Mandarin is a citrus oil used in aromatherapy. It has a number of therapeutic properties but is most well known for the treatment of digestive disorders. Mandarin oil is a gentle oil and pregnant women and children can safely use it. Do not confuse mandarin oil with orange oil, which has similar characteristics and properties.
History
According to Julia Lawless, in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," the mandarin fruit was a traditional gift to the Mandarins of China. Jennie Harding, in "Aromatherapy Massage for You," describes how mandarin trees were introduced into southern Europe in the 18th century. The French used mandarin both as a children's remedy and with the elderly for the treatment of digestive problems. The mandarin was introduced to America shortly after its introduction into Europe where it became known as the tangerine.
Extraction
Mandarin oil is extracted by cold expression of the peel of the mandarin fruit. Lawless states that the mandarin tree is cultivated in Europe, Brazil and the Middle East and produces a small, round, orange fruit. The tangerine tree is cultivated in the United States and produces a larger, rounder fruit that is more yellow in color. However, both mandarin oil and tangerine oil have the same botanical name, Citrus reticulata, and have the same therapeutic uses in aromatherapy.
Uses
Patricia Davis, in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," states that the principal use of mandarin oil is for the treatment of digestive disorders. Use mandarin oil as a tonic for the stomach and liver, to treat indigestion and to help with intestinal problems. In addition, use mandarin oil to treat insomnia, stress, mood swings in PMS, stretch marks, acne and oily skin. Apply mandarin oil to the skin in a blend of white lotion or carrier oil such as sunflower oil. In addition, mandarin oil can also be inhaled directly from the bottle or through an aromatic diffuser.
Pregnancy, Children and Elderly
Davis advises that mandarin oil is safe to using during pregnancy. It is also useful to use with children in the treatment of stomach upsets and hiccups. Mandarin oil is also recommended for use by the elderly to help strengthen the digestive system.
Cautions
In general, mandarin oil is non-sensitizing, non-toxic and non-irritating. Harding advises that mandarin oil is not phototoxic but both Lawless and Shirley and Len Price, in "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," advise that mandarin oil may be phototoxic. Therefore, limit sun exposure after the application of mandarin oil. In addition, always use mandarin oil in a carrier oil or lotion, such as sunflower oil or white lotion; do not use mandarin oil undiluted. Individual circumstances may differ but, in general, mandarin oil is one of the most gentle oils for aromatherapy use.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price, Len Price: 2002
- "Aromatherapy Massage for You"; Jennie Harding; 2005
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