by Amelia E. Stone, RN
Common Name: Orange
Latin Binomial: Citrus sinensis L.
Family: Rutaceae
Other Common Names: Sweet Orange
Production Method: cold pressed, expession
Countries of Origin: Mexico
Typical Constituents: [+]-Limonene (93.2-94.9%), b-Myrcene (2.6-3.1%), α-Pinene (0.6-1.0%)
Description of Oil: pale yellow or colorless, sweet, light fruity scent
Description of Plant: An evergreen tree with glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The fruit has a sweet pulp and non-bitter membranes.
History, Folklore and Myth: Long held as a symbol of innocence and fertility. Greek mythology refers to the Orange as a ‘golden apple’.
Properties and Uses: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitif, carminative, digestive, febrifuge, nervine, uplifting
Precautions and Contraindications: Skin sensitization if oxidized
References: Lawless, Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Shaftesbury, Dorset. Element Books. 1995.
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.
Sellar, Wanda. The Directory of Essential Oils. London: Random House. 2005
Shutes, Jade. Advanced Aromatherapy Certification Program. East-West School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies. 2014