Along with lemons, it was eventually introduced to the new world by Columbus. Oranges were recorded growing in Florida as early as 1539. By the 18th century, orange oil had gained a reputation for alleviating nervous disorders, heart problems, colic, asthma and melancholy. Sweet orange is extracted through cold expression from the rind of the fruit. Today the largest producers of Sweet Orange are Brazil, California, Israel and Florida.

Sweet Orange

It is: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, febrifuge, sedative, digestive and lymphatic stimulant. Considered the traditional Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity, everybody loves the familiar smell of this clean, fruity, uplifting essential oil. It is an excellent oil to start your day – uplifting the mind, yet placing the body in a state of calm. Describing the action of this oil, Suzanne Fischer-Rizzi says "its influence on mood is positive and joyful; it harmonizes feelings and awakens creativity."

Mind and Spirit

Sweet Orange conveys warmth and happiness and helps us all to relax and unwind. More specifically, sweet orange is highly recommended to the efficient hard-working individual who strives for perfection and achievement, and has little tolerance for mishaps and mistakes. We may describe them in some cases as perfectionists or A-type personalities. They are generally excellent planners who find it difficult to delegate and as a result they become tense and irritable. This stress and a reluctance to call upon others for help and advice often seems to bring about a whole group of stress related symptoms that can send them spiraling downwards.
Gabrielle Mojay explains that this oil "helps us to take a more relaxed approach, encouraging adaptability and smooth handling of events. This oil conveys warmth and happiness, helping people relax and unwind. Associated with the planet Jupiter, the planet of optimism; it also instills a more positive attitude and approach to difficult situation."

Body

From an energetic perspective, one of the primary properties of Sweet Orange, like those of Bergamot and Mandarin, lies in its ability to rebalance the liver, stomach and intestines. Sweet Orange is therefore one of the best all-round essential oils for the digestive system. Combining a tonic effect on the stomach, the oil has distinct antispasmodic and carminative properties suitable for abdominal distension and pain, poor appetite, indigestion, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. It can also be effective for constipation and irritable bowel.
It is ideal for children with a stomach ache. Put a few drops of the oil in a cold pressed carrier oil (such as Sweet Almond Oil, Peach Kernel or Calendula Oil) and gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. The carminative and antispasmodic action of this oil will soon do its job. Sweet Orange is also a recommended oil to help children with sleep. Simply diffuse a few drops in the bedroom or place the drops in a carrier oil or cream and gently massage the feet.
Whenever there is a long period of intensive or excessive stress, the liver can be greatly affected, causing disharmony of this organ. Much of the benefit of this oil – in addition to the above – is its action on the liver (the organ that is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi energy). As a hepatic stimulant, the oil not only encourages the flow of bile, improving the digestion of fats, but it can alleviate general symptoms of liver imbalance that includes nauseous headaches and insomnia.
Liver imbalances can also be manifested as moodiness and irritability. Sweet Orange with its warm, sunny, sweet aroma conveys joy and positivity, helping to disperse and balance the moods. It is uplifting, cheerful, bringing happiness and sunshine into our lives. Include this oil in custom blends for massage purposes or in salt glows and scrubs.

A Personal Note

> For those therapists that choose to work with the elderly in long-term health care facilities or those of you with aging parents or grandparents at home, this oil is a must for day-to-day use. I recall a particular day that I was doing a presentation to the palliative care team in such a location and a very elderly resident asked me what I had in my case. As I explained what I had, she became interested and asked if she could have some. I discovered she had not been eating and was quite depressed. I gave her some Sweet Orange on a smelling strip. Her smile was amazing as she enjoyed the familiar smell. Several hours later she still had the strip, asked me for more, and the next day the nurses reported how well she had eaten that night and how she was bright and cheerful. I have never forgotten this particular resident, a classic example of the simple power of aromatherapy and how we can improve the well-being of another human being.

Skin

The oil is beneficial and soothing to dry, irritated or
acne-prone skin conditions. It assists in calming dermatitis and eczema, but also can rejuvenate the mature skin. For these skin types, consider nourishing base oils such as Soya Oil and Avocado Oil.
Sweet Orange blends well with bergamot, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, nutmeg, petitgrain, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, tangerine, and ylang ylang.

Mandarin

Another member of the Orange family, the Mandarin tree is a smaller tree, with branches that are more wide spreading; and of course, the fruit that we all recognize is flattened at both ends. The name originates from the fruit that was a traditional gift to the Mandarins of China. In France it has long been regarded as one of the safest oils to use with everyone since it is non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-toxic.

Mind and Spirit

Like Sweet Orange, we consider Mandarin as a happy oil. Being soothing and gentle, it is highly recommended as a great oil for use with children. Both oils are sedatives and assist in sleep (especially when combined with lavender). Consider Mandarin for restlessness, intense anxiety and its tranquilizing effect, calming temper tantrums and hysteria.

Body

The Mandarins' claim to fame over many years has been as a safe children's remedy for indigestion and hiccups. However like Sweet Orange, is it also recommended for use with the elderly, strengthening the digestive system and liver.
The circulatory system responds well to Mandarin Oil. It improves general circulation and also is a great tonic for the lymphatic system, helping to eliminate excess fluid and its inclusion in a cellulite blend is very beneficial.

Skin

This oil is suitable for oily and acne skin and is detoxifying to oily and congested skin. For pregnant women, the selection of oils is more limited. However, Sweet Orange (three drops) – when combined with Neroli (one drop) and lavender (one drop) in a base of wheat germ and Avocado oils works very well for the prevention of stretch marks.
It blends well with bergamot, chamomile, black pepper, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lime, sweet marjoram, neroli, sweet orange, palmarosa, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Buying and Storing Your Oils

When buying citrus oils, be aware of what you are buying. Freshness is very important as these oils are difficult to preserve. An important part of their chemistry is comprised of monterpenes. These molecules are very volatile, that is they oxidize easily. Keep these oils in dark brown bottles, well-sealed and buy in small quantities. Once they oxidize they smell very unpleasant. Citrus oils are not expensive so are usually sold in one ounce bottles. As you get half way through your bottle, decant it down into a smaller bottle. This forces out the air, reducing oxidation.
In review as we compare these two calming and uplifting citrus oils, they carry many similar properties. In selecting the correct oil, consider the person, their needs, their personal preference in the aromatic odor of the oil, and above all which oil can best benefit the treatment of the whole person.