Mandarin has a sweet, delicate and fresh aroma, used to uplift and gently soothe the spirit, making it ideal to use during the dark winter months. But where does Mandarin essential oil come from and what is it used for?
The word Mandarin also referred to as “citrus reticulata” originally from China, Mandarins are now grown across the globe in hot sunny climates. The name is thought to have derived from the orange gowns that the Mandarin dignitaries wore. It is believed that the Mandarin, through genetic research, is one of the original citrus fruits and that most of the citrus family are hybrids from the Mandarin. Like all the citrus essential oils Mandarin is expressed from the peel of the fruit. This process involves the peel being placed into a machine that punctures the skin releasing the essential oil. Next time you peel a citrus fruit take a look at the skin and beneath the pith, you will see small pores on the underside of the skin. This is where the essential oil is stored in all citrus fruits.
The Christmas tradition of putting a mandarin at the foot of a Christmas stocking originated from the 1880’s when Japanese immigrants in the US received a Mandarin as a gift from their families at home for the New Year. This became merged with the tradition of placing gold coins in a stocking that over time became chocolate coins.
In traditional Chinese medicine the peel of the fruit is dried and used to regulate energy and to ease digestive discomfort and these are two ways that the essential oil is 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
If you have overindulged a little this festive season, this a great blend to ease digestive discomfort. 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 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.
