I look forward to winter for only one reason — oranges. They are my favorite fruit and the only time I eat them is when they are in season during the winter months. I have always loved the scent of orange, too, in cleaning and cosmetic products. It’s no surprise then that orange essential oil would quickly become one of my favorites and find a spot on my list of 10 Best Essential Oils for Everyday Use.
It’s like you have smelled the refreshing scent of this oil at some point, even if you are not an essential oils use. If you’ve ever peeled or zested an orange, you’ve come into contact with small amounts of orange oil. It’s also found in many common products such as soap, detergent or kitchen cleaners. If you smelled the scent of orange in any of those, it’s likely because of at least small amounts of orange essential added for the smell. Orange is also the second most common essential oil (after lemon) to be used for household cleaning.
Orange essential oil is also commonly added to many cosmetics such as lotion, shampoo, skin care products, and mouthwash since it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and smells so fresh and clean.
Besides just smelling great and cleaning well, orange essential oil has some health benefits. The most common include:
- Increases circulation
- Kills bacteria
- Improves complexion and decreases wrinkles
- Decreses anxiety
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves immune function
- Aids digestion
- Reduces inflammation
- Elevates mood
- Protects of teeth and gums
- Antispasmodic
- Improves cognitive function
Here are some everyday uses for orange essential oil:
Add 2 drops of orange essential oil to a tablespoon of organic coconut oil for oil pulling to reduce improve oral health.
Make a homemade mouthwash with 2 cups purified water and 10 drops of essential oils (orange and clove pair well).
Add a few drops to your diffuser to freshen the air and lift your mood.
Add a few drops to your dishwasher to cut through grease.
Combine 20 drops with 4 ounces water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on house plants to keep away pests.
Add orange essential oil to your homemade body spray, hand lotion, or hand sanitizer.
Add a few drops to a grease spot on your stove or counter top and wipe away the grease.
Add 20 drops of essential oil (combination of orange, lemon and grapefruit) and 2 oz of water to a spray bottle. Use as a deodorizing bathroom spray.
Add 20 drops lavender and 10 drops orange essential oil to 4 oz of jojoba oil to make a relaxing bath oil. Store in a 4oz PET plastic bottle. Add a capful to running bathwater to calm and soothe the nerves.
Add 2 drops orange essential oil and one drop peppermint essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil. Rub on the back of neck and shoulders to soothe a headache.
Warnings
Orange Essential Oil may be phototoxic (there are conflicting reports about this, though bitter orange is phototoxic for sure). Avoid exposure to the sun for 12 hours after applying to your skin if you notice a sensitivity.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, strong, and powerful liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully and properly. Essential oils can cause irritation when applied to the skin, even in diluted amounts. Use caution when using them. Please keep essential oils out of reach of children. Please do not use this essential oil on babies, toddlers, or children under the age of 6 months.
Yesterday I gave you my recipe for homemade shampoo. That recipes nourishes my fine (but thick) curly hair quite well, so that I don’t use a thick hair conditioner after. However, I do need a detangling conditioner to get a comb through it. The one I make is a super-simple leave-in spray made with aloe and essential oils. It works well to lightly condition, detangle, and nourish my hair without weighing it down. And the scent is delicious.
Keep Reading if you would like the recipe for my Herbal-Citrus Leave-in Hair Conditioner.
