What is Orange used for?

Bright, sunny and uplifting, Orange is an aroma we are all familiar with, but what are its origins and how can you benefit from its full range of therapeutic qualities?

The orange tree is part of the Rutaceae (citrus) family and originally came from Southern China and North East India. It was mentioned in literature as early as 314 BC and is still used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine to this day. The fruit was brought to Europe in the 16^th century and for hundreds of years, oranges were considered a luxury and something incredibly special! Now orange trees grow around the globe with Brazil being the biggest producer of the fruit to meet the huge demands of the juice industry.

In aromatherapy, we have three essential oils that are distilled from the wonderful orange tree. The blossom, known as Neroli, the leaves, known as Petitgrain and of course from the rind of the fruit we get the wonderful essential oil of Orange.

At Tisserand Aromatherapy, we stock Citrus aurantium dulcis (fruit) sweet orange essential oil, as opposed to Citrus aurantium (fruit) bitter orange essential oil. This is because Citrus aurantium (fruit) essential oil is phototoxic.  This means you have to be careful with using it on your skin and then going out into the sun.  Citrus aurantium dulcis (fruit) does not have this caution, yet the two fruit essential oils have similar therapeutic properties. Interestingly, Neroli and Petitgrain are distilled from Citrus aurantium but do not have phototoxic cautions.

 Aromatically, Orange essential oil is sublime; sweet, refreshing and tangy. Like most citrus essential oils, there is a direct association with sunshine and happiness. In practice, Orange is used to uplift emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also effectively be used as an astringent for the skin, so it’s helpful for congested or oily skin. Traditionally, it has been used as a digestive tonic and if used in a massage tummy rub, it can ease indigestion and a nervous stomach.

Why not try all the three essential oils from the orange tree, a personal favourite blend of mine, in a diffuser to quell anxiety and build optimism!

Diffuser Blend to ease anxiety and uplift.

Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:

4 drops of Orange – Citrus aurantium dulcis

3 drops of Petitgrain – Citrus aurantium

1 drop of Neroli – Citrus aurantium amara

Or a tummy rub blend?

Massage blend for indigestion. Rub over the tummy in a clockwise direction around your navel.

Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:

5 drops of Orange – Citrus aurantium dulcis

3 drops of Ginger – Zingiber officinale

2 drops of Peppermint – Mentha piperita

Or a blend for troubled skin?

Calming blend for congested skin – this is a 1% blend so can be used on the face.

Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:

2 drops of Orange Citrus aurantium dulcis

1 drop of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

1 drop of Palmarosa Cymbopogon citratus

However you choose to use your Orange Essential Oil, I hope you enjoy its aroma and therapeutic properties, it is definitely one of my favourite essential oils!

About Jo Kellett

Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.

For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.