Characteristics of the orange tree

The orange – Citrus sinensis, is an evergreen tree and belongs to the
citrus category. The genus Citrus includes a wide variety of evergreen trees.
The orange tree has dark green, smooth, broad leaves and in spring its flowering begins with small fragrant white flowers that attract many bees. There are more than 600 varieties of oranges, the best known being Valencia with a high juice content and the sweet Merlin variety.
The tree can reach up to 10 meters in height and its lifespan is from 50 to 150 years. Once orange trees start producing fruit, they need 7–8 months to ripen. Orange is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and dietary fiber, which is why its juice is part of the breakfast meal, consumed by young and old.
The orange tree is intensively cultivated in most parts of the world. In our country, it occupies a large part of agricultural production and organic farming.
Orange essential oil is extracted from different parts of the tree and fruit by cold pressing. The properties of the essential oil include stress reduction, antimicrobial action, pain relief and revitalizing effects.

History of the orange

The orange tree originates from Asia. More specifically, it first grew wild in southeastern China at least since 340 BC, where it is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In India it has been established that the orange has been cultivated for at least 7,000 years. It is believed that the ancestor of the orange was the bitter orange, which over time was domesticated in certain regions, resulting in the modern orange tree.
It reached Europe during the 10th century, when the Moors introduced the orange to Spain. Thanks to the country’s warm Mediterranean climate, Spain is now responsible for 80% of Europe’s orange production.
At first, the orange was an aristocratic fruit, as only wealthy families could buy and maintain orange trees. King Francis I called the orange “the king of fruits” and was a well-known admirer of the first orange tree in France.
With the continued spread of the orange, its benefits in combating scurvy, a common ailment among sailors, became widely known.

Chemical composition

Orange essential oil extracted from the peel of the fruit by cold pressing.

Chemical composition of orange essential oil

limonene, β-pinene, mono-terpenene hydrocarbon, coumarins, psoralens, phytosterols, β-sitosterol, sinensetin, tangeretin.

Directions for use

- Add a few drops of orange essential oil to wheat germ oil and enjoy a wonderful aromatic massage that combats inflammation and stress.
- Mix a few drops of orange essential oil with water and vinegar for an effective antibacterial cleaning spray suitable for the kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces.
- Add 6–8 drops of orange essential oil to a warm bath to combat stress and for an energy boost at the start of the day.
- Put 2–3 drops of orange essential oil in an oil burner and let its relaxing aroma spread throughout your space.
- Essential oils produced from citrus peels are used in confectionery, beverage production, soap making, the food industry and cosmetology.
- Combines well with neroli, mandarin, lemon, grapefruit and basil essential oils.

Chinese medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the orange is known as Chen Pi and acts on the stomach, spleen and lung meridians. It moves the vital Qi energy, expels phlegm, nourishes the spleen and dispels dampness from the body.
Massage with almond oil and orange oil helps eliminate sluggishness and energizes the internal organs.

Useful tips

- Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children.
- Essential oils are intended for external use only.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth and always use diluted in a carrier oil.