Orange oil

Common Name:  Orange oil

Botanical Name:  Citrus sinensis

Other Names:  Navel Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus Peel Extract oil, Orange peel oil, Orange de Jaffa

Introduction

Orange trees originated from India and China. Being a citrus plant, oranges grow well under moderate temperatures and require a huge amount of sunshine and water. The botanical name of orange tree is citrus sinensis or citrus sonensis. Oranges usually grow in winters. It is grown in abundance in Brazil and US states of California. It is an evergreen and flowering tree.

Orange oil is an essential oil produced by cells inside the peel of an orange tree. It is yellow in color and is extracted as a by-product of orange juice by the method of centrifugation. The main composition of orange oil is limonene, octanol and octanal.

Uses of orange oil:

Aromatherapy uses: The smell of orange oil helps with emotional balance and brings a positive outlook. It is regarded as one of the most inexpensive and safest essential oil to be used. It creates a feeling of happiness and warmth and produces a calming effect. It is also used in creams and lotions and is a good skin tonic. It is good for older, mature skin.

Medicinal Uses: It is very good for cold and flu. It is used as an anti-depressant. It is useful in constipation, obesity and water balance in the body. It is useful in the cases of nervous tension and stress. It helps in eliminating toxins from the body.

Culinary uses: It is used in baking, cleaning and cooking. It can be added in salads and in some recipes.

Holistic uses: It is used in a vapour therapy, blended massage oil, as a cream or lotion and in the bath. It is a good diuretic. It also helps children to sleep at night. It should not be applied before going out in the sun for prolonged periods.