Bitter orange essential oil is extracted from the citrus fruit of Citrus Aurantium. The oil has a wide range of benefits and uses, including aiding in digestion, helping to relieve anxiety and stress, and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, bitter orange essential oil can be used as a natural disinfectant and cleaning agent.
Essential Oil Profile / Monograph
Botanical Name: Citrus Aurantium
Common Names: Bitter Orange, Seville Orange
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Countries of Origin: Italy, Spain, Morocco
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Parts Used: Peel
Essential Oil Smell: Citrusy, sweet, tangy
Essential Oil Color: Orange to yellow
Viscosity: Thin
Perfumery Note: Top
Strength of Aroma: Medium
Blends Well With: Lavender, neroli, petitgrain, rosemary, ylang-ylang
Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, digestive, sedative
Uses: Digestive disorders, nervous tension, stress-related conditions
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for children under the age of 2. Use with caution if suffering from high blood pressure.
Side Effects: May cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Chemical Constituents: Limonene (65-85%), myrcene (3-10%), a-pinene (<1%), sabinene (<1%), linalool (<1%), nerol (<1%)
What is Bitter Orange?
Bitter orange is a citrus fruit that is native to Asia. The scientific name for bitter orange is Citrus Aurantium. The fruit is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine.
Benefits
Bitter orange essential oil has a wide range of benefits and uses. The oil can be used to aid in digestion, help relieve anxiety and stress, and promote healthy skin. Additionally, bitter orange essential oil can be used as a natural disinfectant and cleaning agent.
Some key benefits:
- It can help to stimulate the appetite and increase digestive activity. The oil can also help to relieve indigestion, heartburn, and bloating.
- The scent of bitter orange essential oil is known to be calming and relaxing. This makes it an ideal oil to use for anxiety and stress relief.
- This essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, the oil can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin.
- Bitter orange oil can be used to clean surfaces and disinfect areas. The oil can also be used in laundry to remove stains and freshen fabrics.
Uses
Bitter orange essential oil can be used in a variety of ways. The oil can be added to a diffuser to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, or it can be applied topically to the skin. Additionally, the oil can be added to a bath or used in a massage.
Historical use
Bitter orange has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including aiding in digestion, helping to relieve anxiety and stress, and promoting healthy skin.
Topical use
Bitter orange essential oil can be applied topically to the skin. The oil is said to help improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. Additionally, the oil can be used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Bitter Orange Essential Oil benefits for skin
Bitter orange essential oil is said to have a number of benefits for the skin. The oil can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. It contains a high concentration of limonene, a powerful antioxidant, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Bitter Orange Essential Oil benefits for hair
Bitter orange essential oil can also be used to benefit the hair. It contains limonene, which is known to help stimulate hair growth by improving circulation. Additionally, the oil can help to prevent dandruff and keep the scalp healthy.
Aromatherapy
Bitter orange essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to enjoy the benefits of the oil. The oil can be added to a diffuser or used in a massage. Additionally, the oil can be added to a bath or used in a compress.
Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Bitter Orange Essential Oil
1. Bitter Orange and Lavender: This blend is great for relaxation and promoting sleep.
2. Bitter Orange and Peppermint: This blend is invigorating and energizing.
3. Bitter Orange and Rosemary: This blend is stimulating and helps to improve focus.
4. Bitter Orange and Bergamot: This blend is uplifting and helps to relieve stress.
5. Bitter Orange and Lemon: This blend is refreshing and helps to boost the immune system.
6. Bitter Orange and Grapefruit: This blend is invigorating and helps to improve circulation.
7. Bitter Orange and Cinnamon: This blend is warming and helps to boost energy levels.
DIY recipes with Bitter Orange Essential Oil
1. Bitter Orange and Lavender Bath Salts
These bath salts are perfect for relaxation and promoting sleep. To make the bath salts, simply combine 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 10 drops of bitter orange essential oil with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
2. Bitter Orange and Peppermint Body Scrub
This body scrub is invigorating and energizing. To make the scrub, simply combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of olive oil, and 10 drops of bitter orange essential oil with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
3. Bitter Orange and Rosemary Massage Oil
This massage oil is stimulating and helps to improve focus. To make the massage oil, simply combine 1 cup of almond oil, 10 drops of bitter orange essential oil, and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil.
4. Bitter Orange and Bergamot Facial Steam
This facial steam is uplifting and helps to relieve stress. To make the facial steam, simply add 10 drops of bitter orange essential oil and 10 drops of bergamot essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes.
5. Bitter Orange and Lemon Cleaning Solution
This cleaning solution is refreshing and helps to boost the immune system. To make the cleaning solution, simply combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, 10 drops of bitter orange essential oil, and 10 drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and use as you would any other cleaning solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not use Bitter Orange oil?
Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or epilepsy should not use bitter orange essential oil. Additionally, anyone who is taking any medication should speak to their doctor before using the oil.
Does Bitter Orange oil interact with any medicine?
It may interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medication and heart medication. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before using the oil if you are taking any medication.
Can you use Bitter Orange oil everyday?
Yes, it can be used daily. However, it is important to start with a small amount and increase as needed.
What is the difference between Sweet and Bitter Orange?
They are from two different species of oranges. Sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) are the type of oranges that are typically eaten as fruit, while bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium) are used to make marmalade and essential oil.
How much Bitter Orange oil daily is safe?
The recommended dosage of bitter orange oil is 1-2 drops per day. However, it is always best to start with a small amount and increase as needed.
Does Bitter Orange oil raise blood pressure?
It may raise blood pressure in some people. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before using the oil if you have low blood pressure.
Does Bitter Orange oil repel insects?
Yes, it can help to repel insects. To use the oil for this purpose, simply add a few drops to a diffuser or add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in an area where insects are a problem.
Is Bitter Orange oil good for hair?
Yes, it can be good for hair. The oil can help to stimulate hair growth and can also help to prevent dandruff.
Can Bitter Orange oil be used during pregnancy?
No, it should not be used during pregnancy. The oil can stimulate contractions and may cause miscarriage. If you are pregnant, it is best to speak to your doctor before using any essential oils.
References:
An Overview on Citrus aurantium L.: Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent
Author
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