Orange essential oil: the scent of serenity

Originating in the Far East – Southern China and Northern Burma – the Orange plant spread to the West between the 7th and 12th centuries thanks to the Arabs and Portuguese. The Greeks and Romans already knew citrus fruits (thanks to the Citron and Lemon) from the 4th century, but they could not imagine the existence of the Orange. So, when it arrived in the Mediterranean area around the year 1000, the "golden apples" were welcomed by Renaissance culture as a symbol of paradise and immortality and incorporated into mythical contexts.

A plant embodiment of the Sun, which obviously determines the plant's signature. These fruits of light were, even for the Chinese, bearers of happiness and prosperity.

"Oranges are the vegetables that best allow themselves to be permeated by cosmic heat: the forces of light and heat manifest and materialise in fragrant flowers, in rinds rich in essential oils, in sweet and energetic pulp."

in Aromatherapy, by M.G. Lucheroni, F. Padrini

When to plant it and when it flowers

The orange is a plant that loves temperate-warm climates and not necessarily rainy during autumn and winter. The ideal temperature range is from about 13 to 30 °C, and it greatly fears temperatures that drop below 3 °C. Planting should be done in spring, between the end of March and the end of May (depending on the area), when the risk of damaging late frosts has been averted. Flowering occurs from February-March to summer, while fruit ripening goes from autumn to spring of the following year.

How the orange color is obtained

The color of the orange depends on where the fruit grows. In more temperate climates (like our Sicilian oranges), the peel turns orange when it cools down, but in countries where it is almost always hot, the chlorophyll is not destroyed, and the fruits remain green even when ripe. The characteristic color of the fruit can therefore vary from area to area and depends on the climate where the tree is cultivated.

Orange and aromatherapy

Orange essential oil, extracted by cold pressing of the peels, offers the solar qualities of action, confidence, warmth, vitality, and expansion in a sweet and delicate way. In fact, although it is energizing and invigorating, it remains relaxing, an essential oil that induces a cheerful calm, serenity.

It helps fight insomnia and nervousness, to rediscover joy and love for life, especially in winter, during which the absence of sunlight leads to lower production of endorphins and serotonin.

Diffused in the environment, Orange will bring the benefit of an atmosphere lightened by tensions. When you are short on energy, you can rub it on the palm of your hands and inhale its scent to recharge your batteries and rediscover your smile.

Diluted in a vegetable oil, Orange is particularly suitable for massage in the heart area – the solar organ par excellence – and the solar plexus: if you feel sad and melancholic, it will help to dispel these emotions, bringing balance and well-being.

Particularly indicated for children, Orange essential oil is very effective and appreciated from early childhood: it can be used in diffusion to accompany a happy and restful sleep or to induce a state of relaxation even in the most restless little ones. Nebulized on clothes, it will bring its vital sweetness during play.

Orange is also immunostimulant, antiseptic, and febrifugal: it is ideal for treating children with flu, both with cold compresses that help lower the temperature, and with inhalations or aromatic baths. Its delicate sweetness will provide comfort and tranquility.

Physical properties

* antispasmodic and digestive, Orange stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, helps eliminate intestinal spasms, bloating, constipation, and headaches (use: 3-4 drops diluted in a base oil for a massage in the abdominal area, 2 drops in a teaspoon of honey dissolved in a cup of hot water after meals);

* if inhaled or massaged before meals, it helps to combat loss of appetite and nervous eating. It can therefore be used by both those who have lost their desire for food and those who are on a diet;

* circulatory, tones capillaries preventing their breakage, promotes microcirculation, improves venous stasis through daily massage (in dilution);

* diuretic and lymphatic stimulant, it encourages skin metabolism and firms tissues, proving to be a very effective remedy against cellulite and water retention;

* antiseptic, it is particularly suitable for cleaning the air and surfaces of environments;

* purifying, it is effective for the treatment of oily, wrinkled, and asphyxiated skin;

it can be added to cake and baked goods mixtures, cocktails, and sauces. Honey and olive oil can also be flavored in this way (10 drops in 500 ml). For most preparations, 1 drop in 100 ml is sufficient.

Orange food flavouring

Orange essential oil can be added to cake and baked goods mixtures, cocktails, and sauces. Honey and olive oil can also be flavored in this way (10 drops in 500 ml). For most preparations, 1 drop in 100 ml is sufficient.

Perfumes with orange notes

From essential oil and a few other simple ingredients like water and alcohol, it's possible to obtain orange perfume, which will give our skin and the environment the characteristic notes of its fruit. Its soft and delicate scent provides balance and emotional well-being. It increases joy, develops intuition and sensitivity, and removes the fear of the unknown. It is much loved by children for its cheerful simplicity.

Orange for weight loss

The most well-known property of bitter orange is its slimming effect. For this reason, bitter orange is one of the main ingredients in many products with a thermogenic action, meaning they increase body temperature and help to burn calories and lose weight.

For gastritis

Orange essential oil acts on all those digestive system disorders such as hyperacidity, abdominal bloating, gastritis, and dyspepsia. In fact, it is an effective natural remedy against stomach spasms and heartburn, normalizes its secretion and counteracts post-meal drowsiness. Taking 2 drops of essential oil twice a day in a little warm water will help calm the symptoms of gastritis and restore the balance of the intestinal flora.

For the skin

Smoothing and rejuvenating, orange essential oil counteracts the formation of wrinkles and stretch marks and helps fight cellulite blemishes. It revitalizes body areas affected by acne, eczema, and psoriasis, aiding the healing process. For enlarged pores, dull, opaque, or toned skin, simply mix 3 drops of oil with a neutral cream and use it daily. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops into olive oil and, with a cotton swab or clean gauze, apply it directly to the affected area.

However, particular attention must be paid to sun exposure: the waxes present in the Orange risk being photosensitizing, for this reason, it is not recommended for use on the skin before direct exposure to sunlight.

Remember, when choosing a pure essential oil, always check that the common name of the plant, the botanical name of the species in Latin, the distilled part of the plant, the extraction method, the batch, and the area of origin are indicated. Also, check for the 100% natural indication. This will always ensure that the product chosen is a true essential oil.

Sweet regards,

Barbara Pozzi and Olfattiva staff

How do you use Orange essential oil in your daily life? Comment on our article to share your experience!