ORANGE - essential oil

The orange is currently unknown in its wild state and it is thought to have originated in southern China, northeastern India, and perhaps southeastern Asia. Oranges were first cultivated in China around 2500 BC. Citrus fruits were introduced to Sicily in the 9th century, but the sweet orange was unknown until the late 15th century, when Italian and Portuguese merchants brought orange trees to the Mediterranean. The sweet orange was quickly adopted as an edible fruit.

It also was considered a luxury item and wealthy people grew oranges in conservatories, called orangeries. By 1646, the sweet orange was well known throughout Europe. The sweet orange is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus sinensis in the family Rutaceae.

The orange is a hybrid of the pomelo and mandarin. As of 1987, orange trees were found to be the most cultivated fruit tree in the world. Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. Like most citrus plants, oranges do well under moderate temperatures and require considerable amounts of sunshine and water.

Health benefits
• Anti-spasmodic: muscles, nerves
• Sedative: anxiety, anger, depression
• Aphrodisiac
• Anti-inflammatory: internal or external (gastric, fever, infections, gas, ingestion of toxins, knee pain)
• Cholagogue: promotes bile production
• Promotes secretions from all exocrine and endocrine glands: for menstruation regulation, lactation, digestion (enzymes), hormones
• Anti-septic: wounds
• Diuretic: detoxifier
• Tonic: all body systems
• Digestion: carminative (gas), constipation, dyspepsia (excess stomach acid)
• Cognitive function: Alzheimer’s
• Insecticide: houseflies
• Boosts immunity
• Skin: acne, dermatitis, anti-oxidant, anti-ageing

Warning: Orange essential oil displays photo-toxicity. so be cautious of applying before excessive sun exposure. It tastes bitter and if ingested in large quantities, it may result in vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite.