Orange Oil Sweet
Sweet orange oil is extracted from the peel of Sweet oranges. Sweet oranges are a cross made between the other orange species Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and Pomelo (Citrus maxima). This is a member of the citrus plant family, Rutaceae. Sweet orange tree is indigenous to Southeast Asia and the cultivation of this special variety has spread worldwide. It is an evergreen tree that grows up to a maximum height of 15m. The dark green leaves of this tree are ovate and arranged alternately. These leaves measure about 4 to 10 cm long with crenulated margins. Sweet orange is a pleasant flowering tree that bears attractive white colored flowers. These scented flowers are followed by the delicious oranges that are sweet and tasty. Sweet oranges are bright orange in color. The external skin or the rind of this round fruit is rough.
Sweet orange oil is cold pressed from the oily skin of sweet oranges. This oil has a fresh, tangy, sweet, citrusy, pleasant and refreshing aroma. It is yellow to orange in color with a watery viscosity. Sweet orange oil is a byproduct of the orange juice production where the left out peels are used for oil production. This oil stays fresh up to 6 months after production. Sweet orange oil blends well with sandalwood oil, cinnamon oil, ginger oil, cloves oil, vetiver oil, black pepper oil and frankincense oil. This sweet smelling citrus oil is used as a flavor in certain alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is also used in soaps, confectionaries, perfumes, detergents, cosmetics and furniture polishes as it has the power to protect against the possible damages caused by insects.
Latin name: Citrus sinensis.
Alternative names: China Orange, Portugal Orange.
Sweet orange is cultivated as a plantation crop in many tropical and sub-tropical zones of the world. This tangy essential oil contains sabinene, linalool, neral, citronellal, myrcene, limonene, geranial, a-pinene, decanal, octanol, carene and b-pinene. Sweet orange oil is very effective with the therapeutic properties like carminative, antiseptic, sedative, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, cholagogue, tonic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic.
Uses: Sweet orange oil can be claimed as a modest oil that helps in inducing warm feelings and happiness. The self-driven aroma of this oil aids in overcoming stress and depression. It is also useful in eliminating toxins from the body and activating the lymphatic system. Sweet orange oil with its magical fragrance calms the nervous system, stimulates the digestive system and strengthens the immune system. The excellent relaxing properties of this oil assist in relaxing the mind and body. It treats cold, cough and flu which in turn grant a peaceful sleep at night. Sweet orange oil revitalizes the skin, giving it the natural radiance and fighting strongly against wrinkles. With its aphrodisiac and anti-depressant properties, this oil has been proved to treat maladies, impotence, lack of sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, menstruation problems and symptoms of menopause.
