Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata) is not just a nutritious and delicious citrus fruit. It can also be as citrus-based oil that has many benefits for the body. The fruit originated from China but is now grown in various regions of the world. Tangerine Essential Oil contains many compounds that are good for the body and like other citrus-based oil; it is rich in Limonene, a chemical used in making medicine.
Cold-pressed from tangerine’s rind, Tangerine Essential Oil is sweet and citrusy. It is not as widely used as other essential oils but it was proven to have numerous benefits. Like the tangerine or mandarin fruit, the oil is beneficial to the immune system and skin. But more than these, it was also said to be advantageous for the skin, digestion and emotions.
Tangerine Essential Oil Benefits
The benefits of Tangerine Essential Oil include the following:
- Kills some types of bacteria including Staphylococcus Aureus that causes sepsis
- It regenerates cells in the body
- It is a powerful agent that can purify the blood
- It soothes inflammation and hyperactivity
- It is good for digestion
- It prevents spasm
- It tones different body functions
- It is good for the skin and hair
- It can help people emotionally
- It adds aroma to several dishes and fragrance in paint
- It promotes weight loss
Traditionally, Tangerine Essential Oil was used to fight insomnia and help in digestion. It comes from the Rutaceae botanical family and blends well with many other essential oils including rose, jasmine, lavender, eucalyptus and marjoram. Tangerine fruit is a close relative of mandarin orange and has been used in traditional Asian medicine for the past 3000 years. To extract oil, the tangerine peels are cold-pressed. Organic tangerine is cultivated to make the best oils.
In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, tangerines are important ingredients. It was used to clear mucus from the lungs and throat and help in proper digestion. It was also a treatment for flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and skin conditions. Since it has tranquilizing effect, it was also used to relax pregnant women during labor. The major components of Tangerine Essential Oil are limonene, a-pinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, neral, linalool and geraniol. The oil is orange-yellow in color and has a sweet scent.
Tangerine Essential Oil Uses
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Antiseptic. Tangerine Essential Oil is known to have antiseptic properties; so generally, it can be used to help kill bacteria. You can use it to stoop the swelling and infection in cuts and wounds. A more popular use of this oil is in killing bacteria that causes sepsis. It also stops it from spreading.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Cytophylactic. Cytophylactic means able to stimulate formation of new cells. The oil helps in cell division and in reusing cellular materials. That means it can promote general growth and repair damaged cells.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Depurative. Depurative property means being able to purify the blood. The oil is said to be a powerful depurative. It helps remove toxic substances from the body through sweat, urine and feces and increases the ability of erythrocytes or red blood cells to retain oxygen and purify the blood.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Sedative. The oil has soothing effects not just in the mind but also in the body organs. It can soothe inflammation from fever, intrusion of harmful external substances and allergies.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Stomachic. The oil can keep your stomach in good shape and aid digestion. It maintains proper flow of juices and the good balance of bile and acid, neutralizing excess acids. It there are wounds in the stomach, it can also soothe and heal them. Being a stomachic makes this essential oil a vital ingredient in maintaining overall health of the body.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Antispasmodic. Spasms can happen in the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems. The essential oil can counter spasms that cause discomfort as it relaxes the organs of the body.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Tonic. This oil can tune up all body functions, including the decomposition of food, nutrient absorption in the stomach, liver and intestines. It also helps in proper excretion and enhances secretions of enzymes. It can help you become more active and alert as it also tones the nervous system.
- Tangerine Essential Oil for the Skin and Hair. It is used in various skin and hair products for has antifungal and antiseptic properties. It is said to help prevent acne and other skin conditions as well.
- Tangerine Essential Oil for the Body’s Emotional Being. The oil has calming effect and is thus used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and the body’s emotional imbalances. It can relieve anxiety, nervousness and depression and promote good sleep.
- Tangerine Essential Oil’s Practical Uses. The essential oil has many practical uses. It can produce a good scent in the house and in industrial products such as paint. It can also be used for adding aroma to vodka, tea and confectionery or remove stubborn stains.
- Tangerine Essential Oil as Aid in Weight Loss. The oil can be used topically to massage the skin and fight cellulite. When taken orally, it can speed up metabolism.
Tangerine Essential Oil Side Effects
- It is phototoxic: Like other citrus-based oils, it is phototoxic. It has some chemical components that react to UV rays and causes blisters, burning of the skin and inflammation. That means when you apply it on your skin, you should not expose the area of the skin under direct sunlight for at least 48 hours.
- Use with caution for pregnant women. No reliable information can be found on the essential oil’s safety for breastfeeding and pregnant women.
- Dilution and patch test are recommended. The oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil. Patch test is recommended to make sure it does not react to the skin.
How to Use Tangerine Essential Oil
- It can be used a massage to soothe the body. Mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil, with a ratio of one drop oil in 5ml of carrier oil.
- Diffuse it throughout a room for a sweet and relaxing scent. Just add about a drop or two to your diffuser.
- Add 1 or 2 drops as healthy flavouring to your smoothie, tea or lemonade
- Dilute with a carrier oil and massage to your abdomen for calmness.
- Place a drop or two to the palm of your hands and inhale it to enjoy its benefits.
How to Make Tangerine Essential Oil
The oil is extracted from organic tangerine rind through cold pressing. This is a common process used in extracting citrus essential oils.
Tangerine Essential Oil Recipe
The easiest way to make a homemade Tangerine Essential Oil recipe is through infusion. You can use fresh or dried organic tangerine peel and add it to a crock pot, together with a carrier oil. Infuse it under low heat of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively use a clean mason jar and add the ¼ cup of rind and 1 cup carrier oil. Let it stay for 12 hours in a warm window. Cover the lid with a clean plastic wrap secured by rubber band.
Where to Buy Tangerine Essential Oil
For your convenience, you can order a bottle of Tangerine Essential Oil online since many companies offer it in small bottles, though it is readily available in health stores. It is best to be careful in buying this oil and be sure that it is pure. Reputable brands include Plant Therapy, Art Naturals and doTerra.
More Information on Tangerine Essential Oil
- Possible skin sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, better use it with caution. Always dilute it with suitable carrier oil and perform patch test before application. Avoid sunlight for 12 to 48 hours after use.
- Avoid contact with sensitive areas. Application in sensitive areas such as eyes and inner ears should be handled with care.
- Consult your physician when nursing or pregnant. Some use it to prevent stretch marks when pregnant. To be sure, it is best to consult your physician first.
- Some dog owners use Tangerine Essential Oil to calm their dog especially when it is afraid, anxious and hyperactive. It is also good in times of stress, though it is best to consult your veterinarian before using it to your pet dog. To use, it is diffused or applied on its collar or blanket but not directly.