Essential oils are concentrated oils that are derived from plants. Several types of oils are produced from citrus species, including oranges, lemon, and grapefruit.
Orange essential oil is extracted from the rind of the sweet orange, Citrus sinensis. This is done by a method called cold pressing, which uses pressure to squeeze the oils from the rind. Sometimes, the leaves and flowers from the orange plant can be used as well.
Research has shown that some essential oils may have specific health benefits.
What are the benefits of orange essential oil?
Orange oil has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes, including:
Antimicrobial activity
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Inhaling orange essential oil could help with pain
Anticancer and antioxidant activity
Exercise performance by an increase in lung function
Could promote weight loss
Have insecticidal properties by both contact and fumigation
Like many essential oils, researchers have been working to evaluate the potential health benefits of orange oil and its components.
How to use Orange essential oil?
Diffusion
Perhaps you’d like to raise your mood a little? Or maybe you’d like to add the refreshing scent of orange to a room? Diffusion can help you do that.
A diffuser allows an essential oil to evaporate, typically using heat. As evaporation occurs, the scent of the essential oil spreads throughout the room.
There are many types of diffusers you can buy, either online or at specialty stores that sell aromatherapy products. Each type of diffuser will have its own specific set of instructions. Be sure to carefully follow all product instructions when using your diffuser.
Spray
Do you want another way to add an orange scent to a space? Or maybe you’d like to use orange essential oil as a natural cleaner? You can make an orange oil spray by following these steps:
Add orange essential oil to water, preferably in a glass bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends using 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.
Although not necessary, adding a dispersing agent such as solubol to the solution can help the oil to better disperse through the water.
Shake the bottle well to mix the contents.
Spray as desired.
Massage oil
Are you looking to relieve pain or inflammation? Consider making your own massage oil infused with orange essential oil.
To do this, you’ll need to dilute the orange essential oil in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. The NAHA suggests using 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil to make a massage oil with a 3 percent solution.
Are there any side effects?
Any essential oil has the potential to cause a skin reaction when applied topically. If you’re concerned about a possible reaction, test a little bit of diluted orange essential oil on the inside of your elbow before using it on larger areas.
Avoid using an old or oxidized orange essential oil, which can cause dermal sensitization. This is a type of allergic reaction that may not be noticeable after one use, but it can cause severe reactions after you’ve used it a few times.
Some citrus essential oils are phototoxic. This means they can cause a painful skin reaction if you use them on your skin and then go out in the sun.
Orange essential oil has a low risk of phototoxicity, but you should still exercise caution if you plan on going outside after using it on your skin.
As with other essential oils, follow these safety precautions when using orange oil:
Don’t apply undiluted essential oil to your skin.
Keep the oil away from your eyes.
Store the oil out of reach of children and pets.
If you use the oil for aromatherapy, make sure that the space you’re in is ventilated well.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications, speak to your doctor before using orange essential oil.
The bottom line!
Orange essential oil can be used for a variety of applications that range from lifting mood and reducing stress to adding a fresh, citrusy aroma to a room.
Research has shown that orange essential oil may have several benefits. Some examples include antimicrobial activity, pain relief, and anticancer properties.
As with any essential oil, make sure to use Orange oil safely. Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns before using orange oil.