What Is Essential Sweet Orange Oil Good For?

You can find a variety of essential oils made from oranges. There are petitgrain and neroli, from the Seville orange, bergamot and mandarin oils from their namesake oranges and sweet oange oil from the peel of the Citrus sinensis orange. Since orange oil can aggravate your skin, do a spot test on a small amount of skin before applying it to a large area. Orange can also make your skin light sensitive. Consult a certified aromatherapist for the proper method of using essential oils.

Products

Sweet orange oil is added to numerous products because of its citrus scent and flavor. The oil often adds scent to cosmetics, skin care products and perfumes. If you ever wonder where the flavoring comes from for orange soda, orange-flavored food and orange liqueur, sweet orange essential oil is often used.

Skin

Aside from its scent, orange is also added to skin care products for its benefits to the skin. Unlike many oils, orange is beneficial for every type of skin. For a facial steam, add two drops of sweet orange oil to 2 qt. boiling water in a bowl or the sink. Hold a towel over your head to direct the steam to your face. Hold your face with eyes closed over the steam for around five to 10 minutes. Sweet orange combines well with lavender, rosewood and frankincense, so you could use a combination instead of just orange.

Digestive Concerns

Sweet orange oil can calm down an agitated digestive system, including gas, indigestion, cramps and intestinal spasms. For this purpose, add 40 to 60 drops to 3.5 oz. of a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil. Massage a small amount of this mixture onto your navel area. Orange oil was 97 percent effective in the treatment of parasitic worms in sheep and goats, according to the findings from a 2010 study in "Veterinary Parasitology."

Health

Sweet orange oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is useful as a household cleaner. Add 50 to 100 drops to 10 oz. water to make a cleaning spray. Sweet orange oil also promotes a healthy immune system and helps ease symptoms of a cold or the flu, just as consuming the fruit does. Orange oil is stimulating and can help you feel energized and uplift a stressed or depressed mood. Add four drops of orange oil to a small amount of a carrier oil and add it to your bath.