Originally from Southern China and Northern India, the orange tree was introduced to Italy in the 11th century (1). It was a bitter plant that was grown for mostly medicinal purposes. After the discovery of the fruit on the tree, the orange was quickly known for being an edible fruit. Oranges were such a hot commodity that the wealthy began to grow them in private conservatories, called orangeries (1). The discovery of more benefits and uses came shortly after.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil is extracted from the peel of the plant through a process called steam distillation. This process separates the aromatic compounds from the plant at a temperature that is lower than its decomposition point. This process is used on materials that are very sensitive to temperature.
The sweet, fresh aroma of Orange Oil makes it a favorite among the vast majority of people. It has a top perfumery and its thin consistency makes it the perfect oil to use, especially if you’re new to aromatherapy and essential oils, plus it’s also well-tolerated and loved by children which means the entire family can enjoy it.
1. Anti-depressant, mood booster
Dupped as the "sunshine in a bottle" oil, Orange oil is a well-known antidepressant and mood booster. It has been proven that diffusing this oil can uplift low, depressed moods. It works well when diffused to combat feelings of anxiety, nervousness, tension, uptightness, withdrawn, feeling down or winter blues. According to a study performed for biomedical research, diffusing the orange essential oil in a dental office reduced the levels of fear and anxiety found in child patients (2). The active components in the Orange oil can connect rapidly with the emotional center of the brain to uplift your mood. It works well when diffused to fight against nervousness, tension, or feeling withdrawn.
2. Energizant
We like to use this oil in the office whenever we need a quick burst of energy and have even discussed how helpful it can be during a workout or if you need more energy for your daily chores! Diffusing this oil while exercising will have you feeling like the energizer bunny and can keep going all day!
3. Lowers blood-pressure
Another great quality of this oil is its ability to lower blood pressure by acting as a mild sedative for hypertension. There is a flavone, called hesperidin, in the orange fruit that is most abundant in the peel. Being that the essential oils are extracted from the peel, there is a large amount of hesperidin in it. Hesperidin was proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol in animals (1).
4. Anti-inflammatory
Orange oil is also known to be anti-inflammatory “due to the presence of polymethoxyflavones as one of its compounds(1).” There was even a study conducted that proves the oil's ability to combat health conditions like arthritis. According to the International Research Journal of Pharmacy, orange oil contains important phytonutrients like zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin.
According to another study conducted, the rate of developing arthritis decreased by 52% after subjects have been exposed to those two phytonutrients found in the orange oil(1).
In addition to that, any extracts from the orange peel contain bioflavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (1).
5. Anti-oxidant
Orange oil active ingredient, limonene, is also known as a powerful immune booster and helps fight against tumor growth as well. As the oils is made out of the fruit's peel, it contains a high level of Vitamin C, which is necessary to maintain a healthy body Research has found the vitamin C to neutralize free radical molecules, which in excess can damage cells.
So you can use 1-2 drops in your daily tea or smoothie instead of buying some random vitamin C from the store brands, which could be sourced from questionable sources.
6. Anti-bacterial
Among several other essential oils, orange has shown the greatest reduction in infections. This is due to the antibacterial qualities that are present in Limonene, Linalool, and Myrcene, which are components found in this essential oil (1). There was a study conducted by the University of Arkansas, during which Dr. Steven Ricke tested the effects of orange essential oil on the MRSA bacteria and found that the oil inhibited microbial growth and disinfected wounds (3). This makes Orange Oil the perfect choice for this time of year!
7. Carminative agent
If you experience troublesome or painful excess gas try Sweet Orange oil for its natural carminative properties. Activate this essential oil’s power by diluting a few drops in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or almond oil and massaging it on the abdomen.
8. Diuretic & detoxing
Orange oil is also an amazing diuretic as it can gently help purge the system of toxins and salts by encouraging urination, which in turn leads to overall better health. Massaging a diluted mix of orange oil and carrier oil into the abdomen can aid with kick-starting a healthy chain of processes in the body. You should never use it undiluted on your skin.
9. Immunity booster
It is no secret that oranges are also immune system boosters! The essential oils from this plant help keep the metabolism in good working order by optimizing its functions. Massage it diluted on the body, add a few drops to a bath, or place 1-2 drops into your palms and rub together, then cup over your nose and mouth for 30 seconds. Better yet, diffuse it undiluted with a nebulizer for the fastest therapeutic effect if you want to get the maximum health benefits. All these small actions will give your immune system that extra kick it needs to fight off any lingering bacteria or toxins in your body and in your environment!
Not to mention it is agreat natural mouthwash and gum protector. The antibacterial properties of this oil make it the perfect line of defense against any bacteria in your mouth. Just mix a drop into some water and gargle it and you’ll be delighted by its fresh, citrusy aroma. Check out below more health blending recipes.
Health Recipes with Sweet Orange Oil
Delightful Decongestant Blend
Aphrodisiac Blend
Antibacterial Sanitizer Blend
Cold and Flu Antioxidant Supreme Bundle
When you add a few drops to your favorite unscented face or body lotion, body wash, or to your bathwater, you also get to reap the benefits of having a healthy glow on your skin. Orange oil contains higher amounts of Vitamin C than the fruit itself, which is known to prevent the effects of aging and to promote the production of collagen.
DIY Beauty Recipes with Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Sweet Orange essential oil has many benefits for skin as well. It could help improve cellulite, acne, dry and irritated skin, aged skin, rough and calloused skin.
It’s very potent so it can cause reactions on the skin when you use it directly, so make sure you always dilute it by starting out with a small amount and make sure you don’t experience any redness, swelling or hives. Safety first!
HOW TO USE IT:
Acne: just dilute it with a bit of plurified water, then apply it after cleansing your face, and before applying your daily moisturizer.
Cellulite: add 10-20 drops to your oil massage to correct lymph sluggishness or swollen tissues.
Add it to your aromatic bath, and add a few drops to your shower gel. Make sure you shake the bottle well each time before using your shower gel as oils tends to separate from liquids, in general.
Body Cream or Lotion: add a few drops to any unscented body cream or lotion, or add it to your own home-made body cream. Check our luxurious body cream recipe below which gives you 6 different scenting option to personalize it with your favorite essential oils.
Homemade Luxurious Body Cream with Essential Oils for Winter
DIY Cleaning Recipes with Sweet Orange Essential Oil
HOW TO USE IT:
Air room freshener: diffusion
Multipurpose cleaner: add it to your home-made cleaners
Laundry: add a few drops to your drier and your liquid detergent
The power of the antibacterial properties is not limited to your skin! You can use this oil as a general disinfectant for household use. Use several drops into a spray bottle filled with water to clean your surfaces. It is also just as effective when you use it as a natural room freshener in your home. It creates an exquisite scent that will delight your senses. To cheer you up during the holiday season, check out our Christmas Candle blend using Orange oil to give your home the perfect holiday scent.
Check out the recipes below with Sweet Orange oil that are very easy, affordable, and sustainable that will make your home smell amazing and improve your mood and overall health while cleaning your home, which is a win-win!
4 DIY Cleaning Recipes with Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Culinary Recipes with Sweet Orange Oil
If you are not convinced at this point why Orange oil is good for you, here are some unexpected uses for your Orange oils that go beyond health applications.
Did you know you can use it for your daily cooking? Yes, USDA organic essential oils extracted from fruits, herbs and spices are safe to ingest as long as you mix just a few drops into your food recipes or beverages.
Orange oil has been recognized by the FDA as safe for consumption, but this is only the case if you purchase a pure, unadulterated oil. The only way to ensure your oil is NOT adultared is the test of the soil. If the soil is organic, which means the farmers are not using any GMO's, pesticides or artificial fertilizers on it, that means your product is pure and unadulteraed.
Only plants that come from organic soil=aka organic farms could be labeled USDA organic and these are rigurously tested by the Department of Agriculture which is a non-profit organization, and the ONLY reliable laboratory recognized nation-wide, unlike the private laboratories that are for profit companies, and are highly incentivized by the fees they charge from anyone who applies for their "organic" certification.
Here are some culinary recipes with Sweet Orange oil we tried and want to share with you
Forget about using the usual store-bought dressings and vinaigrettes that are packed with sugars and other low-quality ingredients that contain additives, GMO's, preservatives and other unwanted ingredients that your body doesn't need.
Try out our recipe for Mustard Orange Oil Vinaigrette. We debuted this recipe at the Hampton Roads VegFest a few years and it was a hit!
Everyone who tasted it loved this vinaigrette, so we think you may love it too! It only takes 5 minutes to make it, and then you can store it in the fridge for later! Plus, the more you make, the longer you will have it!
Mustard Orange Oil Salad Vinaigrette
Time: 5 minutes
Makes: 1 cup of dressing
1/4 tsp of USDA Organic Orange Essential Oil
2 drops of USDA Organic Basil Essential Oil
5 tbs of Mustard
2 tsp of Balsamic Vinegar
12 tbs of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup of Water
Mix all ingredients and serve immediately with your favorite food, but it’s preferable to leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so all the ingredients can blend together for a more intense aroma. You can refrigerate for up to one week; please shake well before serving. The great thing about using essential oils instead of herbs is that the flavors are bolder and blend better with the other ingredients in the recipe.
HOW TO USE IT:
- Toss in your next fresh green salad.
- Use it as a marinade for meats.
- Drizzle it over vegetables, especially cruciferous such as cauliflower or broccoli.
- Great on potato or roasted beet salads
- Serve it as a sauce with grilled chicken or fish.
The possibilities are endless with this vinaigrette! You can even serve it as a bread dip at a party or intimate gathering as a nice hors-d'oeuvre. Mix up your next meal with this awesome dressing! It is a great vinaigrette for a variety of foods and will leave anyone who tries it wanting for more!
We encourage you to try out this recipe or to create one of your own using essential oils that you love and then share yours with us!
Check more delicious recipes below!
Detoxing Juniper and Orange Smoothie
Homemade Chocolate with Orange (and other) Essential Oils
Energizing Soda Drink with Organic Orange Or Grapefruit Essential Oil
Sweet Orange Oil for all your baking recipes
Flavored Water with Sweet Orange Oil
A few drops of Sweet Orange oil replaces the orange/lemon zest successfuly in any baking recipes: cakes, muffins, cookies, etc.
If you have trouble drinking more water, another great way is to add a few drops of Sweet Orange oil to your water to make it a little more flavorful. Also, you can even add 1-2 drops to your favorite tea, seltzer, lemonade, smoothies, etc. Don't pay for flavored bottled water that is loaded with chemcals, artificial colors and flavors, sugar, or sugar substitutes,which are even more harmful than the real sugar. Store-bought flavored water is not good for your body, your pocket or the planet. You can use any of these essential oils to flavor your water: Basil, Thyme, Bay, Rosemary, Clove, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Gingergrass, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Grapefruit and Orange.
EXTRA TIP: Replace your tea or cofee with Sweet Orange Oil Water.
Dduring winter time when it's hard for some of us to consume more water, just add 1-2 drops of Sweet Orange oil to warm water instead of a tea bag or coffee. This ensures you drink enough water daily and keep your theeths whiter and brighter (without staining them from drinking too much tea or cofee).
Orange oil has been recognized by the FDA as safe for consumption, but this is only the case if you purchase a pure, unadulterated oil. We can only recommend ingesting oils that are labeled USDA Certified Organic. Having the USDA Certified Organic label on the bottle itself is the only sure way to know the oil is pure, which is truly safe and edible as the plants are grown in organic soil from organic certifed farms.
These farms are rigurously inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, hence it doesn't contain any pesticides or artificial fertilizers and GMO's like the plants grown on conventional farms.
Your body does not know how to break down man-made chemicals and will store them inside your body, which could lead to major health issues from a normal sore throat and diarrhea to something much worse in the long-term like leaky gut, allergies, immune deficiencies, and other chronic conditions. You get what you pay for, so to ensure you get the best and highest quality, make sure to purchase out only essential oils that have the USDA Organic label on them.
For safety, keep out of reach of children and pets. Generally speaking, do not take it directly/undilutted internally as medicine unless taken under the supervision or recommendation of an aromatherapist professional. Do not use undiluted on the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes; it could cause allergic reactions. Always test first on a small portion of your skin. If you are pregnant, consult with a healthcare provider/ professional experienced with essential oils as some essential oil are less tolerated while others are well-loved by pregnant women.
Sweet Orange Oil is an extremely versatile oil. Unlike many essential oils that don't blend well with others, Sweet Orange oil blends well with the many other essential oils: basil, bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, nutmeg, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang-ylang. You can create your own blends for diffusing and correct a lot of health issues with repeated use!
Sweet Orange Oil is truly a gift, as are all essential oils and plant life. Its ability to uplift and energize is amazing and will keep you pushing through this holiday season and anytime! Learn more about some of the practical uses of this essential oil by reading the Sweet Orange product page.
REFERENCES
(1) http://phytomedica.pl/pdf/citrus-sinensis.pdf
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3732892/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22894560?&utm_medium=346