can be used as a general digestive tonic

It is a good diuretic and is most useful in balancing water retention helping with issues of obesity.

Orange oil can be used effectively for colds and flu. Because it eliminates toxins from the body it can help flush out the system and combat infections. Its lymphatic stimulant action further helps to balance water processes helping with detoxification, aiding the immune system and strengthening general well-being.

It also helps the body to form collagen, which is beneficial for good skin condition, and can be found as an ingredient in lotions, sprays and creams.

Side Effects of Orange Essential Oil

Sweet orange essential oil is not a toxin but does contain limonene which can dissolve skin oil and is what produces the scent. Although people do not normally develop sensitivities to this essential oil, caution must still be exercised.

Orange oil does have a photo toxic effect and should not be used prior to being in the sun.

Avoid use if pregnant or breast feeding.

Please consult with a doctor before using essential oils.