Orange Essential Oil: The Complete Profile

Oranges are everybody's absolute favorite and most famous fruit. Besides their divine taste, oranges have a high nutritional value; they contain vitamin C, fibers, folate, thiamine, and antioxidants. Another exceptional and noticeable feature of oranges is the vibrant color of its peels and fruits. It is refreshing, uplifting, and the vibrant color complements its benefits. Orange essential oil is extracted from the same plant named Citrus sinensis that sprouts orange fruits. Like oranges, the oil extracted from its peels has a cheerful and fresh scent and carries its health-promoting properties.

Now let us take you to a historical journey of orange essential oil.

What Is History of Orange Essential Oil?

Oranges are mentioned in ancient Chinese literature that dates back to 2400 BC. It is among one of the oldest cultivated fruits and thought to have originated from China. Orange essential oil and other extracts of oranges were included in preparations of Chinese traditional medicines. In the Middle East and eastern Africa, oranges were introduced by Arab traders who would bring this fruit for trading. However, oranges were brought to western Africa and Europe by Portuguese travelers in the 15th century. After this had occurred, many orange groves were established all around Europe to meet the increasing demand.

It is believed that oranges reached America in 1493 when Christopher Colombus brought orange seeds with him when he set out to discover the New World.  All these cultures have been using oranges for different purposes for thousands of years. The essential oil obtained from oranges has been used as a cleansing agent, air freshener, skin toner, and personal care product. Moreover, it has been used to improve skin's health and is known to be soothing for acne, dryness, and irritations. 

Today,  orange trees are cultivated in many countries, including China, America, Cyprus, Egypt, Mexico, Portugal, India, and Pakistan. Obviously, the question arises, does the essential oil extracted from orange essential oil has the same benefits as its fruits? How is it extracted?

How Is Orange Essential Oil Extracted?

Orange essential oil is extracted from the peels of fresh oranges through cold pressing. Cold pressing protects the active constituents of orange peels and preserves its antioxidant properties. Orange peels contain the volatile compounds that include a-pinene, sabinene, limonene, linalool, myrcene, terpineol, and geraniol. First, orange peels are grinded before being pressed. The pressing process produces a liquid that is a combination of orange juice and essential oil. When the essential oil begins to separate from the juice, it is collected through centrifugation.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the orange essential oil has to offer!

What Are the Benefits of Orange Essential Oil for Skin?

Glowing and healthy skin is not a matter of genetics. It is about maintaining its health, enhancing its beauty, protecting it against environmental stressors, and taking its care. Your dietary preferences, daily habits, and skincare products you use regularly have a significant impact on your skin's health. There are so many skincare products and choices of ingredients to try on your skin that it is almost daunting to pick one. Then why not try essential oils that have been passed on to us by our ancestors. In particular, orange essential oil is a remarkable oil with many health-supporting properties to enhance your skin's health.

The following are some of its benefits in skincare:

• Hydrates the Skin
• Soothes Dryness
• Promotes Skin's Firmness
• Cleanses Skin
• Calms Acne-Prone Skin
• Lightens Appearance of Blemishes and Scars
• Tones Skin

What Are the Benefits of Orange Essential Oil for Hair?

Many of us fail to understand the importance of hair care in our daily routine. Environmental stressors affect the hair's health the same way they affect the skin's health. But we realize their adverse effects on our hair's health when they start to appear rough, dull, and damaged. Other factors, including dryness, impurities, excess oils, irritation, and itchiness, are common hair care concerns. To tackle all these common issues, orange essential oil is perfect with its antioxidants properties. It helps protect the skin against environmental stressors, soothe itchiness, irritations, and cleanse off impurities from the scalp.

Here are some orange essential oil's benefits for your hair:

• Moisturizes the scalp
• Detoxifies the scalp
• Enhances shine of hair
• Improves scalp's health
• Soothes irritations, dryness, and itchiness

What Are the Benefits of Orange Essential Oil for Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling essential oil's aroma and essential oil massage to promote physical health and mental wellness. In present times, stress-induced anxiety, mental fatigue, agitated feelings, and sleeping disorders are common issues for a large number of the population. As a result, people show a huge inclination towards trying aromatherapy to relax their minds and comfort their bodies. Orange essential oil is one of those! With its cheerful, rejuvenating, and uplifting scent that leaves the mind feeling fresh and active.

Moreover, its refreshing scent soothes nasal congestions and headaches. It is also commonly used in massage therapy. Orange essential oil is known to ease bodily aches, sore muscles, and joint stiffness.

Here are some of its benefits for aromatherapy practices:

• Deodorizes the atmosphere
• Creates a refreshing ambiance
• Promotes mental concentration
• Soothes headaches and congestion
• Comforts bodily fatigue and aches

How to Use Orange Essential Oil?

Essential oils are evaporative and volatile liquid compounds. They quickly dissipate when applied to the skin. Therefore, they are diluted with carrier oils that increase the absorbability and viscosity of essential oils. It is recommended to dilute 2-3 drops of orange essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to apply on skin and scalp for beginners.