Benefits Of Essential Orange Oil

Essential oils are essences taken from plants and used for their therapeutic qualities. There are a number of different types of orange essential oils on the market. You can choose from mandarin orange, sweet orange, bergamot orange and bitter orange. They have similar qualities but also subtle differences. Orange essential oils have a number of purported health benefits, although more research is needed to back up these claims. Consult with a certified aromatherapist for the proper and safest methods of using essential oils.

Mandarin Orange Oil

Mandarin orange oil might improve the look of scars, stretch marks and aging skin when it is blended with a carrier oil like grape seed oil. It is a mild oil that is safe for children, pregnant women and the elderly when used in baths and massages. Smelling mandarin orange oil has a rejuvenating effect. Further, if you massage it in a blend over your abdomen, it can ease digestive troubles, according to "The Essential Natural Health Bible." A 2004 study in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" found that Mandarin orange oil fought E.coli and S. enterica bacteria.

Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange oil is commonly used in soap, perfume and cosmetics, as well as in food and drinks. It can be used on all skin types, from oily to dry. Like mandarin, sweet orange can help digestion with a massage. Sweet orange also suppressed E. coli and S. enterica in the 2004 study. However, sweet orange oil should not be used on babies, as it is strong. Perform a patch test before applying it to a large area of your skin, because it can cause a reaction.

Bergamot

Bergamot is used in cosmetics and perfume. It is useful for dry and cracked skin and heals wounds. It works well as a deoderant, to ward off insects and it eases tension. You can also inhale it or use it in a chest rub to ease symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Bergamot is effective against Camp. Jejuni and E. coli bacteria, according to a December 2006 study in the "Journal of Applied Microbiology." Perform a patch test with bergamot before applying it to your skin and avoid the sun when you apply it to your skin.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange, also called seville orange, is made into three different types of essential oils: bitter orange, petitgrain and neroli. They are extracted from different parts of the plant. Bitter orange oil is used for respiratory illness, digestive concerns through massage and for the skin. Bitter orange also overcame E. coli and S. enterica in the 2004 study. Petitgrain is used as a perfume and deoderant, as well as to stimulate the immune system and as a calming scent. Neroli is used for skin care, as it is thought to improve and tighten aging or sensitive skin. It also works in a massage for digestive and uterine cramps, as well as digestive concerns.