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"Orange is imbued with the energy of the sunlight and the radiance of the stars," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. The emotional benefits of orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) are to encourage joy, upliftment, lightheartedness, regeneration, creativity, positivity, and self-confidence.
You will also hear this oil called sweet orange because it's made from fruit of the sweet orange tree. Other essential oils are produced from the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) tree.
Plant family: Rutaceae
Production: Most orange oil is cold pressed (expressed) from orange peels. Although it's possible to steam distill the peels, you'll find few distilled orange oils for sale.
Aroma: Fresh, sweet, citrus, fruity.
Perfume/Aromatic note: Top
Is orange safe to use during pregnancy? Yes, according to IFPA Pregnancy Guidelines.
Is orange essential oil safe for children? Yes.
Cautions: Distilled orange oil may cause photosensitivity but the cold-pressed oil is generally believed not phototoxic — though some sources don't make that distinction. Oxidized orange oil may cause skin sensitization. Store the oil in a tightly closed bottle a cool, dark place (refrigeration OK) to prevent oxidation.
Main components: (+)-Limonene is the key constituent. It makes up about 83% to 96% of orange essential oil, depending on the geographic location of where the oranges are grown, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Other components include beta-myrcenealpha-pinene.
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: Orange may help relieve flu, colds, congested lymph, indigestion, and high blood pressure. Useful for oily skin and hair and relieving acne. Counters depression, anxiety, hysteria, shock, and nervous tension.
Aromatherapy for Dummies: Orange may repel ants and flies and help relieve anxiety and depression.
The Heart of Aromatherapy: Use sweet orange to support the respiratory system, sooth allergies, clear mucous and congestion, calm inflammation, support digestion, ease nausea, make natural cleaning blends, and feel relaxed, restored, and uplifted.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Orange may help relieve constipation, intestinal spasms, fluid retention, cellulite, insomnia, depression, anxiety, tension, and stress-related conditions.
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use orange for dull and oily complexion, mouth ulcers, fat loss, water retention, respiratory support, constipation, indigestion, digestive spasms, colds, flu, nervous tension, and stress-related conditions.
Aromatherapy For Healing the Spirit: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, orange unblocks and circulates stagnant Qi-energy, especially in the Liver, Stomach, and intestines. This makes the oil one of the best for the digestive system. The oil also relieves tension and frustration and promotes joy and positivity.
Subtle Aromatherapy: Orange nourishes the soul, feeding it with feelings of joy.
The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Orange oil brings you spiritual fortitude and self-confidence, letting you develop your spiritual gifts. Mentally, the oil helps you focus and think clearly. Emotionally, the essential oil brings joy and also creates a sense of calm and relaxation.
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Orange uplifts, brings in joy and positivity, and clears and cleanses. The oil is especially useful for the second chakra to promote joy and positivity in relationships.
Here are some aromatherapy diffuser blends:
Positive Mind Mist
Add ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Or make the essential oil blend (without the water) and use it in a diffuser.
Source: Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques
Orange Clove Room Spray
Add the water and essential oils to a 1-ounce (30 ml) glass spray bottle. Cap. Shake well. Spritz the blend around the room.
Shake before each use and use within a few weeks. Source: Aromahead Newsletter
Use this blend after a big meal or when feeling digestive discomfort.
To use: Massage a little belly butter into your abdomen and low back. Adapted from Aromahead
Orange makes a good addition to essential oil cleaning blends.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
Use on non-delicate surfaces. Shake well before each use.
Clove-Orange Oven Cleaner
Adapted from An Aromatic Life
I recommend orange essential oil from Young Living.
Photo Credit: 123rf.com