Exploring the Versatile Uses of Tangerine Essential Oil
Tangerines are not just fruit; they are bursts of joy, wrapped in a peel of sunshine.
~Edward Bloor
Unveiling the Zesty Magic of Tangerine Essential Oil
Imagine waking up to the soft, golden glow of dawn with a sense of invigoration, and your home is filled with the refreshing, citrusy scent that instantly lifts your spirits. That’s exactly how I feel each time I diffuse Tangerine Essential Oil. This little bottle of liquid sunshine has transformed my mornings and given me a burst of energy to tackle the day ahead.
The Rich History of Tangerine Oil
Tangerine Essential Oil (Citrus reticulata) has a fascinating history. It is extracted from the rind of the tangerine fruit, a close relative of the orange. The tangerine fruit, originally native to Southeast Asia, has been cherished for centuries. In ancient China, tangerines were often gifted as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. They were also used in traditional medicine for their ability to soothe digestive issues and uplift the spirit. Tangerine is one of the sweetest of the citrus fragrances. The first shipment of tangerines from Asia was believed to have been sent to Tangiers around 1845 and so tangerines got their name from Tangiers in Morocco.
Fast forward to today, and this oil is still celebrated, not just for its delightful aroma, but also for its versatile benefits.
Modern-Day Marvels: Uses of Tangerine Essential Oil
Today, Tangerine Essential Oil is a staple in my daily routine, and it can be in yours too! Whether I’m starting my day with its uplifting aroma or winding down with a soothing diffuser blend, this oil brings a sense of joy and tranquility to my routine. Here are some ways to incorporate this zesty oil into your life:
Aromatherapy: Diffusing tangerine oil is my go-to for creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. Add three to four drops of tangerine essential oil to your diffuser to fill your home with its uplifting aroma. It’s perfect for those gloomy days when you need a little extra sunshine.
Skin Care: I love adding a few drops of tangerine oil to my moisturizer in the evening. It’s known for its purifying properties and can help promote a clear, radiant complexion.
Cleaning: Tangerine essential oil is a natural disinfectant with natural antiseptic properties and can be used to make a homemade cleaning spray. Simply add a few drops of tangerine essential oil to a glass spray bottle filled with water and vinegar. This is a great way to clean your surfaces while leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
Add it to your bath: Add a few drops of tangerine essential oil to your bath for a spa-like experience. The oil will help to relax your muscles and improve your mood. Great for a post-workout routine!
Make a room spray: Combine tangerine essential oil with water in a spray bottle to create a refreshing room spray. This is a great way to uplift the mood and freshen the air in any room.
Culinary delight: Use Tangerine oil to enhance the flavor in cake or cookie recipes. A drop or two in smoothies or baked goods adds a delicious tangy flavor. I even add it to my vanilla yogurt in the mornings!
Put in Water: Add a drop or two of tangerine essential oil to your water.
But why is Tangerine oil so special?
It's all in the chemistry. Tangerine essential oil contains a significant quantity of d-limonene (99%), an antioxidant, found to be excellent for skin and hair. It plays a role in the detoxifying and purifying benefits of the oils. D-limonene reduces inflammation and fights disease-causing germs. But the benefits of limonene do not end there. According to experimental and clinical research, limonene may help support the function of a long list of bodily systems when taken internally. These include healthy cellular function, the immune system, the lung and respiratory systems, the gastrointestinal system, a healthy metabolism, and a healthy colon and liver.
The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of the oil help to remove bacteria on the surface of the skin and reduce congestion in oily and combination skin types. This makes tangerine essential oil an effective fighter against acne.
With a high folate content (vitamin B9/folic acid), tangerine essential oil speeds the healing of wounds while it wards off infection. Further, tangerine essential oil assists in the healing of scars, spots, and stretch marks and is widely considered a tonic for the entire body.
Tangerine essential oil is regarded as a remedy for indigestion. It helps to eliminate toxins by regulating liver function and health.
Tangerine oil is also known for its stimulating and mood-enhancing effects. It's like bottled optimism!
Emotional Benefits of Tangerine Essential Oil
Beyond its practical uses, Tangerine Essential Oil has profound emotional benefits.
Uplifts mood and combats anxiety: Tangerine essential oil is a well-known mood booster. Its cheerful, citrusy aroma can help to chase away the blues and promote feelings of peace and relaxation. In fact, studies have shown that tangerine essential oil can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms¹. On particularly hectic days, just a few deep breaths of this invigorating scent can reset your mood and enhance your overall well-being. Tangerine essential oil supports a feeling of stability and strength when one is in need.
Promotes focus and concentration: If you're feeling scattered or unfocused, tangerine essential oil can help. Its invigorating aroma can help to clear your head and improve your concentration. This makes it a great oil to diffuse when you're studying or working on a deadline.
Supports a healthy sleep cycle: Tangerine essential oil can also help to promote a good night's sleep. Its calming properties can help to ease restlessness and anxiety, allowing you to drift off to sleep more easily.
The Properties of Tangerine Essential Oil
The properties of Tangerine oil extend beyond just mood enhancement. Here’s a quick rundown of the key properties that make Tangerine Essential Oil so special:
Antiseptic: Helps to disinfect surfaces and purify the air.
Antispasmodic: Can soothe muscle spasms and cramps.
Cytophylactic: Promotes the regeneration of new cells, which is great for skin health.
Digestive: Supports healthy digestion and relieves bloating and gas.
Antibacterial
Antioxidant
Diuretic (mild)
Laxative (mild)
Sedative
Stimulant (digestive and lymphatic)
Tangerine essential oil is a concentrated substance and can irritate the skin if used undiluted. Always dilute it with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, before applying it to your skin. Also, avoid sunlight and UV rays for at least 12 hours after applying the product.
As I reflect on stresses during the day, I'm grateful for the little bottle of Tangerine oil that turned my day around. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can have the most profound impact on our well-being.
Whether you're a long-time doTERRA user, someone who hasn't purchased in a while, or new to essential oils, I encourage you to give Tangerine essential oil a try. Its bright, uplifting aroma might just be the ray of sunshine you need in your day.
¹ Khanh Nguyen NP, Kwon JH, Kim MK, Tran KN, Huong Nguyen LT, Yang IJ. Antidepressant and anxiolytic potential of Citrus reticulata Blanco essential oil: a network pharmacology and animal model study. Front Pharmacol. 2024 Mar 19;15:1359427. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359427. PMID: 38567354; PMCID: PMC10985240.
