The Top 5 Ways To Use Orange Essential Oil
Orange Essential oil also referred to as sweet orange smell just like freshy ripe oranges. This oil has been utilized for centuries for a large number of health benefits. This sweet-smelling oil is extracted from the orange tree and is native to Asia, China, and northeastern India. The orange tree belongs to the citrus family and to this end, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and others are like one big happy family.
How Orange Essential Oil Is extracted
Orange Oil extracted from the peel or rind of a fresh orange fruit. This part holds potent fatty oil glands where the oil is extracted from. They start by separating the rind from the fruit then the peels are ground and chopped. The most common and effective method of extracting orange oil is through cold pressing. This method doesn’t require heat is not used in the process; ensuring that the therapeutic properties are not destroyed. Once the rinds are chopped or ground they are essentially pressed in the huge vat that pushes all the oil out,
Chemical Components of Orange Essential Oil
Before looking at the many uses of orange oil it is important to understand the active chemical ingredients. The oil constituents include limonene, monoterpene hydrocarbons, alcohols and aldehydes. Below is a closer look at the elements and their benefits.
Linalool
This is a natural alcohol that is a sedative, analgesic, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant.
Geraniol
This is another alcohol that is an analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant.
Limonene
This chemical has been observed to be an appetite suppressant, detoxicant, digestive, stimulant and antioxidant.
Citronellal
This is an alcohol that is anti-fungal, anti-viral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-convulsant, antimicrobial and sedative.
Monoterpene Hydrocarbons
β- Myrcene and α-Pinene are the constituents that fall under this category. The former is a well-known anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, sedative and analgesic. The latter is an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator.
Top Uses of Orange Oil
- Aromatherapy
Sweet orange essential oil is elevating and invigorating. The fresh scent is no big surprise it one of the most loved with regards to aromatherapy. The smell is calming yet energizing to your senses and will leave you feeling less stressed. Diffusing only 6 drops can change your brain response and leave you feeling better. Fighting with nasal congestion, migraine or irritation, breathing in this sweet oil can have a major effect.
1. Natural Haircare
The most common problems in hair and scalp care are dandruff, itchiness and overall dryness. Orange essential oil mixed with honey can help with these issues. The blend not only adds moisture to your hair and scalp; but it kills bacteria as well. One of the great thing unlike using chemical products, this remedy does not stripe natural oils out of your hair and also helps maintain your scalp's pH. You can also use orange oil to make a healing shampoo as well. Adding 4 drops of orange essential oils to raw honey makes for a natural shampoo that transforms your hair and scalp.
3. Skincare
The cosmetic uses of orange essential oil are endless; it has excellent properties that leave your skin looking vibrant and refreshed. If you suffer from conditions like, acne, dark spots, eczema or aging skin, this oil is a great natural remedy. The oil is a potent moisturizer when added to a carrier oil. You can use 2 drops of orange essential oil with 3 teaspoons of a carrier such as olive, coconut, or jojoba to create a great moisturizer. Using this will boost collagen, brighten your complexion and help the skin conditions previously mentioned. You can also choose to enhance the it further by adding frankincense essential oil and tea tree oil to provide healing benefits for skin.
4. Pain Relief
A 2017 research study conducted featuring people dealing with fractures revealed that inhaling the aroma of orange essential oil helped in dealing with the pain. A group of people who did not use this essential oil reported more pain. Orange essential oil mixed with other oils such as frankincense or Copaiba have shown to have great results with relieving pain.
5. Appetite Depressant
Up to 90 percent of what we think we are tasting we are actually smelling.orange essential oil helps in curbing the appetite because it has a high content of d-limonene. Other chemical constituents found in citrus essential oils offer uplifting properties that can boost the spirit, mood and promote energy. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser, diffuser jewelry or personal inhaler.
Conclusion
There is no question that orange essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils and has great therapeutic benefits. However, make sure you are following proper protocols and always diluting the oil before applying topically. Always keep essential oils away from the reach of children and pets. Orange oil is also photosensitive, so it’s not recommended to use and be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause skin irritation. Essential oil safety is critical to ensure proper use and the best outcome possible.
