There is hardly a person who is unfamiliar with the ringing and cheerful aroma of the sunniest fruit - sweet orange. Its tantalizing freshness can give a feeling of celebration even on the gloomiest day. But bright taste and rich aroma are not all the advantages of sweet orange.
These miracle fruits, which came to us from ancient oriental fairy tales, have truly miraculous properties, so they can become a real godsend for those who strive to be healthy and look good.
All the beneficial qualities of orange citrus are contained in the essential oil extracted from its peel. Despite the fact that today oranges are grown in many countries, the oil of the Spanish and Hawaiian varieties is of the greatest value.
The properties and uses of sweet orange oil are very extensive. It is used at home, added to masks, used in cellulite wraps and aromatherapy. Sweet orange oil is used in cosmetology, perfume and pharmaceutical industries, and is often found in the composition of creams, ointments and medicines.
Orange oil pairs well with the scents of cinnamon, honey, vanilla, clove, jasmine, incense, nutmeg, eucalyptus and many others. By mixing ether with other oils, you can enhance the healing or cosmetic effect.
You could write a whole treatise on the beneficial qualities of this oil - it is so multifunctional. Here are just a few of its wonderful properties:
- helps improve immunity;
- removes bile from the body;
- protects against infections entering the body;
- promotes wound healing and stops bleeding;
- calms and tones;
- softens and moisturizes;
- fights cellulite;
- prevents inflammatory processes;
- helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- has a rejuvenating effect; - is an antiseptic.
For the soul Orange is considered one of the best antidepressants created by nature. That is why sweet orange essential oil is often recommended for people suffering from depression, emotional stress and unreasonable fears.
Its warm and soft aroma contributes to a sharp increase in the level of endorphins in the blood and, as a result, reduces mental arousal, relieves anxiety and sadness, calms, gives strength and energy, and increases performance.
A bath with 5 drops of orange elixir will help you relax and tone up after a hard day, and in order to good mood was always “at hand”, it is recommended to carry an aroma medallion.
In addition, orange oil is the strongest and can increase libido. Therefore, an aromatic lamp with the addition of 3 drops of essence will be a wonderful addition to a romantic evening for two.
For good health
The properties and applications of the oil are very diverse; it is also actively used in medicinal purposes. Since ether has antiseptic and antipyretic properties, it is often used to treat colds and infectious diseases.
For inhalation, add 2 drops of oil to a glass of water and inhale the resulting solution for several minutes.
Gargling with a solution with the addition of orange oil is effective for sore throat, as well as stomatitis and toothache. For spasms and pain in the joints, add the extract to any vegetable oil and rub the affected area. And lotions with added essence can cope with skin diseases.
Essential oil Sweet orange is also taken internally. It accelerates metabolism, has a beneficial effect on intestinal function, copes with constipation, and is also capable of removing waste and toxins from the body, which is why it is often used in the treatment of poisoning.
Also, consuming orange extract prevents the deposition of stones in the gastrointestinal tract.
For cellulite
Sweet orange essential oil for cellulite can definitely be called the main assistant in the fight against the eternal female problem - “orange peel”. It is an indispensable component of various creams and gels for cellulite.
And all because it improves blood circulation, which tones the skin, makes it taut and elastic. In addition, it promotes the breakdown of fats in cells and accelerates excretory processes. They are very popular.
Recipe: the wrapping mass is made at the rate of 2-3 drops per 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey. Apply the warm mixture to the problem area, wrap in cling film and leave for an hour. The result appears after a course of such wraps, which usually lasts 8-10 sessions.
A massage with the addition of orange oil (5 drops per 10 grams of base) is also a good help in the fight for a beautiful body. It stimulates blood circulation, fights cellulite and enhances metabolic processes in tissues.
And have a healing effect on the skin. In order to get maximum effect, it is recommended to alternate procedures.
For face
The beneficial properties of orange oil for the face are not limited to its effect solely on the fifth point. It is suitable for caring for all types of facial skin: fights acne and enlarged pores, restores elasticity to fading sagging skin, improves color and restores a healthy appearance.
Due to the high content of beneficial microelements and antioxidants, collagen production is stimulated, due to which skin cells are renewed faster. It is good to add essential oil (3 drops per 10 grams of base) to homemade creams or masks.
The following composition will be universal for all skin types: mix 1 teaspoon of any base oil with 5 drops of orange essential oil. Apply the mixture to your face for half an hour, then rinse with warm water.
For hair
Sweet orange essential oil is used for hair care. Its regular use helps strengthen hair and get rid of dandruff, hair becomes manageable and elastic, and a delicate citrus aroma will be a pleasant bonus to its healthy and blooming appearance.
Add 2-3 drops of orange oil to your shampoo every time you wash your hair, and after just a few such procedures you will notice the result.
Another way to use sweet orange oil for hair is through homemade masks.
Recipe: beat 1 yolk and combine with 2 tbsp. spoons and 1 teaspoon of honey. Add 3-4 drops of orange extract to the resulting mixture. Apply the heated mixture over the entire length of your hair and wrap your head in a towel. After half an hour, wash your hair with shampoo.
Aroma combing will also be beneficial for all hair types. Simply spread a few drops of the product over a wooden comb and comb your hair in different directions for a few minutes.
When choosing an essential oil, there is no need to strive for cheapness, because a low price in this case is proof of the low quality of the product. Unscrupulous manufacturers often sell flavored vegetable oils under the guise of essential oils. In order not to run into a fake, buy oil only from trusted sellers.
If you purchased oil, but doubt its authenticity, there is a simple test: drop the product on a regular paper napkin. Pure ether will evaporate in a few minutes, leaving no greasy residue. If a yellow mark remains on the paper after drying, it means that they sold you diluted oil.
Chemicals will leave a colorless greasy stain. When choosing an essential oil, be careful and careful: a synthesized fake will not only not bring the expected effect, but can also cause severe harm to the skin.
Sweet orange oil contraindications
As you know, citrus fruits are a strong allergen, so allergy sufferers should use the oil with great caution. In any case, before the first use on the skin, it is recommended to undergo an individual tolerance test.
Just drip the product onto a sensitive area of skin, such as the crook of your elbow, and wait a couple of hours. If everything is in order, use it without fear.
It is important to know that sweet orange oil, like other essential oils, is not recommended for use by pregnant women and people suffering from high blood pressure. In addition, to avoid sunburn, do not apply oil to your face before going out into the sun.
A holiday for soul and body - this is how this wonderful essential oil can be described in a nutshell. Sweet orange can be used in many situations, so a bottle of this miracle essence will be appropriate in any home medicine cabinet.
There are two varieties of oranges from which essential oil is produced. The sweet variety of citrus fruits is the most popular in medicine and cosmetology, while the bitter variety often serves as the basis for perfume compositions, since it has a very refined, noble and refined aroma. Sweet is characterized by an unobtrusive and slightly tart aroma.
Orange essence is obtained in two ways: from fresh peel by cold pressing and from zest by steam distillation. Steam distillation produces a product with a lower density. To obtain 1 kg of essential oil, 50 kg of peel is required.
Properties and application
The aromatic gold of sweet orange has the following properties:
Cosmetic properties
The cosmetic properties of citrus fruits are very diverse. First of all, citrus fruits help get rid of cellulite and increase skin turgor and elasticity.
It is considered no less useful orange oil for hair. This inexpensive, but very necessary and effective cosmetic product with a healing effect has a beneficial, therapeutic and cosmetic effect on the scalp, which instantly affects appearance curls.
Under the influence of orange oil, curls become more manageable, smooth, and stop electrifying. Thanks to the rich chemical composition(it contains about 500 substances), orange is able to quickly restore the damaged structure and bring the dullest hair back to life.
Each component of this oil - aldehydes, terpenes and other equally useful substances - saturates the hair from the inside.
Orange hair masks, thanks to its complex effect on the scalp, miraculously transform dull and lifeless curls:
At the same time, orange essential oil for hair is very easy to use at home.
Instructions for use
Sweet orange oil for hair quite simple to apply. Difficulties may arise only for those who encounter strand aromatherapy for the first time.
Those who already use oil extracts to treat weakened, lustrous hair know how pleasant, beneficial and effective it is.
Make sure you are not allergic to any of the essence's components. To do this, use an aroma lamp: drop a few drops into a bowl of water, if the smell does not worsen your condition, you can use it. Of course, for convenience, the oil can also be diluted with water in equal proportions (1 drop each) and apply the resulting mixture to the inside of the elbow. If there is no reaction on the skin, it is not recommended to use orange oil for hair care in your case. It will not bring you the desired result.
To increase the effectiveness of the impact esters can be added to shampoos, compresses, masks, balms, conditioners. But at the same time, do not go beyond the bounds of reason.
If at any time when using orange essential oil or using it as a cosmetic product you feel slightly unwell (including weakness and dizziness), experiments should be stopped.
If you use it as part of masks, you should not overdo it with other components, otherwise the oil may lose some of its beneficial properties, especially when in contact with hot or heated mask components.
Masks using orange oil can be done once a week (for two months). They have a cumulative effect. It appears with regular use.
All products included in masks must be tested. The use of exotic components may lead to side effects. Therefore, they should be replaced with familiar and proven means.
Anti-dandruff mask
Citrus essence will help get rid of dandruff, but those with dry hair will achieve the greatest effect.
To prepare the mask you will need 1 tablespoon of almond or any other oil. Heat it in a water bath. Add 2 drops each of eucalyptus, orange and or ylang-ylang. Distribute the mixture evenly over the entire length of your hair and lightly rub into the scalp.
To enhance the effect Wrap your head in plastic wrap and wrap a bath towel on top. Leave the mask on for one hour, then wash off with the shampoo you usually use.
Orange is great as a natural hair moisturizer.
To enhance the effect, orange can be supplemented with mint extract, patchouli or cedar oil.
Heat 2 teaspoons butter. Add 2 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream, although it can be replaced with mayonnaise. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Add 5 drops of citrus essence to the mixture.
Distribute the composition over the entire length of the hair, smearing it into the hair. Leave for 45 minutes. Remove the mask using your regular shampoo.
Restoring damaged curls
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cognac, stir, add 5 drops of orange essence to the resulting mixture, which will be a real gift for split ends and brittle hair ends.
Distribute the mixture over the entire length of your hair. Leave the composition for 35 minutes. Wash your hair with shampoo and dry your hair without using a hair dryer.
Citrus essences can also be used as a hair rinse. It is ideal for dry curls. Dissolve 2 drops of orange and chamomile oils in half a liter of warm water. Use as a hair rinse after shampooing. In addition, it is an extremely effective remedy against hair loss, which is also ideal for blondes.
Any of the recipes suggested above will help solve many problems with the scalp and hair. And with essential orange oil you can forget about them for a long time.
Most people come into contact with a small amount of orange oil when peeling oranges. If you are not familiar with various types uses and benefits of essential oil, you might be surprised at how many different common products it is added to. Have you ever used soap, detergent, cleaning product, or cosmetic product that smells like oranges? This smell is often associated with orange oil present in them to improve their scent and cleansing ability.
Orange essential oil is added to many cosmetics such as lotions, shampoos, acne treatments, and mouthwashes because it has antibacterial properties and a strong, refreshing aroma. You probably already have furniture and kitchen sprays or toilet air freshener sprays in your home that also contain orange essential oil. It is also widely used as a flavor enhancer in drinks such as fruit juices or sodas, although there are much more natural ways to benefit from its use.
Beneficial properties of orange oil
The powerful formula of active ingredients in orange essential oil is responsible for its healing abilities. The most notable active ingredients in orange oil are:
- Limonene- makes up about 85-96 percent of the extract.
- Myrcene- 0.5-3 percent.
Limonene is considered a powerful antioxidant that fights damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, which can lead to the development of various diseases. These compounds are considered types of monoterpenes, which are a dietary component of many citrus oils that have demonstrated antitumor activity.
According to research, the beneficial properties of orange essential oil include:
- fight against cancer
- improved blood circulation
- suppression of bacteria and pathogens
- wrinkle reduction
- improvement of complexion
- reduction of anxiety
- reduction of arterial hypertension
Used as a versatile remedy to improve immune function and fight a variety of diseases, orange oil is a popular medicine used in folk medicine throughout the Mediterranean, India and China for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Throughout history, orange essential oil has been used to treat widespread ailments, including:
- poor digestion
- chronic fatigue
- oral and skin infections
- colds and flu
- low libido
It is considered an effective antidepressant, antiseptic and antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, digestive stimulant and blood circulation enhancer!
D-limonene, more than 90% of which is found in orange peel oil, is a monoterpene that has potent chemopreventive activity as it has been shown to reduce tumor growth in many animal studies. Research shows that monoterpenes block cancers of the breast, skin, liver, lung, pancreas and stomach. The ability to combat carcinogenesis is likely due to the induction of Phase II carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, which leads to the detoxification of carcinogens. Monoterpenes also help induce apoptosis and growth-regulating proteins.
Uses of orange essential oil
1. Strengthening the immune system
Limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene present in orange oil, is a powerful protector against oxidative stress. Orange essential oil even has cancer-fighting abilities, as monoterpenes have proven to be very effective chemopreventive agents against tumor growth.
2. Fight against pathogenic bacteria
Citrus essential oils have antimicrobial activity, which is why they are often used to improve food safety. One 2009 study published in an international journal International Journal of Food and Science Technology Orange essential oil has been found to prevent the proliferation of E. coli bacteria. E. coli, a dangerous type of bacteria found in contaminated foods such as vegetables and meat, can cause serious reactions if ingested into the human body, including kidney failure and even death.
Another 2008 study published in the journal Food Science, showed that orange oil can inhibit the spread of salmonella bacteria because it contains powerful antimicrobial compounds, especially terpenes. If a person eats food contaminated with salmonella, they may experience gastrointestinal reactions (vomiting, diarrhea), fever, and serious side effects such as dehydration.
3. Improved blood circulation
Orange essential oil is a natural remedy for high blood pressure. It can improve blood circulation and fight hypertension, which is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Due to its ability to improve blood circulation, this remedy may also be useful in increasing libido, reducing headaches and symptoms associated with PMS. Use orange oil in combination with a carrier oil to make a massage oil that can be massaged into the skin in the abdominal area to improve circulation.
4. Elimination of inflammation
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of orange oil have been researched for its effects in fighting pain, infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In fact, among several popular anti-inflammatory oils, including lemon oil, pine oil, and eucalyptus oil, orange essential oil showed the greatest reduction in inflammation. This was demonstrated in a 2009 study published in the journal European Journal of Medical Research, which examined the antioxidant potential of various essential oils.
5. Reduce pain
If you suffer from muscle, bone or joint pain, orange oil may help turn off inflammatory responses that increase tissue swelling. This makes it a natural remedy for bone and joint pain. Orange essential oil also helps improve mood, which is great for increasing pain tolerance and helping you sleep better when you're in pain or uncomfortable. Rub orange oil mixed with a carrier oil onto sore muscles or swollen areas to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
6. Improved mood
Diffusing orange oil in your home, adding some to your shampoo, body wash or perfume, or directly inhaling it can lift your mood and have a relaxing effect. Orange essential oil has a direct effect on the olfactory system of the brain, which quickly triggers emotional reactions. This essential oil is great for balancing hormones, as it can help “turn off” reactions from stress hormones such as cortisol. Research shows that orange oil is both "uplifting" and "calming," making its aroma a great way to brighten your mood in the morning or calm your nerves after a long day.
7. Skin care
Citrus fruits are known to provide the human body with large amounts of vitamin C, which helps protect and heal the skin. Oranges are one of the best foods rich in vitamin C. Orange essential oil is also very beneficial for fighting signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots as it promotes collagen production. Thanks to its antioxidant capacity, it slows down the rate of skin damage associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, pollution and toxicity.
You can apply a very small amount of orange oil to your face along with a carrier oil, but be sure to do a skin test first to avoid any negative reactions. Try combining it with other skin-repairing oils, such as frankincense oil and tea tree oil.
8. Elimination of acne and pimples
Orange essential oil is effective in fighting bacteria and inflammation on the skin that can lead to acne and pimples. This is an ideal remedy for treating pimples and acne. Remember that orange oil can only be used in small quantities in combination with coconut oil. Apply the oil mixture to the skin affected by pimples and acne using cotton pads or pieces of cotton wool. The redness, pain, and swelling caused by acne should subside, and you'll avoid the skin-drying chemical ingredients found in most acne treatments. Try using it with other powerful oils, such as geranium oil or cinnamon oil.
9. Improved digestion
Because orange essential oil has anti-inflammatory, laxative, and circulation-boosting properties, it may help improve nutrient absorption and relieve colic or constipation. Add some of it to massage oil and massage it into the abdominal area. Orange oil also improves detoxification when taken orally as it acts as a mild diuretic that increases urine production and prevents bloating. Since orange oil helps stimulate the lymphatic system, liver, kidneys and bladder, it helps remove toxins, excess sodium and waste from the digestive tract.
10. Natural mouth rinse and gum treatment
Since orange oil has the ability to fight bacterial growth, it can protect your teeth and gums from infections. It is also used for quick relief of sore throat along with water and salt gargles. You can use orange oil to treat cold sores and mouth ulcers. Just add a few drops of this oil to water and rinse your mouth with the mixture several times a day. Herpes can be treated by using a mixture of orange essential oil with natural unrefined coconut oil.
11. Use as a kitchen cleaner
Orange essential oil has a naturally fresh, sweet, citrus scent that will fill your kitchen with a clean aroma. At the same time, when diluted with water, it makes an excellent cleaner for countertops, cutting boards or kitchen appliances without the need for bleach or harsh chemicals found in most cleaners and detergents.
Add a few drops to a spray bottle along with other cleansing oils (such as bergamot oil) and water. Once applied to the surfaces to be cleaned, you do not need to completely wipe it off like most detergents, as it is not harmful to the surfaces themselves.
Research on the properties of orange essential oil
Approximately 50 different scientific studies have been conducted that examined the effects of the active components of orange essential oil on cancer cells. In addition to containing high levels of tumor-reducing limonene, it also contains other phytochemicals that protect DNA and cells from damage, including polymethoxyflavones. Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are a class of flavonoid antioxidant compounds commonly found in citrus plants.
According to a 2010 study published in the journal Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, orange oil can effectively help stop the proliferation of human lung and colon cancer cells. This is due to the presence of PMFs in orange oil, which are associated with modulating key signaling proteins associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis.
In another study published in the journal Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, orange oil has demonstrated the ability to suppress tumor growth as it enhances liver detoxification functions, nerve signaling, and cell rejuvenation. Rats given orange oil for five and a half months showed the oil's chemopreventive effects, which were monitored by measuring their liver weight. Administration of orange essential oil resulted in decreased liver weight and improved cell density and polarity compared to the control group.
Orange essential oil has also been shown to be uplifting and calming. For centuries, traditional healers have used this oil as a mild sedative and antidepressant. Because it has anxiolytic properties and reduces symptoms associated with anxiety, just five minutes of exposure to orange essential oil vapor can alter your mood and improve motivation, relaxation, and mental clarity.
A study published in 2014 in the journal Journal of Complimentary Therapies of Medicine, showed that olfactory stimulation using orange and rose oils induces physiological and psychological relaxation. The study examined the effects of orange and rose essential oils on the activity of the prefrontal cortex of 20 women, which showed their level of stimulation or relaxation. After half the women were exposed to atomized orange and rose oils for 90 seconds, they experienced a significant decrease in oxyhemoglobin concentration in the right prefrontal cortex compared to the control group, resulting in an increase in feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Orange Oil Recipes
To get the most benefits from orange oil, you should only buy oil that is cold-pressed from orange peel. This method preserves heat-sensitive antioxidants and active ingredients that can be easily destroyed during heat treatment and steam distillation.
Since the extract comes exclusively from the outer layer of the orange exposed to environment environment in which it grows, it is also important to look for organic (oranges grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides) cold-pressed orange oil - this avoids chemical toxicity.
Orange oil is truly versatile and works well with any other oil, which is why it is added to all types of oil blends, including relaxers, stimulants, cleansers, purifiers, and aphrodisiacs. You can mix it with essential oils:
- cinnamon
- allspice
- anise
- basilica
- bergamot
- sage
- eucalyptus
- incense
- geraniums
- ginger
- sandalwood
- jasmine
- carnations
Here are some ways to safely use orange oil at home:
- Aromatically: You can diffuse the oil in your home using an essential oil diffuser or directly inhale its vapors. To make a natural room freshener, place a few drops of this oil along with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around your home.
- Externally: Before applying orange oil to the skin, it should be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. Before applying it to your skin, you should check yourself for any allergic reactions - simply apply a little orange essential oil to your wrist and wait for 15 minutes. If you do not experience any redness or itching, then you can safely use it by rubbing it into your skin. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath, lotion, or shower gel.
- Ingestion: Orange essential oil can only be taken internally if very high quality and organic oil is used. You can add a drop to water or take it as a dietary supplement by mixing it with honey or adding it to a smoothie. It helps reduce bloating, improves digestion and detoxification of the body. The FDA recognizes it as safe for consumption, but that is only if you purchased pure, unadulterated oil. You get what you pay for, so be sure to find a reputable, trusted brand!
Try these simple recipes using orange essential oil:
Homemade Honey Citrus Shampoo Recipe
This homemade honey citrus shampoo recipe is great for your hair! This shampoo helps balance hair's natural pH levels, kills bacteria, eliminates dry hair and reduces dandruff.
Total cooking time: 2 minutes.
Number of uses: 20-30.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 glass of water
- 5 tablespoons natural honey
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- glass bottle with dispenser
PREPARATION METHOD:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Place the mixture in a glass bottle with a dispenser. Shake well before each use.
Recipe with orange oil and honey to treat acne (pimples and acne)
This natural acne treatment does not leave skin dry, flaky or red and helps reduce acne spots, dark spots and bacteria-induced pimples and acne. Honey and orange promote healthy skin by fighting infections, bacteria, inflammation, swelling and redness.
Total cooking time: 2 minutes.
Number of uses: 30.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon of natural (unrefined) coconut oil.
- 3 tablespoons of natural honey.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- 20 drops orange essential oil (or 10 drops orange oil and 10 drops cinnamon oil).
- 2 capsules of live probiotics.
PREPARATION METHOD:
Mix all ingredients together and mix thoroughly with a hand blender. Pour into a convenient bottle and store in a cool place.
Natural deodorizer recipe with orange oil
- Deodorize your dishwasher by combining orange oil and 1 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best). Add them to the bottom of the dishwasher and run only a rinse cycle to sanitize and deodorize. You can use the same formula to clean your sink.
- You can also freshen and deodorize indoor air by filling a pan with water and adding essential oils of orange, lemon (or lemon and orange peel), cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Simmer this mixture over low heat or spray these oils with a spray bottle after mixing them with water.
Side effects, interactions and contraindications
Because orange oil is so potent, it can cause skin reactions when used topically, so start with a small amount and make sure you don't experience any redness, swelling, or rash. Before using it externally on large areas or delicate areas such as the face, test on a small area of skin (such as the forearm). Simply apply a drop of orange oil to your forearm and wait 10-15 minutes. If the above reactions do not occur, then it is safe to use.
If you are allergic to oranges or other citrus fruits, you should not use orange oil as it can cause serious reactions both internally and externally. Also be careful when using it topically on your children's skin, or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have any serious medical condition. Essential oils are very potent and interact with other medications, so consult your doctor if you are unsure how using orange oil will affect your current health condition. You should be especially careful if you have cancer, heart disease, liver damage, or skin disease.
Another thing to keep in mind is that citrus oils can increase the effects of UV exposure on your skin. Just avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for 12 hours after applying orange essential oil to your skin to prevent sunburn.
The sweetish, light, slightly tart and sunny smell of orange zest fills one of the main cosmetic oils - orange - with delightfully summer notes. The bright fruity aroma, which always evokes a festive mood, is not the only advantage of this essential oil. Due to the availability of the starting material and the relatively simple production process, it belongs to the group of the most affordable aromatic oils.
Characteristics
Orange oil is obtained by hydrodistillation or cold pressing from citrus peels (leaves and flowers are used to obtain other oils - and). Oils of Guinean or Spanish origin are considered the best; products obtained in America or Brazil, where the production of orange aroma oil is often combined with the production of orange juice, are less valued.
This essential oil is externally a fairly fluid liquid, which always leaves yellow-orange traces on clothes or a napkin: the dyes and pigments contained in the peel of oranges also end up in the oil during distillation.
Almost all orange essential oils contain special antioxidant components: this is one of the most rapidly oxidizing oils, requiring additional additives for long-term storage.
Among orange essential oils, it is customary to distinguish two subspecies - sweet and bitter orange oils, which differ not only in composition, but also in aroma: bitter orange oil has a more refined, refined aroma.
Orange aroma oil combines well and mixes with the vast majority of essential oils. Complementary aromas for orange oil are considered to be all citrus and pine oils, as well as essential oils, savory, oregano, and. Orange oil is considered an ideal partner, emphasizing and complementing its calming effect.
The use of orange oil is based on its anti-inflammatory, soothing, tonic, regenerating, immunostimulating, antiseptic, and relaxing properties.
Impact on the emotional sphere
Orange oil is an essential oil with a psychologically warming effect. The warm and soft aroma of orange oil belongs to the tonic odors that help improve mood and emotional state, relieve fatigue, get rid of anxiety, internal discomfort, anxiety, nervousness, and sadness.
Medicinal properties
For medical purposes, orange essential oil is used to treat bleeding and inflammation in the oral cavity, obesity and swelling and fluid retention, acute respiratory diseases, and blood circulation disorders.
The therapeutic effect of using essential oil is also manifested in the relief of muscle, joint, menstrual pain, neuralgia and headaches.
Use in cosmetology
Orange aroma oil is most widely used in the field of cosmetology, showing itself as an excellent restorative agent for all skin types. Cosmetic creams and emulsions enriched with orange oil help restore skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, and are used as a vitaminizing, whitening, and protective agent.
This oil is also perfect for problem skin: it will help cope with enlarged pores and acne scars.
As part of hair cosmetics, this essential oil helps fight dandruff and excessive dryness.
Use in everyday life
In addition to the cosmetic effect, orange aroma oil has another useful property- it perfectly eliminates unpleasant odors in the house, while also disinfecting the air and increasing efficiency. In this case, you can use both traditional and simpler means.
The standard dosage for a room of 20 square meters is 5 drops of oil, which can be added to water in an aroma lamp or simply applied to a napkin placed on the heater.
Contraindications and dosages
Before using orange essential oil, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test by applying a drop of oil to the delicate skin behind the ear or on the bend of the elbow for several hours.
This essential oil is classified as phototoxic and should be used with caution on sunny days. This oil should be used carefully by pregnant women, as well as anyone suffering from epilepsy, allergies to citrus fruits, hypotension, and cholelithiasis.
- The standard dosage for improving the quality of cosmetics - creams, tonics, milks, lotions - is 5 drops of essential oil for every 15 grams of cosmetic base. The resulting compositions are best used for normal, sensitive or dry skin, while for oily skin it is better to prepare a mixture of orange oil with naioli and juniper (2:1:1) as a supplement.
- The same dosage - 5 drops of aroma oil - is used to take delightfully relaxing and restorative powers (after dissolving the essential oil in honey or milk).
- For 2-3 drops of orange oil, mix with vegetable oil or a special relaxing massage cream.
- For rinses or compresses, use the oil more carefully - no more than 1 drop per glass of water.
- Orange oil can also be used internally, adding a drop of oil to a glass of tea or juice no more than 2 times a day.
- As a food additive, orange oil is used in the preparation of drinks, sauces, and baked goods.
An orange elixir of youth, beauty and health, smelling of sun, tropics and delightful optimism, what could it be?
Of course, orange essential oil is a fragrant and useful remedy for a variety of ailments from depression to hypertension.
In this article I will tell you how to use this miracle remedy to get the most out of the health of our body and soul.
Orange oil is a clear, fluid, yellow-orange liquid. The highest quality oils today are obtained by pressing or hydrodistillation from the peel; this oil is usually produced in Spain and Guinea.
When production is combined with the production of orange juice, this is not very good, since fruits are used as raw materials, not zest. As a rule, manufacturers in America and Brazil are guilty of this, so read the label more carefully.
There are two varieties of oranges from which essential oil is produced: bitter and sweet. Orange oil is obtained from bitters using only the peel. This oil will differ from the usual one in composition and aroma - it is more subtle and refined. It was the bitter orange that Avicenna described in his writings, using it as a remedy. The same ether was the first to reach Europe, spreading from Persia.
Orange oil oxidizes very quickly, so antioxidants are always added to stabilize it.
And other oils are obtained from flowers and leaves - neroli and petitgrain.
Like any essential oil, the range of uses for orange is extremely wide. It has bactericidal, disinfectant, tonic, and antiseptic properties. In addition, it is a good antispasmodic and antidepressant.
From cosmetology to cooking, from medicine to perfumery - this product has found its place in almost all areas of our lives.
However, any home use requires strict adherence to three rules.
Rule 1: personal tolerance
Before you start using the oil following our recipes, apply a few drops to the crook of your elbow and test for an allergic reaction. Wait at least 12 hours, if no rash, redness or itching appears, then everything is in order, use it to your health.
Rule 2: precise dosage
Under no circumstances exceed the dose indicated in the recipe or instructions, even if it seems to you that “2 drops is nothing at all!” In fact, essential oil is a very concentrated product that must be used with caution.
Rule 3: no direct sun after the procedure
The fact is that orange oil is phototoxic, that is, it makes our skin extremely susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. This can cause burns and damage to its deep layers.
Orange essential oil in home medicine
For headaches or fatigue
You need to apply 1 drop to the temporal areas of the head and perform a light massage with circular movements of the fingers of both hands. The tonic and analgesic effect will not take long to arrive.
For muscle and joint pain
The oil can be added to the cream base at the rate of 5-6 drops per 15 g and applied to the aching area. This recipe is good for relaxing muscles after increased physical activity.
Or you can make a compress for the joints: apply 5-6 drops to a damp cloth, cover with polyethylene on top, and wrap in a warm scarf or woolen scarf. Keep it for at least 3 – 4 hours.
For high blood pressure
To reduce it we use aroma lamps. It is enough to breathe for several hours with 3 – 5 drops added to a standard lamp container. This will increase blood circulation and normalize blood pressure.
With stagnation of bile and impaired intestinal function (constipation, poisoning, etc.)
Take 2 drops orally, after dissolving them in ½ - 1 teaspoon of honey 2 times a day. This procedure not only helps improve peristalsis, but also prevents the formation of gallstones.
For eating disorders
It has an equally good effect on patients with anorexia - it stimulates appetite, and on people suffering from obesity - it lowers cholesterol levels.
Take 1 drop orally with 1 teaspoon of honey per glass 2 times a day.
For hypovitaminosis
Add 1 drop of oil to a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. We drink 2 times a day. It is especially useful to do this in the spring.
For insomnia
Delicious aromatic baths will help. First, dissolve 5 drops of oil in ½ glass of milk or a tablespoon of honey. To achieve a relaxing effect, the water temperature should be no higher than 37 degrees. Take no longer than 15 minutes.
For flu, colds
We do inhalations in two ways. Traditional: breathe steam over a pan of water, adding 10 drops per liter of hot water.
Through an inhaler - no more than 3 - 5 drops per glass.
In addition, an aroma lamp with orange oil provides excellent prevention of colds.
For periodontal disease and bleeding gums
Rinse and compresses are useful. 2 - 3 drops per glass of warm water and rinse at least 3 - 4 times a day. Or apply 1 – 2 drops to damp gauze and keep on the inflamed gums.
For the treatment of cellulite
Add 3 to 5 drops of oil per 15 g of base cream and massage problem areas for at least 5 minutes using just your hands or a special massager.
It is also good to apply oil, mixing it with another base oil, for example almond oil in a ratio of 5 to 1 tsp and wrapping the skin with film, creating a sauna effect. You need to keep this compress for at least an hour. This drains the skin well, removing excess fluid, which helps it look smoother.
Keeping in mind the phototoxicity of the oil, we enrich only night (!) facial products. Add 1 drop per two-pea sized portion of cream and mix well, the clean product should not get on your face. Apply to the skin along massage lines.
We remember that in this case the cream is needed to be inactive, that is, without its own active ingredients, so that they do not react with the oil.
You can also make masks and compresses.
Apply 1 – 2 drops of oil to damp gauze or flannel folded in several layers and apply to clean facial skin. Keep it for 15 – 20 minutes.
Elimination of acne
The following lotion will be useful for oily skin: mix 5 – 7 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of alcohol, and then add a glass of distilled or at least filtered boiled water.
This will dry out micro-inflammations and prevent new ones from appearing, thanks to the antiseptic properties of the lotion.
Eliminates dandruff on dry scalp
To do this, we will prepare an oil mask for our hair.
Mix 5 - 6 drops of the active ingredient with 2 tablespoons of warm base oil (coconut, macadamia, almond or even olive). The temperature of the composition should be no more than 40 degrees.
Apply to hair, especially paying attention to the roots, cover with a plastic bag and wrap. Let it sit for at least an hour.
For those who are interested in learning about the healing effects of oils on hair, I suggest reading about the use of sea buckthorn oil to solve hair problems. All tips are given by a professional hairdresser.
Add it to the aroma lamp at the rate of 1 - 2 drops per 5 square meters of area.
In addition to the already mentioned insomnia, it helps against depression, overwork, panic attacks, and increased anxiety.
Has a balancing, tonic and stabilizing effect.
In addition, it is an excellent antiseptic and excellently disinfects indoor air.
Orange essential oil in cooking
We have in our hands the opportunity to turn an ordinary dish into a completely unusual one with just 1 - 2 drops of this miracle remedy. Mix 1 drop with 2 - 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, mayonnaise, sour cream or vinegar and the seasoning for meat, fish or salad is ready.
In addition, we can flavor our tea in a completely natural way. To do this, apply 5 – 7 drops of oil to the walls of the jar with loose tea. Keep without opening for at least 3 days, shaking occasionally. Antidepressant tea is ready!
When eaten, orange oil will improve vision and have a detoxifying effect. It goes equally well with meat dishes, fresh vegetables, fruit desserts, and sweet pastries.
However, we remember that this is a hyper-concentrated seasoning, and therefore requires special treatment. We always dilute it with honey, vegetable oil or another base in a fivefold volume.
This is one of the least "biting" essential oils. It's all about the cheapness of raw materials. For its sake, you don’t have to shovel tons of petals or climb impassable mountains. Oranges grow on plantations, are easy to harvest and are inexpensive in themselves. The manufacturing process is also not complicated.
One 10-milliliter bottle costs from 30 rubles in an online store and about 60 rubles in a retail pharmacy.
As you can see, this is quite a bit, but the benefits of the oil are very great. Let's try masks, aroma lamps, get rid of the autumn blues and extra wrinkles! Be healthy, friends!
With love Elena Skopich