Orange essential oil is very popular.
It’s one of the first aromatics that many people buy.
That’s probably because it has so many potential uses.
Aside from lavender and peppermint oils, I can’t think of many other aromatics that are nearly as versatile.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil Aromatherapy
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Derived from the rinds of oranges, sweet orange essential oil is readily available. It’s not considered precious. So it’s suitable for personal care, as well as for various household projects.
Mainstream medicine is just beginning to explore the potential benefits of essential oils, used as folk remedies for centuries. Orange oil has been shown to relieve anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. This facility seems to have a very open-minded approach to alternative approaches.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil Benefits
Orange oil is both invigorating and soothing.
It’s commonly used for calming the nerves and for helping with insomnia.
Sleeplessness is something I used to struggle with.
I’ve tried a wide range of natural remedies. Essential oils have been most helpful.
At night, just before I went to bed, I put one or more essential oils on a tissue, which I place by my pillow.
Oftentimes, citrus oils included in the mix.
Citrus oils are often recommended for naturally lifting the mood.
Please understand that I’m not a doctor. So I can’t give medical advice.
Nor can I promise that any natural remedy will solve anyone else’s health problems.
But I can share my personal experience of using essential oils and other natural remedies.
Orange Oil For Sleep
For me, sweet orange oil is a good natural sleep remedy.
It likely contains natural sedatives, as well as mood enhancers.
When I inhale the wonderful aroma or oranges, it’s not long before my body and mind relax.
Anxiety also seems to dissipate.
Orange oil is not addictive in the regular sense of the word. But I certainly never want to be without it.
Supposedly, orange oil also acts as a natural anti-depressant. (However, this doesn’t mean it’s to discontinue prescription medication without the advice and help of a physician.) Orange oil is also said to be helpful with PMS and mood swings.
Orange Essential Oil Antibacterial
Orange oil is also believed to contain natural germ-fighting agents. One study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that several types of citrus oils, sweet orange included, effectively killed various food-born pathogens in the lab.
Also, a popular germ-fighting blend that contains sweet orange oil, in addition to clove, cinnamon, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils, has been shown to help halt the activity of the influenza virus, at least in the lab, according to a report published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal.
During cold and flu season, you You can use orange essential oil diluted in water to wipe down counters, the steering wheel of your car, or the shopping cart in the grocery store. You can fill an empty plastic bottle almost to the top with water, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and then add 10 to 15 drops of orange essential oil.
Where to Buy Orange Essential Oil
I buy nearly all of my essential oils from companies that don’t sell through an multilevel marketing distribution network.
However, with citrus oils, I like to buy organic versions. Sweet orange oil is made from the cold-pressed skins of oranges. So I don’t want an essential oil made from citrus fruit that’s potentially been doused with pesticides.
The two brands of organic orange essential oil that I’ve used myself are Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia. I am very comfortable recommending either of these brands because I’ve used them myself, and I’ve been really happy with the quality.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Aura Cacia Organic Orange Oil
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Potential Orange Oil Health Benefits
Here are more reasons you may want to add orange essential oil to your collection.
Orange oil is considered an anti-spasmodic. So it can be used for massage when you have muscle aches and pains. After it’s mixed with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, you can rub it on the source of your pain. You can also apply diluted orange oil on your neck and shoulders to relieve nervous tension.
It’s also believed orange essential oil can stimulates the immune system and kicks the lymph glands into high gear, so they work better at removing toxins.
Some holistic healers also claim orange oil can prevent cancer and help fight it once it’s been diagnosed. But many more studies are needed before anyone would recommend this as an effective cancer treatment.
Benefits of Sweet Orange Essential Oil For Skin
Because orange oil can kill bacterial pathogens, it can also be used as a home remedy for acne. Soak a cotton ball in alcohol-free witch hazel and add one drop of orange oil before dabbing it on the trouble spots. (If you’ve never used orange oil before, always remember to do a 24-hour patch test on your arm, to check for sensitivity.)
Also, remember that citrus oils are photo toxic. This means they can increase your chances of sunburn. So don’t put orange oil on your skin before going out in the sun.
Where to Buy Orange Oil For Cleaning
There are countless ways to use orange essential oil to clean and deodorize your house, and to help keep it free from mold.
Orange oil is a good remedy for preventing mold spores from accumulating in your bathroom. Simply put 10 to 15 drops in a plastic spray bottle filled with water and frequently apply this mixture to the surface of your tub or shower.
Or, if you want a natural air freshener, add about 10 drops of orange oil to a cold-air essential oil diffuser. This is a non-toxic approach to masking offensive odors and making your house smell better.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil For Laundry
Commercial dryer sheets make your laundry smell great. But they may contain potentially dangerous chemicals. Another option is to put a few drops of orange oil on a washcloth and toss it in the dryer with your clothes and towels. Of, if have a particularly dirty laundry load, you can add some (4 to 5 drops) of sweet orange oil to the wash cycle. I probably wouldn’t do this if I had something very delicate. But I’ve used essential oils for dirty towels and jeans.
Orange Oil Disinfectant
Orange oil can also be used as a disinfectant in your refrigerator. Put a few drops in a cup of warm water. Then put some of this on a sponge before wiping down the insides of your fridge.
I’ve also used sweet orange oil in a recipe for a non-toxic carpet cleaner. I mixed four drops of orange essential oil with one cup of vinegar. Then I let it soak into the stain. Next, I covered the spot with baking soda. After several days, I vacuumed the area. Any baking soda that remained was treated with vinegar again. (Make sure to do a spot test an a small area that’s not visible before applying to a larger area.)
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
