7 Benefits of Orange Essential Oil
Known as liquid sunshine, orange essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market. It is a versatile oil and has multiple benefits for the mind and body.
Orange essential oil comes from the fruit of the Citrus sinensi orange plant. It is often referred to as “sweet orange oil.” Other synonyms include: Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, C. aurantium var. sinensis, China orange and Portugal orange. It is derived from an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 30 feet when mature. This tree is native to China, but cultivated around the world mainly in America (California and Florida), and the Mediterranean (France, Spain and Italy).
Orange essential oil is derived from the outer peel of the common orange fruit. It typically is cold pressed but can also be steam distilled. Through cold expression, the orange peel is poked and pierced by hundreds of tiny needles and then pressed under extremely high pressure. There is no heat applied during this process and no hydrosol byproduct.
Distilled sweet orange is not as popular as cold pressed. Distilled sweet orange oil oxidizes very quickly and antioxidant agents are often added at the place of production (1).
Aroma
The aroma of orange essential oil is a light, sweet, fresh fruity scent. It can range in color from pale yellow to orange.
Principal Constituents
It’s core components include over 90% monoterpenes. Limonene (93.2-94.9%) and myrcene (2.6-3.1%) make up the majority of its constituents. All other components are less than 1%. (2)
Uses
Research has shown that orange essential oil has many health benefits. Orange oil may help support the nervous system and digestion. It is also known for its benefits supporting sleep, stress and emotions. Its therapeutic actions include: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, digestive, tonic, diuretic, nervine and sedative.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Known for its uplifting aroma, sweet orange may help promote cheerfulness. The odor of sweet orange decreases symptoms of anxiety and improves mood (3) Its aroma is well liked by most children. For adults, it can make us “feel like a kid again.” It can reduce nervous tension and stress-related conditions. It is also beneficial for those suffering from lack of energy or depression. (4)
In 2013, a randomized control trial found that inhaled (diffused) orange essential oil in dental settings reduced salivary cortisol (stress hormone levels) and pulse rate in children. (5)
In a 2005 study, it was found that inhaled sweet orange essential oil increased physiological arousal (sympathetic tone) and participants in the experimental group rated themselves more alert than the control group. The researchers believe that based on these results, the inhalation of sweet orange may beneficial for the relief of mild depression and stress. (6)
In a 2015 study, women in labor reported less anxiety after inhaling orange essential oil than women in the control group. (7) In addition, in a 2021 study it was shown that women who had cesarean sections had reduced anxiety after getting foot massages with orange essential oil. (8)
In the book “Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit” Gabriel Mojay states,
Sweet orange oil is ideally suited to the efficient, hard-working individual who strives for perfection and achievement, but who has little tolerance for mishaps and mistakes. Excellent planners who find it difficult to delegate, they become tense and irritable, because they “try too hard”.
Provides Pain Relief
Some studies have shown that using orange essential oil topically may help with short-term pain. The American Academy of Pain Medicine defines pain as “an unpleasant sensation AND the emotional response to that sensation”. Due to orange essential oil being calming to the psyche, it can also help support those in pain.
A 2017 study involving people with bone fractures in the emergency room, showed a significant decrease in pain for those who inhaled orange essential oil compared to those in the control group. (9)
Sweet orange oil is a common essential oil choice for use in spas and is often complementary to relieve pain and induce relaxation during massage.
Might serve as powerful aphrodisiac
Due to its ability to influence emotions and uplift mood, sweet orange oil may have mild aphrodisiac properties. Currently, there is no researched studies to provide evidence for this, however many report using sweet orange oil to help relax and calm them while providing cheerfulness to help set the mood. A popular diffuser blend for this is ylang ylang, blue spruce and orange essential oil.
Cleaning properties
Orange essential oil may be beneficial added to cleaning products due to its antimicrobial properties. A 2021 study, showed orange essential oil may be helpful in treating wound infections. (10) The study however, was done in vitro and the results of the study warrant further in vivo studies to evaluate the potential of orange essential oil used in this manner. In the study, the researchers found that when added to infected human cells in culture, low concentrations of orange essential oil killed the bacteria without harming the cultured cells.
Insecticidal properties
A 2012 study found that orange essential oil has insecticidal properties against the larvae and pupae of housefly using contact toxicity and fumigation bioassays. (11)
May improve cognitive function
In a 2009 study, sweet orange oil (in conjunction with lavender) was used in the evenings for 28 days for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. Patients showed a significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function during the aromatherapy intervention period. (12)
May improve sleep quality
In a 2021 randomized clinical trial, hemodialysis patients who received foot massages with lavender and sweet orange essential oils noted significant improvement in sleep quality and restless leg syndrome than those in the control group. (13)
Safety: Citrus sinensis essential oil is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic. It is not considered hazardous in pregnancy and does not alter the maternal reproductive outcome. (14) However, it can cause skin irritation and sensitization if oxidized. (15) Due to the limonene content, it is important that orange essential oil be stored properly (e.g., in dark glass container in refrigerator or cold room away from sunlight and heat). Essential oils rich in limonene can oxidize quickly which is why proper storage is important. Oxidized citrus essential oils should not be used in skin care products, however, can be used for inhalation and cleaning products. Expressed sweet orange oil is not phototoxic.
Blends well with: lavender, lemon, neroli, petitgrain, marjoram, frankincense, juniper, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, clary sage and geranium.
Applications and Methods of Use:
Use in bath to relieve stress. Add 1-2 drops directly to bath gel and hold under warm water when bath water filling or add bath gel and lavender mixture to Epsom salts. (Great for soothing anxious feelings and emotional exhaustion and other stress related problems)
Diffuse for aromatherapy benefits through inhalation. (Great for promoting focus and cheerfulness as well as easing anxious feelings)
Use in massage blends, e.g. 2 drops of orange and lavender in 1 tablespoon base oil to induce relaxation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
References:
Lawless, Julia. (2014). The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. London: Haper Thorsons.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
Goes, T.C.; Antunes, F.D.; Alves, P.B.; Teixeira-Silva, F. Effect of sweet orange aroma on experimental anxiety in humans. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 2012, 18, 798–804.
Lawless, Julia. (1998). Aromatherapy and the Mind. Hammersmith, London: Thorsons.
Jafarzadeh M, Arman S, Pour FF. Effect of aromatherapy with orange essential oil on salivary cortisol and pulse rate in children during dental treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Adv Biomed Res. 2013 Mar 6;2:10.
Hongratanaworakit, Tapanee & Buchbauer, G. (2005). Human Behavioral and Physiological Reactions to Inhalation of Sweet Orange Oil. Acta Hort. 679. 10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.679.9.
Rashidi-Fakari F, Tabatabaeichehr M, Mortazavi H. The effect of aromatherapy by essential oil of orange on anxiety during labor: A randomized clinical trial. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015 Nov-Dec;20(6):661-4.
Mirhosseini S, Abbasi A, Norouzi N, Mobaraki F, Basirinezhad MH, Mohammadpourhodki R. Effect of aromatherapy massage by orange essential oil on post-cesarean anxiety: a randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2021 Mar 30;18(3):579-583.
Hekmatpou D, Pourandish Y, Farahani PV, Parvizrad R. The Effect of Aromatherapy with the Essential Oil of Orange on Pain and Vital Signs of Patients with Fractured Limbs Admitted to the Emergency Ward: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Oct-Dec;23(4):431-436.
Muthaiyan A, Biswas D, Crandall PG, Wilkinson BJ, Ricke SC. Application of orange essential oil as an antistaphylococcal agent in a dressing model. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Aug 16;12:125.
Kumar P, Mishra S, Malik A, Satya S. Insecticidal evaluation of essential oils of Citrus sinensis L. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) against housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae). Parasitol Res. 2012 May;110(5):1929-36.
Jimbo D, Kimura Y, Taniguchi M, Inoue M, Urakami K. Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease. Psychogeriatrics. 2009 Dec;9(4):173-9.
Oshvandi K, Mirzajani Letomi F, Soltanian AR, Shamsizadeh M. The effects of foot massage on hemodialysis patients' sleep quality and restless leg syndrome: a comparison of lavender and sweet orange essential oil topical application. J Complement Integr Med. 2021 Apr 12;18(4):843-850.
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 5;19(7):1966.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier