Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Essential Oil Great for Immune, Digestive, and Mood Support

Citrus sinensis or orange is a scent most people adore. The name may refer to cultivated sweet orange, blood orange, navel oranges, and wild orange essential oils. The oils have very similar chemistry offering mostly limonene followed by a lesser amount of myrcene and a smattering of other components. The aromas are quite similar but I find blood orange smells more a bit more like red mandarin.

Limonene has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunostimulant, and enhances the ability of other substances to enter the skin (skin penetration enhancer). It is also said to be hepatoprotective (supports the liver), antibacterial, and is said to help with alertness.

I like to include orange in blend for immune support or for focus. But I think one of the benefits of orange that always surprised me was its digestive soothing abilities.

For immune support inhalers and diffuser blends can be very helpful. A simple mixture of tea tree, eucalyptus, and orange smells great and can fight air borne germs while supporting the immune system. If you have younger kids around you can substitute lavender and orange for a gentle blend that will support the body, fight germs, and can double as a soothing sleep blend.

For a stronger blend I like to include germ fighting powerhouses like cinnamon leaf and bark, clove bud, rosemary, and ravintsara.

Cinnamon and clove bud as you know are spicy and can be irritating so are best for diffuser blends or inhalers used in appropriate amounts. If you use these spicy oils topically cinnamon leaf has slightly less potential for irritating than the bark oil and should be used at dilutions of 1% or less. Cinnamon bark oil is suggested to use at one drop for 40 ml (less than one drop per ounce). Clove bud should be used at 0.5% or less.

For digestive support I like combining orange with ginger and peppermint essential oils. This is a great combination for easing feelings of nausea and supporting overall digestive health. This combo can also help with head ache or hangover. It's truly amazing how effective this blend can be.

And to boost the mood a sunny citrus blend is always welcome. I love combining grapefruit, orange, and lime for what feels like a burst of sunshine.

For focus support I like combining orange with peppermint and rosemary. The latter oils have been shown to support focus and memory and may help improve work and athletic performance.

And of course these are just a few of the benefits of orange essential oil. Some parents find orange with or without vetiver can be help their child with focus. Orange can be added to salves or creams to help the skin to better absorb other oils or ingredients and for limonene's analgesic and anti-inflammatory support benefits. And orange can be used for cleaning or clearing the air as it is one of the more less costly oils.

Smells great and has a myriad of benefits orange can benefit us in many ways. If you have questions about using orange essential oil for immune, digestive, or focus support contact me or visit me in Old Town at 28636 Old Town Front St Suite 200, Temecula, CA 92590. I have some items available and can customize products as well.

aromatic blessings,

Tricia