Have you ever felt the sweet and refreshing scent of oranges and wondered how it can affect your mind and body? Or perhaps you’ve wondered, “what is orange essential oil, and does it offer all the same benefits?”
Oranges have always been known for their numerous health benefits due to their high vitamin C content.
But then there’s orange essential oil. This is an oil extracted from the peel of oranges that has unique properties to provide various touted benefits for our physical and emotional wellbeing.
In this blog post, we will explore the wonders of orange essential oil so you can decide whether it’s right for you!
What is Orange Essential Oil?
Orange Essential Oil is extracted from the peels of oranges through steam distillation. It belongs to the family of citrus oils, and its aroma is sweet, citrusy, and uplifting.
The bright orange color of the oil makes it synonymous with energy, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness. It can be used in various ways, such as aromatically, topically, and internally.
It has a wide array of touted benefits, including its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
What Does Orange Essential Oil Look and Smell Like?
Orange essential oil has a clear, watery appearance, just like other essential oils. It is extracted from orange peels, which have a bright and vibrant orange color.
However, the oil might not retain the same color as the peels. Sometimes, the orange essential oil can have a pale or amber hue. The color of the oil might depend on various factors such as the extraction method, location, and maturity of the oranges used.
The most striking feature of orange essential oil is its aroma. The scent of orange is sweet, refreshing, and invigorating. It has a citrusy, fruity smell that may instantly uplift your mood and energy levels. The fragrance is similar to fresh oranges and can sometimes have a hint of a slightly floral or spicy aroma. The oil has a high concentration of limonene, which gives it a unique, sweet, and fruity fragrance.
Most importantly, orange essential oil is highly versatile and blends well with many other essential oils. It goes well with other citrus oils such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Furthermore, it can be blended with floral oils such as lavender and jasmine. The oil can also be mixed with spicy and warm oils such as cinnamon and clove to create a unique aroma blend.
How to Choose and Use Orange Essential Oil Safely
When buying orange essential oil, make sure it’s pure and of a high quality. Look for a reputable brand that offers quality control assurances like 100% purity, GC-MS testing, and transparency about the sourcing and distillation processes.
Avoid buying products that have synthetic fragrances or other additives listed on the label.
In general, orange essential oil is considered safe for most people when applied topically or used aromatically.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated and potent.
Always dilute the oil before applying it to your skin with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. The recommended dilution rate is 1-2% for adults, which means adding 1-2 drops of orange essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
How is Orange Essential Oil Used?
Here are a few of the many ways you can use orange essential oil:
- Aromatherapy: Orange essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy. You can use orange essential oil in a diffuser or add a few drops to a warm bath to reap its aromatherapy benefits.
- Skin Care: Orange essential oil iis also said to help reduce acne, blemishes, and dark spots on the skin. The skin’s natural healing process is boosted by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Room Freshener: Orange essential oil may be used as a room freshener, and it can give your home a refreshing citrus scent. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of essential oil to it. Then, spray the mixture around your room, and it will help remove the unpleasant odor and keep your space smelling sweet and fresh.
- Cooking: Orange essential oil is safe to ingest and may be used in cooking as a flavoring agent. It can be used in baked goods, smoothies, and even salad dressings.
- House Cleaning: Orange essential oil can be used to prepare natural house cleaning solutions. You can mix it with vinegar and water to make an effective cleaning solution.
What Are the Touted Benefits of Orange Essential Oils?
Here are some of the top touted benefits of using orange essential oils:
- Mood Booster: Orange essential oil is known for its mood-boosting properties. It may uplift mood and relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Digestive Aid: It may be used to relieve digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion. It’s also known to stimulate appetite and regulate bowel movements.
- Skin Care: Orange essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It is used to reduce acne, fight wrinkles, and improve skin tone.
- Immune System Booster: Due to its high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants, orange oil may help strengthen the immune system and induce a healthy inflammatory response.
- Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Orange oil is rich in compounds like limonene and citral, which have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It may be used to clean surfaces and added to homemade cleaning solutions.
What Are the Disadvantages of Orange Essential Oil?
That said, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of, many of which may be found with other essential oils as well:
- Skin Irritations: In rare circumstances, some people may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction to orange essential oils. It’s necessary to perform a patch test before using it.
- Photosensitivity: Orange essential oils may react with sunlight and might produce severe burns and injuries to the skin. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight after applying orange oil.
- Made from Synthetic Substances: Not all orange essential oils are created equal; some companies mix a combination of chemical compounds to create artificial oils. They can’t keep up with the natural advantages because they’re man-made.
- May Cause Dizziness: The scent of orange oil may be too intense for some and lead to headaches and dizziness in large amounts.
Are There Any Substitutes for Orange Essential Oil?
While we all love orange essential oil for everything it has to offer, the reality is you might run out from time to time – or just have a hard time finding it.
In that case, here are some of the best substitutes for orange essential oil:
- Bergamot Essential Oil: This oil is extracted from the rinds of the bergamot fruit, which is a relative of the orange. It has a similar citrusy aroma, with a hint of floral notes. Like orange essential oil, bergamot oil has calming properties that help reduce anxiety and stress levels. You may add bergamot essential oil to your diffuser, bathwater, or beauty products as a substitute for orange oil.
- Lemon Essential Oil: This is another citrus oil that makes a great substitute for orange essential oil. It has a fresh, zesty aroma that invigorates the senses and lifts the mood. Lemon oil is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a popular ingredient in cleaning and skincare products.
- Grapefruit Essential Oil: This essential oil is extracted from the fruit’s rind and has a refreshing, tangy aroma that uplifts the mood and reduces stress levels. Like other citrus oils, grapefruit essential oil is high in antioxidants, which help protect against free radical damage. Grapefruit oil is often used in aromatherapy to boost energy and mental clarity.
- Tangerine Essential Oil: Tangerine essential oil is extracted from the tangerine fruit’s rind and has a sweet, citrusy aroma that is similar to orange essential oil.
What is the Shelf Life of Orange Essential Oil?
Orange essential oil is a volatile liquid that may lose its potency over time. The shelf life of orange essential oil may range from six months to two years, depending on how it’s stored. Exposure to heat, light, and air may cause the oil to break down quickly.
The oil quality, climate, and manufacturing may also affect its shelf life.
How to Store Orange Essential Oil
To extend the shelf life of your orange essential oil, it’s crucial to store it properly. Here are a few tips you can follow:
- Keep it in a Dark-Colored Glass Bottle: Orange essential oil is sensitive to light, so it’s best to store it in a dark-colored bottle to avoid UV exposure.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Heat & oxygen may cause the oil to oxidize and degrade, so it’s crucial to keep it in a cool and dry place.
- Keep it Away From Sunlight: Sunlight may cause the oil to lose its potency, so it’s essential to keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid Frequent Exposure to Air: Keep the bottle tightly capped to avoid frequent exposure to air, which may cause the oil to evaporate.
Final Thoughts
With its versatility and ease of use (not to mention its fantastic smell!), orange essential oil is a great addition to any household.
Give it a try and experience its many wonders!
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