Highly aromatic, orange oil has significant antibacterial qualities making it the perfect choice for natural disinfectants. Its ability to uplift the mood also helps alleviate stress related tension and is very relaxing.

Orange oils history.

For thousands of years, Orange Oil’s ability to naturally enhance immunity and reduce symptoms of numerous ailments have made it popular in traditional medicinal applications.  The folk remedies of the Mediterranean region as well as the regions of the Middle East, India, and China used Orange Oil to relieve a variety of maladies.

Orange Oil is derived from the fruits of the Citrus sinensis and its exact origins are unknown, however it is believed by botanists that it is a natural hybrid of the Pummelo and the Mandarin botanicals and that it originated between the South-West of China and the Himalayas.

The Europeans valued the citrus fruits mostly for their medicinal benefits but the orange was eventually adopted as a fruit cultivated by the wealthy who grew these trees in their private “orangeries”.

Today, Brazil is the major supplier of orange essential oil, which plays a huge role in the production of confectionery, drink, food and is even used in the cosmetics & perfume industry.

Uses of Orange oil.

• Support lymphatic system  – Add a few drops of orange oil to your massages to energize the body as they support healthy circulation, this aids in relieving discomfort associated with inflammation,  headaches and low libido as well as promoting feelings of well-being and positivity.

• Boost immunity – naturally enhancing immunity, orange oil can reduce a few symptoms of multiple ailments and has been used in traditional medicine for treating chronic stress and other health issues.

• Respiratory tract – good for allergies and aids in relieving congestion coughs & runny noses as its anti-inflammatory properties benefits the bodies responsive to physical irritation. 

• Muscle contractions  - Orange oil helps reduce the painful muscle contractions and is traditionally used in massage to alleviate stress, abdominal pain, improper digestion and menstrual pain

• Cognitive function – believed to enhance cognitive function thus used for Alzheimer's patients to aid in memory recall.

• Insomnia – orange oil is known to induce & enhance sleep thus giving the body the opportunity to balance hormones, detoxify and heal while sleeping.

• Skin care –  applying orange oil topically is beneficial for maintaining a healthy appearance of skin texture, by promoting smoothness and can also aid the diminishing the signs of acne and uncomfortable skin conditions, perfect for creating a positive skin glow.

Orange oil is best known for…

• Improves lymphatic system and aids in fluid retention
• Eases hypertension
• Relieves insomnia
• Improves skin tone, reduces acne, dry skin & the appearance of wrinkles
• Boosts immune function
• Settles jangled nerves & combats depression
• Invigorates and uplifts the body & mind

ORANGE OIL

Botanical name: Citrus Sinensis

Origin: Brazil, United States, Italy, Spain, Israel, Argentina.

Aroma characteristics: sweet fruity aroma, zesty and warm.

Therapeutic properties

• Antibacterial  • antidepressant  • antiseptic  • antispasmodic  • calmative  • carminative (relieves flatulence)  •  cholagogue (promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum) 

•  depurative (capable of purifying)  •  digestive  • diuretic  • febrifuge (lowers body temp/prevents fever) 

•  sedative  • stimulant  • stomachic (promotes or assists digestion)  • tonic

Therapeutic uses

• Digestive system - indigestion, constipation, stress-related disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
• Immune system - colds and flu.
• Lymphatic system - fluid retention.
• Nervous system - insomnia, depression, nervous tension and stress-related problems.
• Skin care - effective for dull, congested and oily skins.

All the essential oils highlighted in this column are available at The Emporium of the Enchanted Forest (inside the VaVa Yoga Studio), and you can explore our Apothecary and discuss any questions you may have with me, Ashlí.

Orange

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