Insight Into The Multiple Uses Of Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil is also commonly referred to as sweet orange essential oil. This oil has been used traditionally for thousands of years for a multitude of health and wellness benefits. This sweet smelling oil is extracted from the sweet orange tree. The orange tree belongs to the citrus family and to this end, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and others are related. Some experts suggest that the sweet orange tree is native to China. The trees do not grow in the wild but have been propagated to suit many climates including tropical and subtropical areas. Therefore, you will find orange trees in every continent. These oranges have distinct characteristics based on their classification.
How Orange Oil is Extracted
Sweet orange oil is extracted from the peel or rind of a fresh orange fruit. This part holds potent fatty oil glands where the oil is extracted from. Deriving the oil starts by separating the rind from the fruit whereby the peels are ground, chopped or punctured to aid pressing. The most common and effective method of extracting this oil is through cold pressing. Heat is not used in the process; ensuring that vital ingredients and components are not destroyed. There are many methods of extraction including centrifugation. This is where orange juice and the oil are separated after the whole fruit is squeezed.
Chemical Components of Orange Essential Oil
Before looking at the many uses of sweet orange oil, it is important to understand the active chemical ingredients or components. The oil constituents include limonene, monoterpene hydrocarbons, alcohols and aldehydes. Below is a closer look at the elements and their benefits.
Linalool
This is a natural alcohol that is a sedative, analgesic, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant.
Geraniol
This is another alcohol that is an analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant.
Limonene
This chemical has been observed to be an appetite suppressant, detoxicant, digestive, stimulant and antioxidant.
Citronellol
This is an alcohol that is anti fungal, anti viral, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, anti convulsant, antimicrobial and sedative.
Monoterpene Hydrocarbons
β- Myrcene and α-Pinene are the constituents that fall under this category. The former is a well known anti inflammatory, anti biotic, sedative and analgesic. The latter is an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator.
Top Uses of Orange Essential Oil
From aromatherapy to deodorants and skincare, this oil has a wide variety of uses. Below is a general breakdown of how this citrusy oil can improve your health and wellness naturally.
1. Aromatherapy
Sweet orange essential oil aroma is uplifting and energizing. This fresh scent is no wonder a favorite when it comes to aromatherapy. The aroma is sedative to your senses and will leave you feeling relaxed. This mood lifting benefit makes it a favorite oil for anxiety and stress reduction. Diffusing just 6 drops in your space can transform your mind and leave you more alert. Tackle mental fatigue this way and enjoy digestive relief as well. If you are battling with nasal congestion, headache and even itchiness, inhaling this sweet oil will make a big difference. Just make sure to get high quality orange essential oil and a good diffuser to enjoy the full aromatherapy benefits.
2. Natural Skincare
The cosmetic uses of orange oil are endless; it has excellent components that leave your skin looking vibrant and radiant. If you suffer from conditions like eczema, acne, dark spots and aging skin, this oil is the perfect natural remedy. The oil is a potent moisturizer when added to a good carrier oil. You can use 2 drops of orange essential oil with 3 teaspoons of olive, coconut, jojoba or other carrier oil to create a winning moisturizer. Using this lotion on your skin will boost collagen, brighten your complexion and tackle most skin disorders mentioned. You can also choose to enhance the lotion further by adding frankincense essential oil and tea tree oil to provide healing benefits for skin. Other excellent blends that can transform your skincare are adding geranium or cinnamon essential oils to orange oil. Overall, you reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while promoting healthy looking beautiful skin.
3. Natural Haircare
The most common problems in hair and scalp care are dandruff, itchiness and overall dryness. Orange essential oil mixed with honey can tackle these issues effectively to your delight. The blend not only adds moisture to your hair and scalp; but it kills bacteria as well. The remedy does not stripe natural hair oils; maintaining your scalp’s pH. You can also use orange oil to make a healing shampoo as well. Adding a few drops of lemon to raw honey and 5 drops of orange oil makes for a natural shampoo that transforms your hair and scalp.
4. Pain Relief
A study conducted in 2017 featuring people dealing with bone fractures revealed that inhaling orange essential oil helped in dealing with pain. A group of people who did not use this essential oil reported more pain. Therefore, you can get natural relief if you are grappling with injuries of all kinds. According to studies, this oil is excellent for dealing with short-term pain.
5. Weight Loss
Recent studies done in 2019 revealed that orange essential oil can help you lose weight. Inhaling the oil can suppress your appetite leading to less consumption of calories. Adding this strategy to your weight loss plans can make a world of difference. The oil can also improve your exercise performance leading to enhanced weight loss.
Conclusion
There is no question that orange essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils for health and wellness. To enjoy the best results however, always dilute the oil before applying topically. Always keep essential oils away from the reach of children and pets. When pregnant and lactating, seek medical advice before using essential oils. When making blends at home, take time to see what works best with orange oil; take necessary precaution for safety and always use recommended doses only. Essential oil safety is critical to ensure proper use and the best outcome possible.
orange is my favorite!
Orange is a scent I’ve always loved & now know way more uses for it!
I use this in the bathroom
Good information.
I just love orange oil. It has to be in my top 2.
My sister’s favorite. She makes her own essential oil after carefully peeling and collecting orange peels
Good info
really good read!
great info, will be trying it out
I never knew an orange could help out with so much. But you had me at weight loss.
I had no idea orange oil could be used for pain relief. That is an awesome alternative to medication.
umm orange
So multifaceted! I had no idea it was so varied and am thrilled with the new insights.
wow, these oils have much more benefits than a few ones. that is an interesting article.
great info about the oils. i am very old already but this info is very new for me.
so good that there are oil based solutions to our everyday tasks, thanks for sharing the knowledge.
I still use orange peel oil to clean stuff, works wonder and smells even better.
another great article. will try these oils to clean a bit my body
This is good info to know
I can’t believe it has anti inflammatory, anti biotic, sedative and analgesic.
Interesting!
orange is my favorite citrus scent!!
I never knew that Orange Oil can assist in weight loss. Thank for the all this information!
Orange sounds good
Interesting information, thank you.
Essential oils help me breathe easy and especially with the cold dry winter air. Thanks for the info.
Smells so amazing
Thanks for the information
Going to try the recipe for natural haircare. Thanks for the info!
A terrific article.
I never knew there were so many beneficial effects of orange essential oil
I add sweet orange oil a mixture of other essential oils in spring water and make my own air freshener. Smells soooooooo good.
Thank you for the info, I’ve used orange essential oil for cleaning, but so many more uses
Love the orange essentials. Know I know why I love it so much!
Love using orange essential oil in a diffuser to bring a little sunshine into the house, especially in winter. It is amazing!
I love the scent or orange!
Thanks for sharing! Love it.
A new way to look at things
Quite versatile
I like orange essential oil and all the uses of it.
I love the smell of oranges!! Interesting to learn about the benefits!
Absolutely amazing
There are so many benefits to using essential oils. Great article!
I didn’t know orange oil had so many health benefits. I love the scent. It’s so refreshing.
Orange oil is also a good pest repellent that is safe for cats
Loved reading this. I’m so in love with orange essential oils!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Does wonders for my skin!
I would use for weight loss
I have always loved the citrus scents. Now I know why. Thanks!
Now we know.
Thanks for the info! Orange oil is very refreshing!
What a powerful oil. Thanks for the share
So informative! What a “miracle worker” this oil is, not to mention how fantastic it smells. Thank you, OA!
good to know
I love Orange Essential Oil! Thank you for these informations!
I love the scent of orange and have some essential oil which I use a lot.
Another great article with excellent tips. My wife is going to love this!
Interesting how a single oil can be beneficial for so many things, thanks for the information
Good information
🍊 Orange Blossom – An absolute favorite of mine 🤗
I love the smell of oranges ty for sharing
I have never had/used a orange essential oil and I have been missing out on some good things. I had no ideal that it did all of this.and if it only handled nasal congestion it would be a winner!!!
Orange essential oil is very stimulating, I really like the smell 🙂
I never knew that it had so many health benefits. Thank you for all the information
wow i learned alot
I love orange and lemon essential oils. I use them all the time. It really lifts my mood.