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Orange essential oil is extracted from the rind of the sweet orange, Citrus sinensis. This is done by a method called cold pressing, which uses pressure to squeeze the oil out of the shell. Occasionally, the leaves and flowers of the orange tree can also be used. Research has shown that certain essential oils may have specific health benefits.
1. What is it most commonly used for?
Orange essential oil has many uses. These may include applications to:
Elevate your mood or relieve stress Treat skin conditions like acne Relieve pain or inflammation Relieve colic Use as a natural household cleaner Create a pleasant aroma entering the room or entering products such as perfumes and detergents Flavoring a wide variety of foods and beverages Although orange essential oil has many uses, it is important to remember that many of the uses in That number is still not supported by scientific research.
2. What are the benefits of orange essential oil?
Now you know a few ways that orange essential oil can be used, but what does the science say about its uses and potential benefits? Below, we dive deeper into some of the research that has been done to date on orange essential oil.
2.1. Antibacterial effect
A 2012 study looked at the effects of orange essential oil on strains of E. coli bacteria obtained from beef. These isolates can cause food poisoning. The results indicated that after 24 h, concentrations of 1% or less of orange essential oil inhibited bacteria at refrigeration temperature.
Another study looked at the effects of orange essential oil on strains of Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria) that are resistant to antibiotics. They found that when added to infected human cells in culture, orange essential oil at low concentrations killed the bacteria without harming the cultured cells.
Orange essential oil can also prevent the growth of fungi that can spoil food. One study found that orange oil provided some protection against four species of fungi.
Another study recorded activity against eight fungi affecting vegetables, although essential oils like clove and garlic were more effective.
2.2. Anxiety and depression
Aromatherapy with orange essential oil works to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In a 2013 study, it was found that aromatherapy with orange essential oil reduced heart rate and stress hormone levels in children undergoing a dental procedure. Also, in a 2015 study, women in labor reported less anxiety after inhaling orange essential oil than women in a control group who inhaled distilled water.
A 2019 study in rats looked at the inhalation of orange essential oil and its potential effects on depression. The researchers found that the rats that inhaled orange essential oil had fewer depressive-like behaviors.
Orange essential oil seems to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels. It may also be beneficial for depression, although more research is needed.
2.3. Pain relief
A 2017 study involving people with broken bones looked at whether inhaling orange essential oil could help with pain. Compared with the control group, those who inhaled orange oil experienced less pain.
In 2008, researchers evaluated whether a mixture of ginger and orange essential oil could help relieve knee pain when applied to the skin. Compared with the control group, those using the essential oil blend reported greater short-term pain relief, but the oil did not appear to provide long-term pain relief.
Several small studies have shown that using orange essential oil topically or aromatherapy can provide short-term pain relief.
2.4. Anti-cancer and antioxidant effects
Limonene, a component of orange essential oil, has been studied as a potential cancer treatment. A study from 2012 Trusted Source found that limonene-rich orange oil inhibited the growth and promoted the death of colon cancer cells during culture.
A 2017 study found that orange essential oil inhibited the growth of lung and prostate cancer cell lines in culture. In addition, increased cell death was seen in lung cancer cell lines. Orange essential oil has also been observed to have antioxidant activity.
Studies have shown that orange essential oil or its components can inhibit growth and lead to cell death in some cultured cancer cell lines.
Because these studies were done in a test tube and not in the human body, additional studies are needed to learn more about these properties.
2.5. Weight loss
A 2019 study in rats evaluated whether orange essential oil could promote weight loss. They found that obese mice that were fed capsules containing orange essential oil showed a reduction in weight gain as well as a reduction in cholesterol.
More research is needed to determine if orange essential oil might have the same effects on humans.
2.6. Insecticidal effect
A 2012 study looked at the effects of orange essential oil on housefly larvae and pupae. It was found to have both contact and fumigation insecticidal properties.3. How to use essential oils
3.1. Diffuser
Maybe you want to lift your mood a bit? Or maybe you want to add the fresh scent of oranges to the room? Diffusion can help you do that. Diffusers allow essential oils to evaporate, often using heat. When evaporating, the scent of the essential oil will spread throughout the room.
There are many types of diffusers you can buy, either online or at specialty aromatherapy stores. Each type of diffuser will have its own specific instructions. Be sure to follow all product instructions carefully when using your diffuser.
3.2. Spray
Do you want another way to add orange flavor to the space? Or maybe you want to use orange essential oil as a natural cleanser? You can make an orange oil spray by following these steps:
Add orange essential oil to the water, preferably in a glass bottle. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends using 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water. Although not necessary, adding a dispersant such as solubol to the solution can help the oil disperse better in the water. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients. Spray as desired.
3.3. Massage oil
Looking to relieve pain or inflammation? Consider making your own liniment with orange essential oil.
To do this, you need to dilute orange essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. The NAHA recommends using 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil to make a massage oil with a 3% solution.
4. Safety and side effects
Any essential oil has the potential to cause skin reactions when applied topically. If you're concerned about a possible reaction, test a little diluted orange essential oil on the inside of your elbow before using on larger areas of skin.
Avoid using old or oxidized orange essential oil, as it can cause skin sensitization. This is a form of allergic reaction that may not be noticed after one use, but it can cause a serious reaction after you have used it a few times.
Some citrus oils are optically toxic. This means they can cause a painful skin reaction if you use them on your skin and then go out in the sun.
Orange essential oil has little risk of phototoxicity, but you should still use caution if you plan to go outside after using it on your skin.
As with other essential oils, follow these safety precautions when using orange oil:
Do not apply undiluted essential oils to the skin. Keep oil away from eyes. Store oil out of reach of children and pets. If you use oils for fragrance, make sure the space you are in is well ventilated. If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication, talk to your doctor before using orange essential oil.
5. What you should check when buying orange essential oil
You can buy orange essential oil online or at a natural products store. Follow the tips below to make sure you buy good quality orange essential oil.
Check the label for the scientific name: Citrus sinensis. Bitter orange essential oil is another oil with a very similar name: Citrus aurantium. Do not confuse these two. Verify product purity: You should buy 100% orange essential oil. If this is not the case, it must be stated on the label. Choose a dark bottle: Essential oils can be damaged by the sun, and dark bottles help prevent this. Smell the oil before you buy, if possible: If it doesn't smell orange, don't buy it. Stay away from any product that claims on its label or through advertising that it can treat a particular health condition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils in the same way as drugs. Orange essential oil can be used for a variety of applications, from uplifting and reducing stress to adding a fresh citrus scent to a room. Research has shown that orange essential oil may have a number of benefits. Some examples include antibacterial activity, analgesic, and anticancer properties. Always make sure to use essential oils safely. If you want to use orange essential oil but have health-related questions or concerns, talk to your doctor before using the oil.
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Reference source: healthline.com