Oil Profile: Orange

Orange. Yet another delicious. . .and nutritious. . .oil with a rich history and so many uses and benefits!

Orange History

Oranges are among the oldest cultivated fruit and were mentioned in ancient Chinese literature as far back as 2400 BC. In Japan the orange blossoms were thought to stand for chastity, while in the Middle East they represented fertility. Oranges have been seen by many to symbolize love and happiness and, at one time, were a popular gift for special occasions. They were considered a rare treat in many areas and were a pleasant surprise on Christmas morning when found in the bottoms of stockings.

In 1493, on his second voyage, Christopher Columbus brought the first orange to the New World, and the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is credited with bringing the fruit to Florida in 1513.

One of the main reasons that oranges became a favorite fruit by explorers is due to its ability to protect against scurvy, a disease resulting from a vitamin C deficiency. The symptoms included fatigue, spongy gums and bleeding from the mucus membranes. 

Orange Benefits

1. Mood Booster
   I think we can all admit that oranges have a very uplifting smell. For centuries orange oil has been used in aromatherapy as a natural way to lift the feelings of anxiety and depression. Due to its anxiolytic properties, exposure to orange oil can enhance motivation, relaxation, clarity, and boost moods in just a short amount of time. It has a direct effect on the olfactory system of the brain that quickly evokes emotional responses. You can inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to your diffuser.
2. Oral Health
   Because orange oil has the ability to fight bad bacteria, it can help protect teeth and gums from infections. You can add a few drops to a tablespoon full of coconut oil and try oil pulling. Trust me, it makes the oil pulling much more pleasant.
3. Degreaser and Cleaner
   Orange oil has a fresh, sweet smell that will fill your home with a clean scent. When diluted, it’s a great way to clean countertops, cutting boards or appliances without needing to use bleach or harsh chemicals found in most products. It also acts as a great degreaser on those hard spots. You can add a few drops to a vinegar and dish soap cleaning solution, or mix it with baking soda and water to make a natural degreaser.
4. Immune Booster
   Apart from being high in Vitamin C, which we know is an immune booster, orange oil is rich in a compound called D-limonene. This comprises over 90% of orange oil and is a monoterpene that has strong chemo-preventive activity, shown to reduce the growth of tumors.

Orange Uses and Cautions

While I love to mix orange oil with other scents in my diffuser, my favorite way to use this gem of an oil is in the kitchen. I have often substituted a few drops of orange in many different smoothie recipes and desserts.

You can add it to your homemade icing to add a bit of a kick to your next batch of cinnamon rolls, or you can try some homemade Cranberry Orange Chocolate Bark.

As with any citrus oil, orange can cause photosensitivity, so it’s important to avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after using it topically. It can also cause skin irritations, so do a patch test on your arm before using it to make sure you don’t have any reactions. If ever in doubt, you can dilute with a carrier oil.

Anytime you are dealing with essential oils, but especially those you would ingest, it’s always very important to choose a high-quality oil from a reputable brand. Opt for an oil that’s 100 percent pure grade and USDA certified organic.