Curiosity and history of sweet orange essential oil
In this article we will explore the properties, the uses, the curiosities and the history of this precious essential oil .
History of the Sweet Orange
Sweet orange is native to the Far East; brought to Europe by Arab traders in the 9th century it is reported that its trees were grown in Palermo in the 13th century.
The tree of this fruit belongs to the Rutaceae family, an evergreen smaller in size than the bitter orange, it has oval and glossy leaves, white flowers. The fruits from whose rind the essential oil is extracted are yellow-orange in color with sweet and edible pulp.
Today there are hundreds of different cultivars and grafts.
Sweet orange: essential oil
Sweet orange essential oil has been traditionally used as a flavouring for pharmaceutical, food and beverage products and is today among the most popular essences used in aromatherapy.
The essential oil is extracted by cold pressing from the peel of the sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis var. dulcis); dark orange in color, its perfume has a characteristic sweet fruity note (top note).
Among the citrus aromas the sweet orange is perhaps the best known and familiar; it recalls childhood flavors and smells, evoking an intense emotional warmth which, thanks to its essential oil, reaches the soul spreading pleasant feelings of joy.
Properties of Sweet Orange essential oil
Sweet orange essential oil is rich in monoterpenes which give it some characteristics properties beneficial to health and well-being, including:
- calming effect on the nervous system, helps reduce stress and anxiety
- regenerating action, improves mood and dispels sadness
- digestive and antispasmodic
- indicated to treat flu symptoms, stimulates bronchial secretion.
How to use sweet orange essential oil
Sweet orange essential oil can be used in different ways, some of which we propose below:
- Aromatherapy: 3-6 drops in the diffuser tray to create a relaxing and serene atmosphere. Try it in combination with Lavender essential oil to promote rest and counteract insomnia.
- Massage: add a few drops of Sweet Orange essential oil mixed with vegetable oil (Jojoba, almond, etc. ) for a relaxing massage that reduces stress and muscular tension.
- Matte skin scrub: create a mixture with vegetable oil, fine salt and coffee grounds to which add a few drops of sweet orange essential oil, distribute over the skin with a light massage and rinse.
- Kitchen: sweet orange essential oil with food certification (preferably Italian like ours!) can be used to flavor sweets, drinks and meat dishes. For example, 1-3 drops added to the dough for crepes or biscuits give a pleasant fruity aroma.
In general, sweet orange essential oil is therefore a remedy natural and safe for relieving stress and improving psychophysical well-being .
Sweet orange essential oil can be easily used in combination with other essences such as True lavender, Clary sage, Patchouli to amplify its properties.
If you want to explore different contexts for the use of sweet orange essential oil, take a look at our promotional kits.
For any question or curiosity contact us!
Our sweet orange essential oil is extracted from fruits grown in Sicily; we have selected this essence from a small craftsman who, like us, shares the passion for cultivation and the wonderful world of essential oils.
The adulteration of sweet orange essential oil is very widespread, often antioxidants and other synthetic components are added to it, therefore it is good to choose pure and natural essences whose origin is known. Always prefer Italian essences to minimize the environmental impact! Sweet orange essential oil is generally non-toxic, however it is always important to be careful in case of allergic reactions to citrus fruits. This essential oil can be phototoxic therefore for preventive purposes we suggest not to expose the areas on which it has been applied to sunlight for at least 12 hours.
Precautions
