The Many Uses of Citrus Essential Oils: Orange & Tangerine

Oranges and tangerines have long been the go-to snack for school lunches, and orange juice is the go-to drink for breakfast, yet there is much more to these citrus fruits than just their juice or the quick snack option. Orange and tangerine essential oils not only bring flavor and an appealing scent to various drinks and dishes, but they also provide various remedies for your health and wellbeing. Inflammation Reliever With natural anti-inflammatory properties, orange essential oil can help relieve and soothe irritated skin, including acne and dry skin. It can also be put on wounds and scars to diminish the inflammation and reduce the visible signs of the scar tissue. Orange essential oil is safe to rub directly on wounds and scars. If rubbing on an open wound, be sure you’re applying with a clean, preferably sterile, cloth. Some people may be sensitive to direct contact with essential oils, so if needed, the oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and then rubbed on the skin. Digestive Aid Citrus is known for its ability to aid in digestive issues, and orange essential oil also has the same qualities. If your digestive system isn’t cooperating, rubbing a few drops of orange essential oil on your stomach and intestinal area can help get things moving. You can also add up to three drops in your daily water intake and you’ll soon see the benefits of the oil in your system. Tangerine essential oil also aids with digestion. It’s known as a stomachic, which aids in the production of digestive fluids and acid balance in the stomach. Digesting a few drops of tangerine oil everyday will also help heal any wounds within the stomach and help decrease stomach inflammation. Calming Agent Orange essential oil is known for its calming properties. The smell of the oil not only calms the mind, but is also shown to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. And while it may sound strange, it has also been able to calm fear. When approaching a fearful situation, place a drop of the oil on your shirt collar, rub through your hair, or even rub it on your hands and cup your hands to your nose and inhale. Just those few exercises can help calm your fears and anxiety. Tangerine oil also is known to have calming effects and has actually been labeled a sedative by some circles. It soothes inflammation and can help sedate overactive organs. How to Use There are several ways in which you can utilize the benefits of orange and tangerine essential oils. Both oils are healthy to ingest, although it is recommended that children under the age of 6 do not ingest. Diluting a couple drops in water or a teaspoon of honey, or even putting a few drops in some plain yogurt, is an easy way to consume. Both oils are safe also to put on the skin, but as mentioned above, those with sensitive skin should use caution and mix the oil in a carrier oil. Orange and tangerine oils are both great additions to any essential oil collection.