General Description

As with all citrus oils the aroma of Orange Essential Oil, sweet or bitter, is a true aromatic delight accompanied with a feel good factor. The botanical name for Sweet Orange Essential Oil is ‘Citrus Sinensis’ and the botanical name for Bitter Orange Essential Oil is Citrus Aurantium. From the Bitter Orange tree, Petitgrain Oil is produced from the leaves, Neroli Oil, also known as Orange Blossom is produced from the flower and Bitter Orange oil is produced from the peel of the fruit. The biggest Orange producers are Brazil and America.

History

History suggests that Christopher Columbus introduced the Orange to the Caribbean and Ponce de Leon introduced the Orange to America in 1513. The Orange tree was originally a native of the Far East, and grown chiefly in China and India. Despite the impressive history of the Orange, it was not used medicinally in Europe until late in the 17th century, as it was considered to be expensive and a luxury. The Orange adapted well to the climate of the Mediterranean, the biggest European producer today is now Spain.

Extraction

Orange Sweet Essential Oil and Orange Bitter Essential Oil are extracted by simple pressure from the outer, coloured part of the peel. Both are deep golden yellow in colour and the major active constituents include limonene, citral, and myrcene- the proportions varying somewhat between the sweet and bitter varieties.

Aromatherapy Uses of Orange Essential Oil

Orange Essential Oil, sweet or bitter is a superb antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic (suppresses muscle spasms), sedative and general tonic. The aroma lifts the spirits yet is calming to the nerves. Blend with spicy oils for cheering baths. Add to massage oil for digestive system.

It seems to have a very calming action on the stomach especially in nervous states, quells the proverbial butterflies. Physical ailments may be helped too - balancing gastric complaints such as diarrhea and constipation. Orange Essential Oil encourages appetite so beware if dieting. Orange Essential Oil also dispels tension and stress encouraging a positive outlook, it revives us when feeling bored and lacking in energy, builds absorption of vitamin C which action could ward off viral infections. When used on an oil burner it seems to have a good effect on colds, bronchitis and fever conditions by bringing down temperature. Its relaxing nature could be beneficial to insomnia brought on by anxiety.

Safety Data

Orange Essential Oil, Sweet or Bitter may irritate some skin types due to the oil containing a high percentage of limonene.