Orange essential oil has a warm and fresh citrus aroma, with a zesty and refreshing character. Orange Essential Oil is good for awakening creativity. It can instill a more positive attitude, and promoting courage and self-assurance.
Essential oil of orange is produced by cold-pressing the fruit peels although steam-distillation may also be used but it is not a common method.
Use of Orange Essential Oil for the Body
Orange essential oil is used for many digestive problems: flatulence, constipation and slow digestion. It is sometimes used for colds and the flu, and it is a good nerve tonic.
Orange essential oil has a rejuvenating effect on mature skin and can be added to skin care preparations for oily skin. It can also be included in mouthwash to treat gingivitis and halitosis.
Use of Orange Essential Oil for the Mind
Orange essential oil has a beneficial uplifting effect on the mind and the emotions. It is one of the best essential oils to treat depression, winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As a nerve tonic it can be used for stress relief and its sedative properties can help with insomnia.
Orange Essential Oil Relieves Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress Caused By:
- Tension
- Irritability
- Past trauma and emotional wounds
- Mental exhaustion
Orange in Ancient History
Orange trees are native to China, and Chinese texts mention sweet oranges in the 3rd century BC. Dried orange peel treated colds, coughs and digestive problems in traditional Chinese medicine.
Orange Oil in Modern History
The Arab traders introduced oranges to the Mediterranean region during the first century. The cultivation of orange trees did not start until the 8th century AD when the Moors introduced oranges to Spain.
In the 15th century Portuguese traders returning from China brought oranges to Europe. The Romans used orange flower water to treat indigestion and hangovers in Rome.
Oranges or essential oil of orange were not used medicinally in Europe until in the 17th century as the fruits were rare and expensive. In France they were called pommes d’orange and given as Christmas and New Year gifts.
In Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gabriel Mojay writes:
“The therapeutic value of the orange was first recognized in Ancient China, where the dried peel has for centuries been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Although both ripe and unripe fruits are used, it is the rind of the unripe bitter orange (zhi shi) which is of greatest value medicinally”
Mojay also states that in 18th century Europe…
“oranges gained a reputation for alleviating nervous disorders, heart problems, colic, asthma, and melancholy.”
Orange Essential Oil Cautions:
All citrus essential oils should always be blended well with carrier oils to avoid skin irritation. Bitter orange oil is photo-sensitizing. Like all citrus oils, orange essential oil does not keep well. Once the bottle is opened, the oil can oxidize fast.
It is recommended to buy orange essential oil in small quantities and store them in dark bottles away from sunlight.
