Essential Oils: Sweet Orange Edition

Lets Talk Sweet Orange! IN ESSENCE...

• Orange Essential Oil, most commonly referred to as Sweet Orange Essential Oil, is derived from the fruits of the Citrus sinensis botanical. Conversely, Bitter Orange Essential Oil is derived from the fruits of the Citrus aurantium botanical. 
• Orange Oil’s ability to naturally enhance immunity and reduce several symptoms of numerous ailments have lent it to traditional medicinal applications for the treatment of acne, chronic stress, and other health concerns.
• Used in aromatherapy, Orange Essential Oil’s pleasant scent has a cheerful and uplifting yet simultaneously relaxing, calming effect that helps reduce pulse rate. It can not only create a warm environment but can also stimulate the strength and resilience of the immune system and eliminate airborne bacteria.
• Used topically, Orange Essential Oil is beneficial for maintaining the health, appearance, and texture of skin by promoting clarity, radiance, and smoothness, thereby reducing the signs of acne and other uncomfortable skin conditions. 
• Applied in a massage, Orange Essential Oil is known to increase blood flow. This is known to relieve discomforts associated with inflammation, headaches, menstruation, and low libido. 
• Used medicinally, Orange Essential Oil reduces the incidents of painful and reflexive muscle contractions. It is traditionally used in massages to relieve stress, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion or improper digestion, and congestion of the nose.

Used in aromatherapy applications, Orange Essential Oil is known to have a pleasant scent that has a cheerful and uplifting yet simultaneously relaxing, calming effect, as it helps reduce pulse rate. For this reason, it is believed to be beneficial for vaporizing in any room, especially when experiencing anxiety, sadness, anger, hypertension, frustration, and other negative moods. 

When diffused throughout the home, it is known to effectively diminish unpleasant scents such as cooking smells and pet odors while also boosting motivation and clarity. The aromatic benefits of Orange Oil are known to not only create a warm environment but to also stimulate the strength and resilience of the immune system and to eliminate airborne bacteria and pathogens. Its sedative properties make it a natural aphrodisiac, which is ideal for relieving the symptoms of low libido in both men and women, if used recurrently and systematically. 

The scent of Orange Oil is believed to enhance cognitive function, thus making it easier to recall memories, especially for Alzheimer’s disease patients. Diffused, or diluted and sprayed into the air before going to sleep, Orange Oil is known to induce sleep and to enhance sleep quality while facilitating the body’s detoxification process and balancing hormones. Diffused in the shower, Orange oil enhances the sense of relaxation and contributes anti-bacterial and cleansing properties. Those who suffer from allergies may find that the oil relieves a runny nose and cough, as its anti-inflammatory properties can benefit the body’s response to physical irritation.

Used cosmetically or topically in general, Orange Oil is known to be beneficial for maintaining the health, appearance, and texture of skin by promoting clarity, radiance, and smoothness. In doing so, it reduces the signs of acne and other uncomfortable skin conditions. When applied in a massage, Orange Essential Oil is known to increase blood flow, which relieves discomforts associated with inflammation, headaches, menstruation, and low libido. It is believed to soothe pain in bones, joints, or any site of injury and infection by decreasing swelling that causes aches and soreness, while also reducing redness. 

When applied to skin, Orange Oil’s astringent property contributes anti-aging benefits. It also works as a tonic that cleanses and detoxifies the skin while diminishing the appearance of pores. These properties make Orange Oil an ideal ingredient for moisturizers and cleansers that nourish skin, soothe dryness and irritation, eliminate harmful bacteria, enhance collagen production, and plump, smooth, and brighten the complexion. When applied to calluses, especially on the feet, Orange Oil is known to make an effective treatment that softens while hydrating.

Used medicinally, Orange Essential Oil works as a muscle relaxant, which reduces the incidents of painful and reflexive muscle contractions – or spasms. It thereby prevents other consequential problems such as convulsions, coughing, diarrhea, tears in the muscles, and sprains. Its anti-microbial properties make it ideal for application to a cut, bite, abrasion, boil, eruption, or any wound that may potentially become septic, as it prevents bacterial growth and infection. 

As a tonic, Orange Oil maintains metabolic health and function, while exhibiting anti-oxidant activity that repairs damaged cells. For its diuretic properties, Orange Oil is reputed to eliminate bodily toxins including excess salts, fluids such as water, and uric acid. Orange Essential Oil is traditionally used in massages as an agent that effectively relieves stress, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion or improper digestion, and congestion of the nose or of organs such as the liver.

1. Alleviates Muscle Spasms - Spasms are involuntary muscle contractions, and they are often the cause of cramps, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, and even coughs. The antispasmodic properties of sweet orange essential oil help reduce spasms. For abdominal pain, muscle pain, or cramps, mix a few drops of sweet orange essential oil with a carrier oil and massage gently onto the affected area. To treat a spasmodic cough, you can use this massage oil directly on your chest and neck, or simply diffuse sweet orange essential oil throughout the home.
2. Reduces Gas - Accumulation of gas can often be painful, causing heartburn or extreme stomach discomfort. The carminative properties of sweet orange essential oil can relieve this pain and reduce the accumulation of gas. It helps to relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to be eliminated without pain. To reduce gas, add a couple drops of sweet orange essential oil to a carrier oil and massage onto the lower abdomen. You can also add a drop of this essential oil to a glass of water and take internally.

3. Improves Mood and Increases Energy - Perhaps one of the most well-known therapeutic properties of sweet orange essential oil is its ability to reduce stress and fatigue. Simply inhaling this oil can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. By improving mood, it also helps promote mental clarity. For a quick pick-me-up, diffuse sweet orange essential oil throughout the home with a room diffuser. You can also keep a bottle on hand and dab a drop or two onto your wrists and neck to keep the scent with you throughout the day. 

4. Promotes Better Digestion - Sweet orange essential oil is a cholagogue, meaning it stimulates the flow of bile from the liver. The secretion of bile is vital to the entire digestive process. It also helps stimulate healthy enzyme and hormone secretion. Sweet orange essential oil’s carminative and antispasmodic properties also work to relieve flatulence and reduce stomach cramps. To help stimulate your digestive system, diffuse this oil throughout the home 15–20 minutes before eating. Alternatively, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and use as a massage oil on the stomach and lower abdomen, or add a drop to a glass of water and take internally.

5. Soothes Sore Muscles and Joints - Chronic inflammation is an underlying cause of many diseases. No matter what the cause of inflammation, sweet orange essential oil can help. It is especially effective against the pain caused by inflammation. If you are suffering from muscle or joint pain caused by inflammation, mix a few drops of sweet orange essential oil with a carrier oil and massage onto sore areas. You can also add a few drops of this oil to a relaxing bath.

6. Boost Immune System Function - The high limonene content in sweet orange essential oil makes it a powerful antioxidant. It helps the body to fight free radicals, which helps reduce signs of aging and the risk of developing certain diseases. The diuretic properties of this oil assist in ridding the body of toxins, which in turn helps the immune system function more efficiently. Due to the tonic properties of this oil, it helps strengthen all systems of the body. When all systems are working efficiently, you are healthier overall. To boost immune system function, diffuse this oil throughout the home or add a drop to a glass of water and take internally.
7. Treats Skin Problems - Sweet orange essential oil is a powerful antiseptic and antioxidant, which is the perfect combination to achieve healthy, young-looking skin. The antiseptic properties fight acne-causing bacteria. Rather, the antioxidants reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. The antiseptic properties in this oil are also effective at preventing infections in minor scrapes, burns, bites, or other minor wounds. For clean, healthy skin, add a few drops of sweet orange essential oil to your daily cleanser or moisturizer. You can even spot-treat acne by placing a drop of this oil onto a cotton swab and gently dabbing the affected areas. To prevent infection in minor wounds, add a drop of this oil onto a bandage before covering the wound.
8. Repels Ants and Flies - Sweet orange essential oil is a great way to get kill ants without the use of harmful chemicals.  A 2011 study showed that this essential oil is particularly effective at killing houseflies, especially the larvae and pupae. If you’re having an insect problem in your kitchen, simply mix 10–15 drops of this oil in a spray bottle with water. Spray this mixture in the areas you suspect are infested.
9. Disinfects Surfaces - The antibacterial properties of sweet orange essential oil make it a great way to naturally disinfect surfaces. Make a quick and easy disinfecting spray by mixing 10–15 drops of orange essential oil in a spray bottle with water and white vinegar. Use this mixture to clean surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom.
10. Flavors Food and Drink - Essential oils are extremely concentrated, so you only need a drop or two when using them in recipes. You can use sweet orange essential oil to flavor water, your favorite citrus dessert, or homemade candies.