Tangerine Oil
Tangerine oil is extracted from the rind of tangerine fruits. It is a member of the orange family Rutaceae. Tangerines are often confused with Mandarins. The real fact is that the Tangerine fruit (Citrus tangerina) is a variety of the Mandarin fruit (Citrus reticulata). Tangerine is indigenous to Philippines, China and southeastern parts of Asia. This evergreen tree is cultivated in many parts of the world including Southern Europe, Australia, India, South America, East Indies, China and Japan. It reaches a maximum height of 25 feet. Tangerine fruits are generally harvested in the month of November and the fruits of Mandarin tree are harvested in February. This tree is slightly thorny in nature with lancelike leaves and fragile twigs. The sweet smelling citrus flowers of this tree bloom in single or rarely in groups along the leaf axils. Tangerine flowers are followed by dark orange colored fruits. The fruits of the Tangerine tree are smaller than most of the orange varieties. These fruits are divided into many segments that can be separated easily. The peel or the skin of the Tangerine fruits can be easily removed as it is soft and tender.
Tangerine oil is steam distilled from the outer cover or rind of Tangerine oranges. This oil is tangy orange or deep orange in color. Tangerine oil has a sweet, tender, pleasant, natural, tangy and refreshing aroma. Tangerine oils are also called as ‘happy oils’ as the calming fragrance of this oil gives a feeling of relief and cleanliness. It is also claimed that this oil was initially used to bring joy and relieve anxiety. Tangerine oil blends well with bergamot oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, lavender oil, nutmeg oil, frankincense oil, clary sage oil and neroli oil.
Latin name: Citrus tangerina.
Alternative names: European mandarin, Citrus deliciosa, Naartjie, Citrus madurensis, Citrus reticulata, True mandarin, Citrus nobilis and Citrus unshiu.
Tangerine trees can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical climatic zones. Extreme cold and frost conditions might damage the plant. Cultivating this tree by using the seeds is a time consuming process that might take at least 7 to 8 years for bearing the fruits. Planting the moist seedlings is better to start a strong tangerine tree. Tangerine oil contains folate, vitamin C, potassium, neryl acetate, beta-carotene, limonene, y-terpinolene, geranial, a-thujone, geranyl acetate, citronellal, b-pinene, linalool, sabinene, terpineol-4-ol, camphene, nerol and myrcene. This oil has tonic, carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic, laxative, depurative, digestive, antiseptic, stimulating, stomachic, sedative and restorative properties.
Uses: Tangerine oil is often used to treat skin conditions like oily skin, wrinkles, aged skin problems, acne and stretch marks. This oil also helps in purifying the blood and remove kidney stones. Tangerine oil is effective for treating chronic respiratory problems like asthma attacks. Diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, colic, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome and dyspepsia are also aided with the help of this tangy oil.
