What is orange oil?
Orange oil, sometimes also called sweet orange oil, is an essential oil produced by cells within the rind of an orange fruit (Citrus sinensis fruit). In contrast to most essential oils, it is extracted as a by-product of orange juice production by centrifugation, producing a cold-pressed oil.[1] It is composed of mostly (greater than 90%) d-limonene,[2] and is often used in place of pure d-limonene. D-limonene can be extracted from the oil by distillation.
The orange essential oil has a sweet, fruity smell that induces peace and freshness in the surroundings. It is mainly extracted from its peel. The orange essential oil is useful for many organs in your body – including the skin, hair, brain, heart, and stomach. This oil has some unique uses that will surprise you. Want to know more? Read on!
The Benefits and Uses of Orange Oil
- Circulation Booster
Orange oil is a natural remedy for high blood pressure and is capable of improving blood flow and fighting hypertension, some of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Because of its blood-dialing abilities, it might also be useful for improving low libido, reducing pain from headaches and lowering PMS-related symptoms. Use orange oil with a carrier oil to create a homemade massage oil that can be rubbed into the abdominal area to improve blood flow.
- Antioxidant And Anticancer Agent
Like other citrus oils, orange essential oil also has potent antioxidant properties, thanks to the presence of volatile components like limonene, linalool, myrcene, sabinene, pinene, and geranial.
Various studies on done this essential oil have also exhibited its anticancer potential.
A sweet orange oil treatment for 30 weeks eventually reduced the cancerous lesions in the liver of mice subjects. It also brought down the hepatic tumor incidence to less than 50% in mice (1).
Additionally, there is evidence demonstrating the apoptotic activity of sweet orange oil in human cancer cells. It also prevented the metastasis and growth of human leukemia and colon cancer cells (2).
- Facial Cleanser
Orange oil will help to dry out oily skin which can help you reduce acne, plus it has antiseptic properties that will kill acne-inducing bacteria. To overall reduce the oil on your skin, add 2 – 3 drops of oil to a cup of water and use that to wash your face in the evenings. You can also use it as a spot treatment directly on your acne by placing 1 drop on a cotton swab and rubbing that on acne spots.
- Aid Digestion
The oil can be used to aid digestion and curb constipation. It also may help reduce or eliminate flatulence.
To ease indigestion:
Just add 6 drops of sweet orange oil in your diffuser for inhalation. You can also mix 4 drops of the oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and rub it on the abdominal area.
The oil stimulates quick secretion of all digestive enzymes. This will improve digestion. Once that happens, constipation and flatulence will gradually fizzle out. This may be applicable to babies suffering from colicky pains, too. Just drop the orange oil on a tissue paper and keep it near the baby.
You don’t have to swallow orange essential oil for internal use. You only need to inhale it to receive all the therapeutic benefits.
- Pain Reducer
If you suffer from muscle, bone or joint pain, orange oil can help turn off inflammatory responses that increase swelling in tissue, making it a natural remedy for bone and joint pain. Orange oil also promotes a more positive mood, which is useful for raising pain tolerance and helping you get better sleep when you’re sore or uncomfortable. Rub orange oil mixed with a carrier oil onto sore muscles or swollen areas to bring down inflammation.
- Disinfectant
Because orange oil is non-toxic and antiseptic, it works great as an alternative cleaning solution for counters and tables where you don’t want to use harsh chemicals that could be ingested. To make your own essential oil cleaning spray, simply add 10 drops of oil for every cup of water, then add to a spray bottle. Shake before using, and be sure to use a clean cloth to wipe down surfaces.
- Help Relieve Seasonal Allergies
If you are struggle with seasonal allergies, even a small quantity of orange essential oil can help. Once you start feeling that funny sensation in your nostrils, just sniff the oil immediately. You can also apply a drop of oil in each nostril (for people who are not sensitive to strong aromas). Inhaling orange essential oil will help relieve you of the allergies immediately.
- Mood Booster
Diffusing orange oil in your home, adding some to your shower wash or perfume, or inhaling it directly can lift your mood and bring on relaxation. The orange essential oil has a direct effect on the olfactory system of the brain that quickly evokes emotional responses. It’s a great essential oil for balancing hormones since it can help turn off reactions from stress hormones like cortisol. Research shows that orange oil is both “uplifting” and “calming,” making it a great scent for brightening your mood in the morning or calming your nerves after a long day.
Like coins have two sides, there are also side effects of orange oil.
Because it’s very potent, the oil can cause reactions on the skin when you use it directly, so start out with a small amount and make sure you don’t experience any redness, swelling or hives. It’s a good idea to do a “skin patch test” on a small piece of skin — for example, your forearm — before using it on larger patches or delicate areas like your face.
If you’re allergic to oranges or other citrus fruits, you shouldn’t use orange oil, which can cause serious reactions both internally and externally. Also be careful when using it on your children topically or if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition. Essential oils are powerful and interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor if you’re unsure how using orange oil will impact an existing health condition like cancer, heart disease, liver damage or skin disorders.
Another thing to keep in mind is that citrus oils can increase the effects of UV light exposure on the skin. It’s a good idea to avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying the oil to your skin so you don’t experience a burn.