What is Mandarin essential oil good for?
Mandarin has a sweet, delicate and fresh aroma, uplifting and soothing to the spirit, generally making it ideal to use during the dark winter months. But where does Mandarin essential oil come from and what is it used for?
Mandarin is also referred to as "citrus reticulata" originally from China; Mandarins are now grown across the globe in hot sunny climates. Their name is believed to have derived from the orange gowns Mandarin dignitaries wore. It is thought that the Mandarin, through genetic research, is one of the original citrus fruits and that most of the citrus family are hybrids of the Mandarin. Like all citrus essential oils, Mandarin is expressed from the fruit's peel. This process involves placing the peel into a machine that punctures the skin releasing the essential oil. Next time you peel a citrus fruit, look at the skin; beneath the pith, you will see tiny pores on the underside of the skin. These pores are where the essential oil in all citrus fruits is.
The Christmas tradition of putting a mandarin at the foot of a Christmas stocking originated in the 1880s when Japanese immigrants in the US received the gift of a Mandarin from their families at home for the New Year. This citrus gift, in time, became merged with the tradition of placing gold coins in a stocking which has since evolved into chocolate coins.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the fruit peel is dried and used to regulate energy and ease digestive discomfort. These are two ways essential oils are still used in modern aromatherapy practice today!
Why not try using Mandarin essential oil in these festive and comforting blends:
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
5 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
2 drops of Frankincense - Boswellia carterii
1 drop of Ginger - Zingiber officinale
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
3 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
3 drops of Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
2 drops of French Marjoram - Origanum marjorana
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending oil:
6 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
3 drops of Roman Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis
1 drop Peppermint - Mentha piperita
This blend is excellent to ease digestive discomfort if you have overindulged a little this festive season. Apply to the abdomen in clockwise circular strokes around the navel.
However you celebrate this coming festive season, I wish you an aromatic one!
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 an 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.
Mandarin is also referred to as "citrus reticulata" originally from China; Mandarins are now grown across the globe in hot sunny climates. Their name is believed to have derived from the orange gowns Mandarin dignitaries wore. It is thought that the Mandarin, through genetic research, is one of the original citrus fruits and that most of the citrus family are hybrids of the Mandarin. Like all citrus essential oils, Mandarin is expressed from the fruit's peel. This process involves placing the peel into a machine that punctures the skin releasing the essential oil. Next time you peel a citrus fruit, look at the skin; beneath the pith, you will see tiny pores on the underside of the skin. These pores are where the essential oil in all citrus fruits is.
The Christmas tradition of putting a mandarin at the foot of a Christmas stocking originated in the 1880s when Japanese immigrants in the US received the gift of a Mandarin from their families at home for the New Year. This citrus gift, in time, became merged with the tradition of placing gold coins in a stocking which has since evolved into chocolate coins.
How can the oil be used?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the fruit peel is dried and used to regulate energy and ease digestive discomfort. These are two ways essential oils are still used in modern aromatherapy practice today!
Why not try using Mandarin essential oil in these festive and comforting blends:
For some Christmas cheer
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
5 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
2 drops of Frankincense - Boswellia carterii
1 drop of Ginger - Zingiber officinale
For a soothing bedtime sleep blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
3 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
3 drops of Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
2 drops of French Marjoram - Origanum marjorana
Digestive discomfort massage blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending oil:
6 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
3 drops of Roman Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis
1 drop Peppermint - Mentha piperita
This blend is excellent to ease digestive discomfort if you have overindulged a little this festive season. Apply to the abdomen in clockwise circular strokes around the navel.
However you celebrate this coming festive season, I wish you an aromatic one!
About Jo KellettOur 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 an 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.
