In this guide, we’ll help you discover the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that this optimistic essential oil can provide. Everything you need to know about using orange essential oil safely and effectively is right here!
What is orange essential oil?
Orange essential oil is a natural oil extract taken from the citrus peel of oranges.
Oranges contain powerful natural pockets of citrus oil that can be compressed and squeezed out to deliver an amber-colored essential oil used for a myriad of health benefits. Oranges grow all over the world but most often in tropical and sub-tropical climates such as Mexico, Spain, Jamaica, Italy, the Americas, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and Australia. The Latin term for an orange plant is Citrus sinensis.
The Citrus sinensis plant forms a part of the greater citrus fruit family that includes lemons, tangerines, limes and grapefruit – all of which contain chemical properties relating to skin clarification, digestion, and mood enhancement.
Some people also believe that orange essential oil can be used to promote concentration, creativity and motivation. Similarly to peppermint, applying or inhaling natural orange essential oil can help facilitate better memory and alertness.
Due to its lively, bright fragrance and its antiseptic properties, orange essential oil is often used in natural cleaning products and air fresheners. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), experienced healers would use mature orange peel to relieve intestinal bloating and improve digestion – a practice which is still active today.
Orange essential oil - quick facts
🍊 Latin name: Citrus sinensis
🍊 Country of origin: 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇳 China, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 USA among others
🍊 Scent note: Top
🍊 Annual production: 47 million metric tons
🍊 Popular uses: hair and skin, digestion, energy, natural cleaning products
How is orange essential oil made?
Orange essential oil is a product comprised of the oils inside the rind of a fresh orange. Technically referred to as the epicarp, the orange rind contains a network of fatty oil glands. When you peel any citrus fruit, those oils burst open, resulting in that fresh, zesty aroma we all know and love.
In order to extract that oil from the epicarp, a specific extraction process must be followed. It starts by removing the outer peel of the fruit, then grinding, chopping up, and puncturing the peel to release as many of the natural oils as possible.
Then, those bashed-up bits of epicarp are run through a heavy pressing mill, which draws out the oily liquid into a vat. Any hydro-based orange juices that are squeezed out alongside the oils naturally separate from each other in the vat, making it easy to skim the pure oils off the top.
The oils are then collected and placed through a purification and distillation process to ensure a pure, high quality, organic product that you get to use in your home, body and lifestyle.
Benefits of orange essential oil
Orange essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. With its sweet, zingy fragrance and stress-soothing nature, orange essential oil has an impressive array of benefits for the body, mind and home.
Some of the main benefits of orange essential oil include:
- 🍊 Hair care
- 🍊 Skin clarity
- 🍊 Cleaning
- 🍊 Anxiety and stress
- 🍊 Anxiety and stress
- 🍊 Mood enhancer
- 🍊 Digestion & metabolism
Let’s take a closer look at these benefits and how they can positively impact your health and home.
Orange essential oil for hair care
Many people use orange essential oil for hair clarification, brightness and shine. Packed with essential vitamins (like vitamin C) and minerals, orange essential oil provides deep nourishment for hair follicles, and its antiseptic properties can promote a healthier scalp. It can also help your hair become shinier and softer.
Hair also acts as a very effective natural diffuser for essential oil – rubbing a drop or two through freshly washed hair can leave its sweet, sprightly fragrance with you all day long.
Orange essential oil for skin clarity
You can use orange essential oil for skin clarity. This is due to the fact that it contains natural antimicrobial compounds, which are able to kill certain bacteria or fungi without harming important skin cells.
When applied topically to the skin, orange essential oil can break through the oily layers of fungus or bacteria and help heal acne, blackheads and other skin blemishes. This can result in brighter, smoother, clearer skin that resists oily buildup and heals surface-level skin imperfections.
Orange essential oil for cleaning products
Since orange essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial, it’s one of the most popular essential oils used in natural cleaning products. Use a DIY orange cleaning spray in your kitchen, bathroom and all around your house to disinfect surfaces and leave it feeling joyful and clean AND smelling amazingly fresh!
Orange essential oil for anxiety and stress relief
In the field of aromatherapy, you can use orange essential oil for anxiety, stress and even depression. Several studies have shown that when the olfactory system is exposed to pure orange essential oil, levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) significantly decrease.
Orange essential oil for boosting your mood
Along the same wavelength of orange essential oil for anxiety and stress comes its natural ability to boost your mood, energize you and promote better creativity and concentration.
Interestingly, orange essential oil can have both a calming and invigorating effect. The bright, refreshing scent can inspire feelings of cheerfulness and motivation while simultaneously encouraging the mind to relax and be calm. One study has even found that when used in combination with lavender, rosemary, and lemon essential oils, orange oil can enhance the mental clarity of Alzheimer’s patients.
Orange essential oil for digestion and metabolism
Another useful benefit in the organic arsenal of orange essential oil is that of digestive support. Whether you have an upset stomach or slow metabolism, you may use orange essential oil to relieve constipation and promote gut health.
Some studies have further discovered the potential for orange essential oil to aid weight loss. In addition to serving as a natural appetite suppressant, the consumption of pure orange essential oil can help lower cholesterol levels.
How to use orange essential oil
Orange essential oil can be used in a variety of ways depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use orange essential oil:
- 🍊 Inhalation
- 🍊 Topical application
- 🍊 Aromatherapy massage
- 🍊 Cleaning products
Let’s take a look at each of these practical uses in more detail.
Inhalation of Orange Essential Oil
One of the easiest and most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of orange essential oil is to simply inhale it. This can be done by adding a few drops to your diffuser for vapor dispersal throughout your home, or add it to a hot basin of water for a refreshing facial steam – just remember to keep your eyes closed!
Topical application of Orange Essential Oil
When diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, orange essential oil is safe for use on your skin. Alternatively, you can add it to a natural lotion for a refreshing burst of sweet citrus notes, or mix a drop or two into a homemade face mask for a skin-clearing stimulant.
Aromatherapy massage with Orange Essential Oil
Adding a few drops of orange essential oil to a carrier oil makes for a wonderfully aromatic and inflammation-fighting massage lubricant. The stimulating zestiness of orange can help your body to work through tension and leave you feeling both energized and relaxed.
Cleaning products with Orange Essential Oil
Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, orange essential oil makes a great addition to any homemade cleaning products you might have in your cupboard or want to make from scratch.
Mixing a few drops of orange essential oil into a vinegar, water and baking soda solution works as an effective multipurpose spray for your kitchen, bathroom or high-touch surfaces. The bright scent of orange will hide any sourness from the vinegar and packs an impressive antiseptic punch at the same time. You can also simply dot a few drops into your carpet for an uplifting zesty fragrance to waft throughout your home.
Orange essential oil research
Due to its popularity and long history of medicinal and recreational use, there has been extensive research into the benefits and effects of orange essential oil. Some of the most notable studies include:
Orange essential oil and skin – 2020
According to an animal study from the National Library of Medicine, orange essential oil could play a pivotal role in acne treatment. By reducing the number of cytokines and proteins that cause inflammation on the skin’s surface and by reducing sebum production, orange essential oil diminished the effects of blemishes, scars and irritations on the skin caused by excessive androgen secretion.
Orange essential oil and tumor treatment – 2019
A study from the Wiley Online Library was aimed at evaluating the effects of orange essential oil as a form of natural anti-fungal and antibacterial support. The results found that orange essential oil was able to decrease the viability of tumor cells by 50%. This makes it a promising candidate for use in holistic healthcare, but further studies are still needed for verification.
Orange essential oil and anxiety – 2012, 2015, 2021
The mood-boosting effects of orange essential oil are one of its best studied uses. A study on women under the stress of childbirth found that the aroma-therapeutic use of orange essential oil can lower the pulse rate, reduce diastolic blood pressure and subsequently moderate anxiety. By lowering cortisol levels and bringing the pulse rate down, the inhalation of orange essential oil via the olfactory system allowed women in labour to feel calmer and more relaxed.
Another study found that a foot massage with orange essential oil reduced anxiety in women who had just given birth via c-section, and this effect was more pronounced than for women who got a foot massage without aromatherapy.
And don’t worry, men can benefit from orange oil’s calming benefits too! During a stressful task, orange oil was found to help male volunteers remain calm.
Orange essential oil for mood - 2005, 2021
In a recent study in a clinical setting, diffusing orange essential oil among a few other citrus oils was found to reduce stress and depression and improve mood.
And for patients, another study found that diffusing orange essential oil in a dental office reduced stress and helped calm patients awaiting treatment.
Orange essential oil for cleaning - 2012
If you’ve ever wondered if the cleaning powers of orange essential oil are really all that, know that a clinical study has investigated its use in hospitals on stainless steel surfaces and found that it was very effective in killing bacteria and disrupting biofilm.
Side effects of orange essential oil
There are almost no side effects associated with the topical and internal use of orange essential oil. However, excessive or incorrect use can lead to the following symptoms:
- Skin irritation – If your orange essential oil is synthetic or undiluted, applying it neat onto your skin can cause a burning, stinging sensation.
- Photosensitivity – All citrus essential oils are photosensitive, meaning they are sensitive to the sun. If you have recently applied orange essential oil to your skin, sitting under direct sunlight can cause irritation. Do not apply orange oil topically just before going outside.
- Throat or nasal irritation and mild burns – Most orange essential oils are not designed for internal consumption. Unless specifically and officially branded as safe for ingestion, consuming orange essential oil could cause mild burns or irritation in the throat and nasal cavity.
Our bodies always prefer pure, high-quality essential oils, and orange essential oil is no different. Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying, inhaling, or ingesting a citrus oil. At volant, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils.
And for topical use, always dilute it with a carrier oil first, and be sure to do a patch test on your skin to check if it will cause irritation.
Contraindications of orange essential oil
As with any substance – natural or not – some people should not use orange essential oil, although the list is limited!
- If you are allergic to citrus fruits, you should not use orange essential oil.
- If you are pregnant, you should avoid using orange essential oil.
- Orange essential oil is generally for external use only.
If the use of orange essential oil triggers an unpleasant side effect, stop using it immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional for a reliable assessment of the situation.
Where to buy orange essential oil
Orange essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing orange oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you’re getting an authentic product with all of the therapeutic benefits of orange. If it’s organic, even better!
Here are some places where you can purchase orange essential oil:
Volant
We stock an exceptional Pure Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil that is certified organic and 100% natural. Our essential oils have no additives or synthetic ingredients so you can enjoy the best possible benefits when using them without worrying about safety, purity and your health!
Amazon
You’ll find a number of sellers on Amazon list orange essential oil amongst their offerings. This online platform is very popular, but it's important to always read the reviews to ensure you’re purchasing a quality product.
Pharmacies
If you’d prefer to see (and smell!) what you're purchasing first, many pharmacies stock orange-scented essential oil for anxiety and other uses. Always read the label to ensure you’re getting a good quality product and not an extract.
doTERRA
doTERRA manufactures organic essential oils, so if you’re looking for orange essential oil for hair, skin or any other use, you can purchase it here.
Wherever you choose to purchase your orange essential oil, remember to look for a purity certification to ensure you aren’t just buying a diluted or synthetically enhanced product. The more pure and higher quality your orange essential oil is, the more effectively and safely you will be able to use it.
Orange essential oil FAQs
Is orange essential oil toxic?
Pure, organic orange essential oil is not toxic. However, there are certain limitations to how much can be applied to your skin. High quantities of neat (undiluted) orange essential oil can lead to inflammation, irritation and nausea. It is important to always read your manufacturer’s label to find out what its toxicity precautions are – especially if you have sensitive skin.
Can I use orange essential oil on my baby?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended for infants under 6 months to be topically exposed to any essential oils, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. Certain oils, including orange essential oil, can be used in low quantities with older children while under close supervision. Performing a diluted patch test before full exposure is a good way to catch sensitivities before they have a chance to cause widespread irritation.
Can I use orange essential oil on my pets?
When used in moderation, orange essential oil for dogs is considered safe and may even help keep ticks away – just keep it away from their eyes, ears and genitals. Cats, on the other hand, should never be exposed to any citrus oils, as it can lead to a toxic reaction.
Is orange essential oil safe for consumption?
Only pure essential oils are safe for consumption, and even then they must be consumed at extremely low doses. Always read your manufacturer’s statement on consumption guidelines before consuming an essential oil. At volant, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils.
In summary
Orange essential oil is a powerful, natural oil full of brightness, sweetness and zest. In addition to its uplifting fragrance, orange essential oil comes with a wide range of natural health benefits which influence both the body and mind.
From skin to hair to anxiety management to cleaning purposes, orange essential oil is a powerful natural healer and makes a beautiful addition to any home collection of essential oils.
If you have any questions about using orange essential oil for anxiety, hair, skin or any other purpose, volant is always ready to help. Contact us at support@volantaroma.com
