Is orange essential oil a useful cleaning agent?

The cleaning power of citrus oils extends to orange; the oil is highly antibacterial and can attack a number of dangerous microorganisms.

Evidence suggests that orange oil is particularly useful for cleaning kitchens and pantries.

A study in 2012 found that orange oil was able to successfully prevent E.coli contamination in foods, and a further study in 2008 found that it was able to inhibit the spread of salmonella.

Orange essential oil is also said to naturally repel ants, a common pest to find around food.

A few drops of orange essential oil in a spray bottle of water makes for an effective cleaning spray that you can use on surfaces, shelves and other places in which food needs to be protected.

You can also include an emulsifier such as dish soap to prevent the oil and water from separating over time.

Can Orange oil help reduce inflammation and blood pressure?

Orange oil is also a soothing oil, able to calm the body in a number of ways.

A study in 2014 found that orange oil was able to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure more effectively than fresh air when inhaled, helping to protect against the damage caused by a spike in blood pressure, and guard heart health in particular.

The anti-inflammatory abilities of the oil also help it to turn off inflammatory responses in the body that cause swelling in muscular tissue.

This helps it to prevent an inflammatory reaction around injured muscles and joints and soothe the accompanying pain.

These effects are so powerful that a study in 2017 found that sweet orange essential oil was even able to reduce the pain levels of patients with fractured limbs.

When applying sweet orange essential oil topically, it is important to remember that the oil may be mildly phototoxic, so it is always safer to use it in the evening and stay out of direct sunlight until the morning.

As with all our essential oils, we always recommend diluting the oil with a carrier oil before application to the skin.

You should not apply bitter orange essential oil to the skin.

Does orange oil help with anxiety?

Orange essential oil has anxiolytic properties, which means that it can function as a natural remedy for anxiety.

A study in 2014 demonstrated this ability when it found that orange essential oil was able to boost feelings of relaxation and comfort in subjects.

Another study in the same year found that the anxiety-reducing effects of orange oil were so powerful that the oil could even reduce feelings of stress and worry surrounding labour.

How do I use orange essential oil for the skin?

Due to the phototoxicity of some types of orange oil, only sweet orange essential oil should be used on skin, and it should only be applied in the evenings to be safe.

That said, orange oil can be beneficial for the skin in many ways. It is deeply cleansing thanks to its antimicrobial properties and can help to reduce signs of aging and increase elasticity by boosting collagen production.

A study in 2012 also found that the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make a great natural treatment for acne.

What is the history of Orange Essential Oil?

For centuries, the Chinese would use oranges in traditional offerings and gifts, as a sign of good fortune and wellness.

The oils medicinal properties also added to this prestige – one which was then extended to regions of the Mediterranean and later to Europe, who discovered these benefits from the fruit’s refreshing taste.

Oranges have also been pictured in ancient myths, including the story of Hercules and Titan Atlas where they were named “golden apples”.

The bright, joyful scent of orange gives a lift to any space and is unfailingly refreshing.

With the added benefits of its cleansing, calming and soothing properties, there’s really no reason not to incorporate it into your routine.