Orange: the essential oil of joy |

Orange is a fruit that is very present in our food and used in many industry segments: perfumery, cosmetics and even aromatherapy.

O orange essential oil, in general, has a citric, fresh and intense smell, with a slight difference between sweet and slightly bitter aromas. It is considered the oil of joy, the pleasure of living.

It has the property of stimulating positivism and a feeling of well-being, it’s like bringing inside yourself the fresh breeze of a spring morning, with the soft warmth of the first rays of sun, which warm and illuminate.

Curiosity

The orange tree is one of the most cultivated and studied fruit trees in the world, and is part of the Rutaceae botanical family, to which all citrus fruits belong. She is native to Asia, although her origin is controversial.

There are those who say that the tree originates from China, while others say that the species originated in India. But the fact is that the orange tree was only introduced into Europe, more precisely in Sicily (Italy), around the 12th century, through Arab travelers.

After spreading across Europe, the orange tree only reached South America with the arrival of the Portuguese, around the 15th century.

There are two types of trees from which Orange essential oils are extracted – the sweet orange tree and the bitter orange tree.

The essential oil of Sweet Orange (Citrus aurantium v. dulcis) is removed from the first and the essential oil of Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium v. amara) from the second. Both products are obtained through cold pressure extraction of the bark.

The difference is that the Sweet Orange oil is taken from the ripe fruit, while the Bitter Orange oil is taken from the still green fruit.

Two other essential oils are also extracted from the bitter orange tree, very popular in aromatherapy and perfumery, namely Petitgrain essential oil (extracted from the leaves of the tree) and Neroli essential oil (extracted from the flowers). The latter, being so delicate, has a high trade value.

Essential oil relieves stress and even depression

Orange essential oil (both the sweet and bitter variety) releases stagnant energy in the body, helping you to have more serenity and tranquility to deal with strong and destructive emotions, such as anger and hatred.

It helps relieve stress, nervousness and depression. Great for people who feel discouraged or discouraged in the face of adverse situations. It brings movement and strength to act positively.

Very serious people, who take everything to “fire and iron” and have practically forgotten the good things in life, also benefit from the use of this oil, as it rescues “living” in a lighter and more pleasurable way, awakening the desire to to smile.

Moments of change and insecurity also find shelter in Orange essential oil, which brings encouragement to move forward, getting rid of worries and fears.

Orange Essential Oil is good for body and skin

In the body, Orange essential oil is used to combat gas, stomach and intestinal colic, lack of appetite, constipation and diarrhea. It even stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which facilitates digestion and elimination of fats.

It’s a great oil to treat anxiety-related insomnia, as well as being very efficient in fighting flu and colds, even helping to lower fever.

Aesthetically treats congested skin, eliminating toxins. By breaking down fat molecules, it is excellent when applied in drainage massages to activate local circulation, improving cellulite. Because it contains vitamin C, it also acts as an antioxidant, being used in the treatment of wrinkles and dry skin.

care

Because it is a citric essential oil, it contains in its chemical composition substances that cause photosensitivity in the skin. Therefore, after using it in massages or baths, it is recommended to avoid exposure to the sun. If there is exposure, it is essential to use a sunscreen with SPF above 30, immediately after the end of the massage.

When used by pregnant women or children, it must be well diluted in vegetable oil or another neutral base to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction, since the skin, in these two cases, is very delicate. Overdose and prolonged use may irritate sensitive skin.

How to use?

To calm nerves and invigorate

Put 1 drop of Orange essential oil in the personal flavoring (which is a kind of ceramic necklace).

To relax and sleep well

In the bedroom, drip 15 drops of Orange essential oil into the electric air freshener, 10 minutes before bedtime, and leave it plugged in all night.

Make a pillow spray: In a spray bottle, add 90% water and 10% grain alcohol.

Add 10 to 20 drops of Orange essential oil, close and shake well before use. Spray the pillow 5 minutes before bedtime (be careful with white bedding, as the oil has a yellowish color and can stain the fabric).

Another option is to drip 1 drop of Orange essential oil onto a cotton ball and place it inside the pillowcase.

To take care of the body

– Anti-cellulite massage: in 2 tablespoons of grape seed vegetable oil, drip 4 drops of Orange essential oil and massage the entire region of the thighs, buttocks and abdomen with circular movements, clockwise, from bottom to top, always taking body fluids to the groin area.

Apply once a day, preferably at night to avoid exposure to the sun, for three weeks. Stop for a week and then resume treatment.

– Rejuvenating and whitening facial mask: first prepare the clay, placing 1 tablespoon (soup) of white clay in a container, with the same measure of water. Stir well until you form a homogeneous paste.

Once ready, drip 1 drop of Orange essential oil and mix well. With the help of a brush or even your fingers, apply the mask all over your face and neck.

Leave to act for 20 minutes and then remove with damp gauze. Use sunscreen immediately after application. Use this mask once a week until the stain is lightened.