Welcome to an exciting journey of discovering the benefits of Sweet Orange Oil! If you’re a fan of juicy oranges, then you’re in for a treat because this oil packs a punch! Not only does it uplift your mood and energize you, but it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits. From promoting digestion to boosting immunity, this oil has got you covered. So, if you want to know more about the amazing benefits of Sweet Orange Oil, keep reading!
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly peeled oranges? Sweet orange oil benefits range from cleaning to skincare and just plain helping your mood.
Sweet orange oil comes from the peel of the fruit of the orange tree (Citrus sinensis). The oil is cold-pressed from the peel as the method of extraction. Pressing the peel from the orange releases the sweet-smelling oil for collection. You have probably been exposed to the orange oil when you were peeling an orange.
Sweet orange essential oil is used in many, many consumer products. You probably use products containing some amount of sweet orange oil on any given day. Let’s look at some sweet orange oil benefits you may not be aware of.
Way to Use Sweet Orange Oil
Antibacterial Cleaning
As with many essential oils, sweet orange oil has antibacterial properties. That means you can use it in many DIY cleaning products. Not only will it help to kill germs on surfaces and in the air, but it also leaves a clean, fresh scent.
I use it for cleaning all the time. Some of my favorite uses include my DIY Wood Cleaner and Polish and my DIY Carpet Fresh. I also substitute it for lemon essential oil when I make my DIY cutting board cleaner and other kitchen cleaning recipes.
Mood Enhancer
Another of the many sweet orange essential oil benefits is that it can enhance your mood. You can use it in the morning to wake you up and lift your spirits. After a tough day, you can use it to calm and relax you. This is because it has both uplifting and calming effects. It has been used as a natural antidepressant for centuries. It has also been used to relieve anxiety and help with productivity and focus.
I use it all the time in a diffuser when I am working. I love the scent of fresh oranges and while I am writing it helps me to focus and concentrate.
It has been written that you shouldn’t diffuse essential oils around cats. While this may be true, I can tell you that my cats spend time lying around in the same room where I am diffusing sweet orange oil all the time and have had no ill effects. Just to be on the safe side I recommend not letting the cat lie directly under the diffuser where oil particles could settle on her fur and be licked off later when they are grooming. I also recommend leaving an open door for the cat to leave should they be bothered by the scent.
Better Sleep
A study published in 2015 in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine included sweet orange essential oil as one of the oils effective when used for insomnia. It was included alongside oils we have already discussed in other posts that can help you sleep better such as lavender and roman chamomile.
If you are having trouble sleeping it may be worth trying a few drops of sweet orange essential oil in a diffuser at the bedside to see if it works for you.
Prevents Oxidative Stress
The monoterpene Limonene that is present in sweet orange essential oil can help prevent oxidative stress in your body. Oxidative stress can affect your immune system and lead to a reduced ability to fight off infections.
Using sweet orange oil may be able to help boost your immune system and also prevent damage to vital organs from oxidative stress.
Kills And Repels Pests
Another well-known use of orange essential oil is to repel and kill ants and other pests. It can kill ants when sprayed directly on them. Not only that, but it can also help cover the pheromone trails that ants lay down to lead other ants to food sources. This makes it highly effective in removing or preventing an ant infestation in your home.
May Lower Your Blood Pressure
A study published in 2014 concluded that “the inhalation of orange essential oil effectively induces relaxation in humans”. The study compared inhaling fresh air to inhaling air infused with orange essential oil. Study participants inhaling the orange essential oil had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. They also reported a “significantly greater feeling of comfort” when compared to the fresh air group.
Anti-inflammatory
Orange oil has strong anti-inflammatory effects also. It has been researched and found to be effective against pain, inflammation, and even may help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Since inflammation is also a hallmark of asthma, more research needs to be done to see if these anti-inflammatory properties might be helpful in the control of asthma as well.
Pain Reducer
You can dilute orange oil with a carrier oil to help reduce the pain from sore muscles and joints. The anti-inflammatory properties mentioned above can help reduce swelling and pain. A study published in 2017 looked at the use of orange essential oil to reduce the sensation of pain in patients admitted to the emergency room with bone fractures. Since the use of opioid pain medications has side effects and potential problems with addiction, the researchers were looking for other alternatives to complement pain control.
They concluded that “Aromatherapy with the essential oil of orange as a complementary medicine could relieve pain in patients with fractured limbs before surgery. It can lead to faster recovery and discharging of patients as well as reduce the costs of hospitalization. In this context, aromatherapy with the orange oil in patients with fractured limbs is recommended”.
Natural Acne Treatment
The antibacterial properties of orange oil make it good for use as a natural acne fighter. It can be used in your natural acne control plan to help kill the bacteria that cause acne. You can use it along with other antibacterial oils such as tea tree or lavender.
The only caution is to use orange oil at night. Since it can cause your skin to have an increased sensitivity to UV rays it is recommended to use it at least 12 hours before you are exposed to the sun. Failure to do so could potentially result in painful burns. Just keep that in mind if you decide to use it to help fight acne.
Conclusion
Sweet orange essential oil is a wonderful addition to any aromatherapy routine due to its numerous benefits for both the mind and body. Its uplifting and calming properties can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. It can also be used to improve skin health and alleviate digestive issues. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of sweet orange oil make it an effective natural cleaner and insect repellent. When using sweet orange oil, it is important to ensure that it is sourced from a reputable supplier and that it is properly diluted before use. With its versatility and wide range of benefits, sweet orange essential oil is a valuable tool in any holistic health toolkit.
Be sure and check out our list of articles to discover a wealth of information on other wild edible and medicinal plants.
FAQs:
Q: What is sweet orange essential oil used for?
A: Sweet orange essential oil has a wide range of uses, including aromatherapy, skincare, and household cleaning. Its bright, citrus scent can uplift mood, while its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a natural disinfectant.
Q: What are the benefits of sweet orange essential oil for the skin?
A: Sweet orange essential oil has astringent properties that can help to tone and firm the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It can also improve the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Q: What does sweet orange essential oil repel?
A: Sweet orange essential oil has been shown to repel insects such as mosquitoes and flies due to its strong scent.
Q: What is sweet orange essential oil good for?
A: Sweet orange essential oil has a range of benefits, including boosting mood, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. It can also be used as a natural cleaning agent.
Q: Is sweet orange essential oil good for sleep?
A: Sweet orange essential oil can promote relaxation and calmness, making it a popular choice for use in aromatherapy before bedtime.
Q: Is sweet orange essential oil safe for the face?
A: Sweet orange essential oil is generally safe for use on the face when diluted properly. However, it is recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
Q: What scents blend well with sweet orange?
A: Sweet orange essential oil blends well with a variety of other essential oils, including lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang.
Q: Can you mix sweet orange and lavender essential oil?
A: Yes, sweet orange and lavender essential oils blend well together and can create a calming and uplifting scent.
Q: What can I do with sweet orange essential oil?
A: Sweet orange essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusing for aromatherapy, adding to skin care products, using as a natural cleaning agent, and mixing with carrier oils for massage.