I always smile when I smell orange; it is an uplifting essential oil. There are hundreds of species and subspecies of oranges, but four are the most commonly used. Bitter, Clementine and Sweet Orange are extracted from the skin and peel and are versatile in their aids to our skin and emotions. Neroli is extracted from the flower only, requiring huge amounts of flowers and a more delicate extraction process. For these reasons, it is one of the most expensive essential oils, but its benefits are well-known and highly desirable.
Scientific Name: Citrus Aurant – amara
Extraction: Cold pressed from non-certified organic orange peels
Origin: Ivory Coast
Bitter Orange essential oil is excellent for degenerated skin, as it increases collagen formation. It is balancing to hormones and can improve oily skin. It is strengthening to arteries and veins and is included in many varicose vein recipes. Traditionally, bitter orange has been used for nausea, indigestion and constipation.
Bitter orange increases mental clarity and helps release old emotional patterns. It can be sensitizing to the skin (phototoxic). Do not apply before going into direct sunlight.
Properties: carminative and vulnerary.
Avoid during pregnancy.
These products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a health care practitioner for medical advice.
Scientific Name: Citrus deliciosa, Clementina variety
Extraction: Cold pressed wild leaves
Origin: Italy
Clementine essential oil has a fresh sweet scent that is uplifting and cheerful. It is calming and relaxing to hyper children and is safe to diffuse. It is a powerful antidepressant and relieves insomnia. It relieves bronchial spasms and is helpful to asthmatics ready to release fears and old emotions. Clementine orange has an affinity for the solar plexus chakra.
Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant and antispasmodic.
These products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a health care practitioner for medical advice.
Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium bigaarade
Extraction: Steam distilled from the flowers
Origin: Morocco
Neroli is an amazing aromatic that is extracted from the flowers of the Bitter Orange. It opens one to receive the highest parts of Self. Neroli is wondrous for aging, damaged skin, scars and reduces stretch marks. It heals spider veins and lightens ruddy complexions. It is found in exclusive cosmetic lines and anti-wrinkle creams. Neroli strengthens a weak nervous system. It is a hormone balancer and aids hot flashes and mood swings. Petitgrain sur fleur is often substituted for Neroli, which comes from the same plant, but uses both flowers and leaves.
Properties: Vulnerary, nervine and emmenagogue.
These products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a health care practitioner for medical advice.
Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and flowers
Origin: Morocco
This is a lovely oil. Petitgrain Sur fleur comes from the flower and leaves of Citrus aurantium, the same tree used to make the world famous Neroli. While Neroli uses only the flower of the plant, Petitgrain uses both the leaf with some flowers. It has many of the same benefits as Neroli without the higher cost.
Like Neroli, Petitgrain Sur Fleur tones the skin and balances both oil and dry conditions, including acne.
It is anti-spasmodic, soothing muscle spasms. It is a sedative and antidepressant. It is a strong antiviral and antibacterial; it inhibits the growth of staph, strep and pneumococcus bacteria. It is used in the treatment of hepatitis and can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied externally using a hot compress.
Emotionally, this oil helps with depression, calms the nerves and is soothing. It is helpful for overcoming anger and panic.
This oil is sometimes substituted for Neroli because of Neroli’s high price.
Properties: Anti-spasmodic, sedative, nervine, antidepressant, antiviral, and antibacterial.
These products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a health care practitioner for medical advice.
Scientific Name: Citrus sinensis
Extraction: Cold-pressed from Biodynamically grown orange peels
Origin: Italy
Sweet orange is a delightful scent. It is also practical as a disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal. It purifies and stimulates the removal of toxins, including those associated with food poisoning. It is helpful to the lymphatic system. It clarifies the skin and promotes the formation of collagen, which makes it a great addition to lotions and creams. It eases depression and is calming to children. It supports adrenal balance and regeneration.
Citrus oils are phytotoxic, and can cause skin sensitivity (sunburn) in sunlight. Don’t apply citrus oils to your skin before you go outside. You can take 1 drop of the oil in 1 quart of water instead; or apply citrus oils when you are done enjoying the sun.
Properties: disinfectant, antibacterial, antifungal and vulnerary.
These products and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a health care practitioner for medical advice.
