What a horrid wet and windy bank holiday ... the perfect day to diffuse some sunshine, and today I had mandarin going ... as with all the orange family of oils, it is such a lovely uplifting oil and along with Bergamot and Orange is one of my go-to oils to diffuse.
The different orangy essential oils come from different parts and different species of plants ...
BITTER ORANGE oil is extracted from the the fruit of the bitter orange tree by cold expression. The bitter orange tree is an evergreen tree that is hardy and resistant to most diseases and is native to the Far East but today it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region and the the warmer states of the United States. Bitter orange oil is commonly used for skincare problems, digestive problems and support your immune system.
ORANGE essential oil (also known as sweet orange) is extracted from a species of orange tree that is smaller than the bitter orange tree. The fruit of the sweet orange tree is larger than the bitter orange variety However, the sweet orange tree is found in more or less the same places as the bitter orange tree. Sweet orange oil is extracted from the fruit of the tree via cold expression but it is also possible to distill sweet orange oil. Sweet orange oil can be used for the same as bitter orange oil. Both types of orange oil are predominately composed of similar chemical components, giving them the same therapeutic properties.
NEROLI, also known as orange blossom essential oil, is extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree by distillation. It takes its name of neroli from an Italian princess. The flowers of the orange tree produce essential oil in small quantities and is therefore an expensive essential oil because of the difficulties and labor required to extract it. Neroli oil is often used for skincare problems, digestive problems, anxiety, stress, shock and as an aphrodisiac!
PETITGRAIN essential oil is extracted from the leaves and sometime the twig of the bitter orange tree by distillation. Petitgrain oil takes it name from 'petit grain' meaning 'little grain' refering to the small fruit of the tree. It is distilled from the green, unripe oranges of the tree. Petitgrain oil has similar uses to orange blossom oil in aromatherapy, although it is a lighter oil than orange blossom in fragrance.
BERGAMOT essential oil is amongst the more expensive of the cold pressed citrus oils, but is well worth the cost. Its aroma is reminiscent to that of orange, but it is more complex and almost has an underlying floral characteristic to it. It can be helpful in use during periods of depression and is known for its ability to help combat oily skin and acne.
MANDARIN essential oil is extracted from the outer peel of the mandarin fruit and is a favorite of children and parents. Of all the citrus oils, mandarin is the sweetest and tends to be the most calming. If desiring to use a citrus oil in the evenings before bed or with children, this is usually the best choice.
TANGERINE essential oil is extracted from the outer peel of the tangerine fruit and has a fresh, sweet, citrusy and is similar to the brighter aroma of tangerine peels (as compared to orange peels), but has a more concentrated, intense aroma than does Orange Essential Oil.
Which is your favourite?
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