The warm aroma of orange essential oil lifts the mood, gives us more joy in life, has a calming and harmonizing effect. Orange is considered a calming companion for fears, stress, inner restlessness or sleep disorders. The sweet, gentle scent caresses the senses and gives us inner peace.

When we peel an orange, small sprays of its peel fill the room with an incredibly sweet and pleasant aroma. This is the essential oil of orange, which is obtained by cold pressing the rind of the fruit.

Orange oil, most commonly called sweet orange essential oil, is extracted from the fruit of the Citrus sinensis plant . There is also bitter orange, whose essential oil is extracted from the fruit of Citrus aurantium.

The exact origin of the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is unknown, as it does not grow wild anywhere in the world. However, botanists believe that it is a natural hybrid of the pomelo (C. maxima) and the mandarin (C. reticulata) and that it originated in southwestern China and the Himalayas.

In many languages, the orange is known as the "Chinese apple" and like all citrus fruits it comes from China, where it is used in traditional medicine. Orange trees grow up to 10 meters tall and can be divided into four main categories: sweet, bitter, seedless and blood oranges.

Orange essential oil has a variety of uses and benefits:

Improves mood and reduces stress
Gives energy and a positive attitude
Disinfects the air in the room
Strengthens the immune system and promotes digestion
It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Tightens and purifies the skin
Reduces pain and inflammation
Relieves stomach disorders
Used as a natural household cleaner
Gives a pleasant aroma to rooms, perfumes and cosmetic products
Adds a subtle aroma to various foods and drinks

Health benefits of orange essential oil

It has antimicrobial properties

A 2012 study by the Center for Food Safety and the Department of Food Sciences at the University of Arkansas examined the effects of orange essential oil on antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). The finding showed that when low concentrations of orange essential oil were added to infected human cells, the oil killed the bacteria without harming healthy cells.

Orange essential oil may also prevent the growth of fungi that cause food spoilage. A 2018 study found that orange oil provided some protection against four types of fungal strains.

Relieves anxiety, symptoms of depression and fatigue

Orange essential oil creates a feeling of happiness, calmness, and has an uplifting and energizing effect on the mood – ideal for people who suffer from stress or long-term anxiety. Aromatherapy with orange essential oil has been shown to reduce heart rate and stress hormone levels, including in children.

As a kitchen cleaner

Orange essential oil has a sweet citrus scent that fills the kitchen with cleanliness and freshness. It is great for cleaning countertops, cutting boards, or kitchen appliances without the need for harsh chemicals.

Mix a few drops in a spray bottle with water, and you can also add other essential oils like lemon and bergamot to create your own natural cleaner.

Orange essential oil is truly versatile and blends well with almost any other essential oil. Here are some great oils to pair it with: cinnamon , allspice, anise, basil , bergamot , sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium , ginger, sandalwood, jasmine, and clove essential oils .

Here are some methods to safely use orange oil at home:

Fragrant: You can diffuse the oil at home using an aroma diffuser or inhale it directly.
Local: Before applying orange oil to your skin, it should be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Once you are sure that you do not have a sensitivity to the oil, you can add a few drops to your body lotion or cream.

MASSAGE OIL FOR DETOX

50 ml organic jojoba oil,
10 drops organic orange essential oil,
5 drops ginger essential oil,
5 drops organic lemon essential oil

Add the essential oils to the jojoba oil, close and shake well. Warm the massage oil between your palms and massage gently into the skin.

Safety Tip: After topical application, avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours, as orange oil exhibits phototoxic activity. This means it increases sensitivity to UV rays and may cause redness or pigmentation.

Conclusion

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a basis for prevention or treatment! The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) does not recommend that essential oils be taken internally unless the application is under the supervision of a physician qualified in clinical aromatherapy! Like medications, essential oils should be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and carefully follow the instructions listed on the packaging of the products you purchase.