Orange Oil Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Orange oil is the substance extracted from oranges, the citrus fruit that comes from the Citrus sinensis plant. Orange oil is derived from the orange peel. You can obtain a small amount of orange oil when you peel or zest an orange fruit.¹

Orange oil has a sweet, pleasant aroma. This is why it’s commonly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy. Orange oil is also used as an additive to foods and beverages to give them a citrus flavor. Orange oil is also a common fragrance additive in cleaning products, cosmetics, lotions and other beauty products.²

Orange Oil Health Uses and Health Benefits

Orange oil has several chemicals that offer orange oil benefits. Some of the chemicals orange oil contains include alpha pinene, citronellal and limonene.² Limonene is the active compound that offers potentially the most orange oil benefits, including: 

• Aiding in digestion
• Boosting vitamin C absorption
• Improving the immune system
• Supporting blood circulation
• Healing the skin

Orange oil for skin has natural antimicrobial properties that can treat acne and help fight skin inflammation. Additionally, orange oil for skin can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging by boosting the skin’s collagen level.¹

As an essential oil, orange oil benefits can be used for therapeutic purposes. Orange oil is believed to be a natural mood elevator. Inhaling orange oil can directly affect the brain and promote a positive emotional response. Additionally, it can help to balance hormones by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Overall, orange oil can help provide a calming and soothing effect.¹

Orange oil uses include being a natural remedy for the following conditions:

• Athlete's Foot - Athlete's foot is a fungal infection. Orange oil has natural antimicrobial and antifungal health benefits. When applied topically, orange oil can fight an athlete's foot infection.
• Toenail Fungus (Nail Fungus) - Orange oil benefits can help to treat a toenail fungus infection. Applying orange oil topically can also help prevent a toenail fungus infection from recurring.
• Itchy Ear Canal - Orange oil uses include being a remedy for an itchy ear canal. The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of orange oil can help to provide relief from an itchy ear canal.

Orange Oil Side Effects and Precautions

There are no serious orange oil side effects. It is considered generally safe to use. However, using too much orange oil topically can cause an allergic reaction. Start out using a small amount and gradually build up the dose.^1,2

References

1. https://draxe.com/orange-oil/
2. http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/sweet-orange-oil.aspx
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/170085-orange-oil-benefits/