Orange essential oil is extracted from the rinds of the orange fruit. It is generally produced through cold-pressing methods or extracted as a result of orange juice production. Orange oil has a bright citrus aroma that smells like freshly peeled oranges. Do not apply orange oil directly to your skin, as the compound limonene contained in orange oil can be a skin irritant. Before you use orange essential oil, you should consult with your physician or a qualified aromatherapist.
Stress Relief
Orange oil is widely used by aromatherapists for its relaxing, stress-relieving properties. According to Susanne Fischer-Rizzi in her "Complete Aromatherapy Handbook," you can use orange oil as a tonic to soothe frayed nerves and to promote relaxation and feelings of regeneration. Like most citrus oils, orange oil contains linalool, a stress-relieving compound. A study by University of Tokyo scientists published in 2009 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that linalool can help to induce relaxation by slowing the central nervous system and relieving stress. You can inhale a few drops of orange oil from a tissue or use up to 10 drops in a warm bath.
Insect Repellent
Orange oil contains the compound limonene, which is an effective, natural insect repellent. In a story published in the Houston Chronicle, Kathy Huber states that you can use orange oil to repel ants, fleas, roaches, mealybugs, whiteflies and other pests. Orange oil is also found in many commercial insect repellents. You can make a homemade insect repellent by combining about 20 drops of orange essential oil with 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as grapeseed or sunflower oil. Apply this solution to your clothing and skin, avoiding the eyes and nostrils.
Cleaning Products
Orange oil is commonly found in many commercially prepared cleaning products. It can cut through grease on dirty dishes. In her book "Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals," Maria Lis-Balchin writes that orange oil also contains antimicrobial properties. You can use it in your household cleaning routine by adding a few drops to dishwater or to a bucket of cleaning solution when you mop the floor.
References
- "Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health"; Susanne Fischer-Rizzi; 1991
- Houston Chronicle Newspaper: Organic Pesticides
- Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 57 (12): "Stress Repression in Restrained Rats by (R)-(')-Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of Their Whole Blood Cells"; Akio Nakamura et al; 2009
- "Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals"; Maria Lis-Balchin; 2006
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