Orange is a very known colour and a fruit but little do know that orange colour got its name from orange fruit. Fascinating, in Europe colour orange didn't have a name, it was called yellow-red or saffron was used prior to 16th century. This changed when oranges were brought to Europe from Asia by Portuguese merchants. The colour was then named after this ripe fruit.
It originates from native region between Himalayas and South-Western China, Israel, Brazil, North America and Australia. Orange essential oil let it be sweet or bitter is cold-pressed from the ripe or almost ripe outer peel of the orange fruit. Sweet Orange oil is made from sweet oranges whose scientific name is Citrus sinensis and Bitter Orange oil from Citrus aurantium. The leaves of orange evergreen tree are used for production of petitgrain oil. The blossoms are used for neroli oil.
Centuries ago, oranges were considered as the fruit of gods. They are pictured as 'golden apples' in the story of Hercules and Titan Atlas. In China, the sweet orange is believed to symbolise good fortune and is also used in traditional offering and gifts.
Orange essential oil is a rich yellow-orange to dark-orange-coloured mobile liquid with a sweet, fresh citrus odour, distinctly reminiscent of the odour from a scratched orange peel.
Sweet orange essential oil has a mild aphrodisiac properties. It provides quick and effective relief from inflammation, whether internal or external. It can help people avoid both septic, fungal infections and tetanus as they inhibit microbial growth and disinfect the wounds. The scent of essential oil creates a happy, relaxed feeling and works as mood lifter. It also relaxes muscular spasm as well as nervous spasms. It can effectively flush body toxins as well.
It is a good tonic and a carminative. A tonic helps in toning body systems as it keeps the metabolic system in proper shape, contributes to strength and boosts immunity. Being a carminative means being an agent that helps in the removal of excess gas from intestines. Furthermore it does not let additional gas to form. It helps in maintaining smooth and glamorous skin, helps to cure acne and dermatitis.
Bitter and Sweet orange oil is employed as fragrant components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, colonge and perfumes. It is extensively used as used as a flavouring material, especially in liqueurs and soft drinks. Sweet orange peel tincture is used to flavour pharmaceuticals.
In manufacturing, bitter orange oil is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soaps. Bitter orange is frequently used in "ephedra-free" products since the FDA banned ephedra in 2004 for serious side effects on the heart. The oil has a distinct phototoxic effect.
As mentioned in our previous blogs, any essential oil applied topically can cause skin irritation is even applied here. Before applying orange essential oil on skin always do a patch test to know if it suits your skin or not. Do not apply orange essential oil near your eyes or any sensitive areas of your body. If you use the essential oil for aromatherapy make sure you are in well ventilated area. keep the oil away from children and pets. If it is ingested in large quantities, it may result in nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Before taking bitter orange, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications. It can interact with many drugs.
