Orange (Sweet Orange)

Citrus x Sinensis

History

The Orange originated in China. The fruit we know and love today is actually a hybrid fruit, derived from the mandarin and a kind of pomelo.

Oranges were introduced to East Africa, the entirety of the Middle East, and to Spain by Arab and Moor traders. But they took a while to get to Europe and the Americas.

While citruses of different kinds were introduced into Europe sometime in the 9th century, and indeed, I found evidence tha the ancient Romans enjoyed oranges, historians credit Portuguese and Italian merchants as the ones that sometime in the Middle Ages introduced the Sweet Orange in Europe.  The Orange was a luxury item accessible to the rich who kept private Orange groves for their consumption. For example Louis XIV of France had a great love of Orange trees, and built the grandest of all royal Orangeries at the Palace of Versailles. At Versailles potted Orange trees in solid silver tubs were placed throughout the rooms of the palace.

However, Oranges became extremely important during the age of conquest when they were introduced to the Americas. Columbus (that scoundrel) was said to have brought Orange seeds with him which he planted in Hispanola. And because they are rich in vitamin C and do not spoil easily, European sailors planted citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy.

Today there are dozens, maybe hundreds of Orange varieties, grown in countries all over the world with the largest producers being Brazil, the US, and China. It is a fruit we all know to help our immune system when fighting a cold or a flu since they are an excellent source of vitamin C and other nutrients. One Orange offers 116.2 per cent of the daily value for vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants. So go on and eat an orange.

Orange: Distilled Sunshine

Orange is a very affordable oil and has a large variety of uses! However, it is especially beloved in aromatherapy for its uplifting citrusy scent

USE: Skin Care | Massage Oil | Diffusion

Cold-pressed: Perfect for difussing. Scent tends to be tart and tangy, much like the smell associated with the zest of the citrus. Because cold-pressed oils are generally phototoxic, it is especially important that you don’t go out into direct sunshine within 12 hours if you use them topically at dilution rates over 2%. Personally, I avoid using coldpressed citrus essential oils in parts of my body which will not covered by clothing (such as my face, neck, arms, etc).

Steam distilled: Perfect for topical application (massages, skin care, etc). Scent tends to be lighter and sweeter–as opposed to the tangy, fruity smell of cold-pressed oil. Steam distilled oils still retain most (if not all) of the same therapeutic benefits of its cold-pressed counterpart; however, due to the way the oils were extracted, steam distilled citrus oils are not phototoxic.

Blends Well With

  • Black Pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Clary sage
  • Clove
  • Cypress
  • Frankincense
  • Ginger
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Neroli
  • Nutmeg
  • Petitgrain
  • Rose
  • Rosewood
  • Sandalwood
  • Vetiver

Key Benefits

  • Aids detox
  • Some antifungal and antibacterial properties
  • Skin Toner: Rejuvenates and brightens complexion
  • Immunity booster
  • Improves digestion
  • Astringent properties
  • Reduces fevers
  • Uplifting
  • Eases anxiety

Safety

Phototoxic. Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after external application. May cause reactions on sensitive skin.

Citruses have a shorter shelf life (1-2 years). Ensure the cap is tightly closed when not in use and, if possible, keep refrigerated to slow down oxidization. Old oil can cause sensitization.

Topical Application

Glowing Complexion

1% dilution for face & neck:

  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil

 

Detoxing Massage Oil

3% dilution:

  • 4 drops Orange
  • 4 drops Grapefruit
  • 1 drop Cypress
  • 2 tsp carrier oil OR lotion

 

Tummy Complaints

3% dilution:

  • 9 drops Orange
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil

Massage on your lower stomach in a clockwise direction. If needed, increase dilution rate to 5% (15 drops per 10 mL carrier).

Diffusing Blends

Island In The Sun

  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Ginger
  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang

 

Sunday Morning

  • 3 drops Orange
  • 3 drops Lemon
  • 3 drops Bergamot

 

Coffee House

  • 4 drops Cardamom
  • 2 drops Orange
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark
  • 1 drop Clove

 

Summertime

  • 2 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Grapefruit
  • 2 drops Basil

 

Autumn Sweet

  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Cinnamon
  • 2 drops Cardamom

 

Everything Nice

  • 4 drops Vanilla
  • 2 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Cinnamon

 

Mr. Sandman

  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 3 drops Cedarwood
  • 2 drops Orange

Perfume

Orange Grove

3% dilution. Recipe from Plant Therapy

  • 5 drops Sweet Orange
  • 3 drops Neroli 
  • 1 drop Petitgrain 
  • 1 drop Cardamom
  • 10 mL Fractionated Coconut Oil

In a a 10mL roller bottle, add essential oils and fill the rest of the bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil or your carrier of choice. Apply to wrists and neck.

 

Sunshine

4% dilution

  • 5 drops Sweet Orange
  • 3 drops Copaiba
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 10 mL Fractionated Coconut Oil

In a a 10mL roller bottle, add essential oils and fill the rest of the bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil or your carrier of choice. Apply to wrists and neck.

 

Featured in Episode 9

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