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Wild Orange Essential Oil

With over 1,600 species in the Rutaceae plant family, the citrus genus makes up approximately 7 species. Similar to tangerines, lemons, grapefruits and bergamots, oranges (Citrus sinensis) are one of the most popular citric fruits.1

While there are several orange varieties, wild orange essential oil originates from the same species as sweet oranges, but have been grown in non-controlled conditions.2

Similar to orange essential oil, the pleasant fragrance of wild orange oil has been reported to help relieve stress and anxiety and have purifying, cleansing, anti-oxidant, and uplifting properties.

Wild Orange Essential Oil Uses

In contrast to other essential oils, wild orange oil is extracted through a cold-pressing process rather than standard steam distillation. This is to preserve the important bioactive components that are stored within the peel of the fruit.

As a refreshing and popular scent, wild orange essential oil can be used for several everyday applications. From cleaning to cosmetics, enhance these common activities with the exotic notes of wild orange essential oil.

Wild Orange Essential Oil Aromatherapy

One of the most popular, and traditional uses of wild orange essential oil is aromatherapy. As reported by herbalists, the bioactive components in the oil are believed to promote relaxation and feelings of happiness.

Add 2 drops into a diffuser and let the aroma freshen up the room. For a homemade diffuser, add 2 drops of oil to 2 cups of steaming water.

Alternatively, apply 2-3 drops in the palm of your hand, rub vigorously and then inhale.

Wild Orange Massage Oil Blend

Similar to other citrus essential oils, wild orange oil can be added to a regular massage to help relax muscles. Apply 3 drops of wild orange essential oil to approximately 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil (jojoba, almond, coconut), and massage into the skin.

Wild Orange Essential Oil Air Freshener

For an uplifting aroma, combine 2-3 drops of wild orange oil with 3 drops of frankincense essential oil and peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle and spray to freshen the air.

For a natural fabric freshener add several drops of wild orange essential oil to clothing in the dryer to freshen up linens.

Wild Orange Essential Oil Household Cleaner

Similar to sweet orange, the antiseptic effects of wild orange essential oil can eliminate bacteria that causes foul odors to accumulate.

For a natural disinfectant, add several drops of wild orange essential oil and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle. This mixture can be used to spray down surfaces before wiping or tripled for a natural, mopping solution.

Refreshing Wild Orange Essential Oil Lip Balm

Create a lip balm by heating 2 Tbsp. of carrier oil with 1 Tbsp. beeswax until mixed, then stir in 10 drops peppermint and 10 drops wild orange essential oil. Let it solidify and use as a regular balm.

Natural Wild Orange Essential Oil Body Scrub

For a revitalizing, natural body scrub combine brown sugar and wild orange essential oil to exfoliate the skin. Combine ½ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of brown sugar, 15 drops of wild orange essential oil and 3 of drops cinnamon essential oil. Use in the shower as a natural exfoliator. Store in an air tight glass container.

Benefits of Wild Orange Essential Oil

Essential oils have been used for spiritual, religious, therapeutic, and cosmetic purposes for hundreds of years. But in modern times, researchers have discovered previously unknown benefits of these potent essential oils.  The benefits of wild orange essential oil are:

  1. Anti bacterial and Anti fungal properties
  2. Natural Food Preserving Properties
  3. Stress Reduction Properties

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Wild Orange Essential Oil

Similar to sweet orange, preliminary scientific research has suggested wild orange essential oil may be a promising antiseptic agent. In a 2009 study, wild orange oil demonstrated antibacterial activity against Enterococcus, as well as several other common species of bacteria and fungi.1

A separate study also noted that wild orange essential oil demonstrated antibacterial properties against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureusBacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae.1

Antifungal activity has also been observed in wild orange essential oil, particularly for common toxin-producing species like Aspergillus. It was also noted that wild orange essential oils were effective in completely inhibiting the growth of A. niger (black mold), while inhibiting the development of other fungus species.1

Natural Food Preserving Benefits of Wild Orange Essential Oil

There is a current urgency in the food industry to substitute the use of antibiotics for natural food preservatives.

Due to their anti-bacterial and anti-fungus compounds, food preservation may be a promising area for orange essential oils.

Several clinical studies have revealed that the use of regular or wild orange essential oil may be an effective method for preserving dried fruit, juices, milk, salads, seeds, meat, poultry and vegetables if the active components of the oil are properly kept within the packaging.1

Reduce Stress with Wild Orange Essential Oil

D-limonene and other volatile components of wild orange oil have been reported to have a restorative effect in patients’ cognitive and nervous systems, often providing a state of tranquility or calmness. Aromatherapy is the most common method for reducing stress and improving overall mood using essential oils.

Read More:  The Top Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety Treatment

Antispasmodic Benefits of Wild Orange Essential Oil

Wild orange essential oil may help reduce continuous muscle contractions and cramps originating from spasmodic acts such as coughing, vomiting or convulsions. Wild C. sinensis essential oil is thought to provide a relaxing effect on the muscles through inhalation.

wild orange essential oil benefits and uses

Side Effects of Wild Orange Essential Oil

While essential oils are generally regarded as safe for inhalation and diluted topical use, wild orange essential oil can have phototoxic side effects. Phototoxicity refers to an increase in skin sensitivity, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight. Symptoms may include irritation, itchiness, redness, swelling and even blister formation.

To prevent unwanted side effects, do to not apply wild orange essential oil to the skin prior to sun exposure. Users should only apply the diluted oil to covered parts if they plan on being in the sun for extended periods of time.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can be toxic if ingested. Do not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a health care provider.

Consult with a health care professional before using wild orange essential oil on children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Where to buy Wild Orange Essential Oil

Previously, high quality essential oils could only be bought at specialty health stores, or through expensive multi-level marketing companies. Now, due to advancements in technology, extremely high grade essential oils can be purchased over the internet at very reasonable prices.

Scientific Research Referenced in this Article

  1. Mustafa, N.E.M. (2015) Citrus Essential Oils: Current and Prospective Uses in the Food Industry. Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture. 7:115-127. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/16490769/Citrus_Essential_Oils_Current_and_Prospective_Uses_in_the_Food_Industry – View reference
  2. Forbes, P.D., Urbach, F. and Davies, R.E. (1977) Phototoxicity testing of fragrance raw materials. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. 15(1), 55-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0015-6264(77)80264-2