Orange Oil
What is it?
Orange oil is an essential oil extracted from the orange peel by cold-pressing methods. The botanical name for an orange is citrus sinensis, and the smell is both fresh and tangy. Orange is supposed to have originated in parts of Asia, but today it’s also found growing in many other parts of the world, like Florida and Spain.
Oranges, and orange oil, produce a joyful and happy aroma, and they're loved for this refreshing and invigorating smell. The smell, and the qualities of oranges and its essential oil, are both purifying and cleansing.
Orange essential oil has a sweet, bright aroma reminiscent of a blossoming orange tree orchard. Start your day with an uplifting burst of liquid sunshine by diffusing orange EO as you get ready in the morning. With just a few drops, you can fill any space with a sense of peace, harmony, and creativity. Orange is delightful on its own, or you can combine it with complementary oils such as Grapefruit, Patchouli, and/or Cinnamon.
This essential oil is used in aromatherapy to create the feeling of happiness and warmth, while calming nerves and digestive issues. It deals very well with colds and flu, eliminates toxins, and stimulates the lymphatic system; it also supports collagen formation in the skin. It’s quite the powerful essential oil, no doubt!
Precautions
While it is a safe, non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing oil, when mixed with sunlight, orange essential oil can lead to photosensitivity (i.e., sun allergy). Therefore, do not apply it before going out into the sun for prolonged periods of time. Other citrus oils (e.g., Lemon, Lime, etc.) have a similar effect when mixed with sunlight.
Fun Facts
The liquid that comes in packets inside orange-flavored soft drink concentrate is sometimes composed of this oil.
Orange oil is used in many Curacao type liqueurs, and for the flavoring of food, drink, and confectionery products.
When added to furniture polish, it helps protect against damage from insects.
Think about the last time you ate an orange—the scent alone is instantly uplifting and energizing. Sweet orange essential oil helps increase energy and mood, but also boasts a variety of other health benefits.
Benefits
boosts mood and energy levels
antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antibiotic
contains powerful antioxidants; reduces inflammation
skin refresher
home cleaner and disinfectant, air freshener
immune booster
anti-depressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative and tonic
EndorphinGirl™’s favorite use
Add a drop or two to your morning cup of tea with some honey and ginger for a daily boost of energy, or to soothe a sore throat. Or, dab a few drops behind your ears for an energy boost to get over the midday slump.
A final, but important note…
As with any essential oil, use according to your own needs. Because essential oils are extremely potent, it’s important to use them minimally, and to always test on a small area of skin before use. Dilute, dilute, dilute, when necessary! And finally, if you want to ingest the oil, make sure it is food grade quality. If you are using Young Living products, it will always be the 'white label’ bottle that has ‘Vitality’ on it.
Happy oiling!
[disclaimer: this blog is not a substitute for medical advice; consult with a doctor regarding any medical conditions you may have when beginning to use essential oils]