Tangerine essential oil is extracted from Citrus reticulata (also known as Citrus nobilis, matureness, unshiu, deliciosa) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as European mandarin, naartjie, and true mandarin. Although the tangerine tree is most commonly found in southern Europe, South America, and Japan, the tangerine tree originated in China. It is a member of the citrus family and closely resembles mandarin orange. It is small in size and tastes sweeter than oranges. They have very similar tastes and properties, the reason why they are often interchanged. Mandarin has light-colored skin whereas tangerine’s skin has a darker reddish-orange hue, and mandarin skin has a smooth texture while tangerine has a thick, bumpy skin.

Tangerine essential oil is extracted from its peel through the Cold compression method. The oil obtained is orange-yellow in color and has a warm, fresh, and citrusy aroma and it consists of alpha-pinene, alpha thujone, beta-pinene, camphene, citronellal, gamma terpinolene, geranial, limonene, linalool, myrcene, nerol, sabinene, and terpineol as its chief components. Because of its sweet, tangy scent and calming effect, it’s a perfect fit for any early morning ritual.

This wonderful essential oil soothes the nervous system; helps fight and prevent bacterial infection, aids the digestive system helping to bring relief from diarrhea, flatulence, and constipation. When used on the skin it helps reduce as well as prevent stretch marks. Apart from that, it calms most types of inflammation or hyperactivity because of its natural sedative qualities. It assists the circulatory, digestive and respiratory, and nervous systems by calming hyperactivity and inflammation.

Tangerine essential oil Facts

Tangerine is a member of the citrus family and closely resembles mandarin orange. It is small in size and tastes sweeter than oranges. Tangerine essential oil is extracted from its peel. The oil is orange-yellow in color and has a sweet orange fragrance. It is said to be therapeutic in that it fills you up with energy and zest.  Tangerine oil comes from the fruit’s outer peel and has a warm, fresh, and citrusy aroma. Because of its sweet, tangy scent and calming effect, it’s a perfect fit for any early morning ritual. The essential oil of tangerine is extracted by cold compression of its peels and contains alpha pinene, alpha thujone, beta-pinene, camphene, citronellal, gamma terpinolene, geranial, limonene, linalool, myrcene, nerol, sabinene, and terpineol as its chief components.

Origin of tangerine oil

It is a native of China but was taken to Europe in 1805 and a little later to America, which now is a large producer of this oil. The difference between tangerines and mandarins is the fact that tangerines are harvested around November while mandarins are harvested around February.

Tangerines are also deeper orange in color and do not have pips, while mandarins are more yellow and do have pips. Tangerine essential oil is used throughout the world due to its huge health-promoting benefits.

Health Benefits of Tangerine Essential Oil

The tangerine essential oil has many health benefits ranging from soothing the nervous system to treating flatulence, constipation etches, thus improving the digestive system. Listed below are some of the health benefits of tangerine essential oil

1. Sedative and Anxiety relief

Many people nowadays are suffering from stresses that are caused by their day-to-day lives while a growing number of people are affected by a variety of anxiety disorders. Just like physical conditions, these complaints can be weakening in the extreme.

The tangerine essential oil has the ability to calm the mind and relieve the symptoms of anxiety and stress. It can be safely used whenever you feel the need for some mental calm and its sedative properties also make it ideal when you feel the need for a good night’s sleep.

2. For the Digestive system

Tangerine essential oil is quite useful in treating a variety of digestive systems and stomach conditions. It can help keep the stomach in good working order by regulating the flow of digestive juices and maintaining acid levels in the gut. This oil can heal any internal stomach wounds and relieve internal inflammation.

For Wound and Cuts

Antiseptic properties of tangerine essential oil can be used topically to fight the growth and spread of several types of bacteria. Apply it directly to any minor wounds or cuts to help kill bacteria at the source and to disinfect the affected area of the skin. By applying tangerine essential oil you can also help reduce swelling and redness of the affected skin.

3. For Cellulite

Weight fluctuates as we get old and many of us develop tell–tale signs that are not easy to get rid of but several essential oils are supposed to help and many people claim that tangerine essential oil is effective. If you make a massage blend with tangerine oil, you can use it on your body to help reduce unappealing marks caused by cellulite.

4. For Skin Regeneration

Tangerine oil consists of a good amount of prophylactic properties that can encourage the generation and growth of new cells. This property of tangerine oil makes it useful for aging or mature skin that needs rejuvenation and helps speed up the healing of skin damaged by burns.

5. To purify the blood

Tangerine essential oil is supposed to be a powerful depurative which means it helps purify the blood and promotes the detoxification process. The oil is said to aid the excretion of toxins and other substances such as excess salt and uric acid from the body. The oil is thought to increase the ability of red blood cells to retain oxygen.

6. Anti- Inflammatory

Tangerine oil is quite helpful for decreasing inflammation and pain. Research from 2003 has shown that tangerine oil inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) which is actually responsible for the inflammation response. (1)  5 LOX levels normally increase as we get older so lowering this might prove especially beneficial to older people.

7. Calms your system

Tangerine essential oil is a calming agent that is proven effective in relaxing your body completely. It treats mood fluctuations, assists nervous disorders, and completely pampers the troubled nervous system. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain, impulsive responses, and emotional imbalances are controlled with their soothing and uplifting properties.

8. Boosts metabolism

The stomachic and tonic properties of Tangerine oil support in boosting the process of metabolism. It stimulates the proper flow of digestive juices ensuring appropriate secretion of bile and other digestive acids, aids in absorbing the essential nutrients from the food, heals irritation in the stomach lining and intestines, and supports the entire process of digestion. For all these reasons the essential oil of Tangerine is used in relieving pain, treating ulcers, inflammation, and wounds in the stomach.

9. As an Antispasmodic

The tangerine essential oil has antispasmodic properties that can help treat and relieve a variety of conditions caused by spasms. Spasms can occur throughout the body and are not limited to common stomach cramps.

They can also occur in the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems and can lead to further difficulties such as breathing difficulties, coughing, diarrhea and convulsions. It is said that tangerine essential oil can provide relief for many of these conditions before they become too serious.

10. Great for treating stretch marks

As we put on weight, our skin stretches become loose and saggy. This ultimately leads to the creation of stretch marks on the body, mostly on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and abdomen. Tangerine essential oil helps in getting rid of stretch marks, just massage the oil on the affected areas, and you will be sure of positive results in under a week!

11. For Skin and Hair Conditions

Tangerine essential oil is a common ingredient in a number of skincare products because of its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Like other citrus oils, it is one of the essential oils that can be used for acne and other skin complaints.

Many experts warn against its use on areas of the body likely to be exposed to direct sunlight because of its photosensitivity, which is common to all citric essential oils. The same properties make it suitable for treating dandruff or other conditions related to scalp dryness.

12. To clean the house

Apart from therapeutic benefits, tangerine oil can be diffused and enjoyed for its scent alone or for practical cleaning purposes. Because it contains antiseptic and antifungal properties, you can put tangerine essential oil to good use around the home.

Simply add a few drops of your tangerine oil to clean water, mix it well and use a cloth or rag to wipe and disinfect the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house prone to a build-up of bacteria. Its delightful citrus scent is a welcome bonus.

13. Relieves Spasms

Spasms can occur in any part of the body including body systems such as the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, and can be dangerous if not properly addressed. They could result in further complications including seizures, diarrhea, severe coughs, and breathing difficulties. A natural way to relieve spasms may be to use the tangerine essential oil, as it may enhance the relaxation of the muscles and myelin sheaths of nerves in the various body systems, providing relief from these conditions before they become chronic. The oil can also be massaged onto muscle cramps as it works well to relieve those as well.

14. Eliminates Body Odor

Body odor affects both males and females and although natural, it is unpleasant and can cause psychological distress and disrupt relationships. Beyond personal hygiene, the tangerine essential oil may be effective in eliminating body odor as it may reduce the production of sweat and the growth of skin bacteria thus, minimizing body odor. The pleasant citrus fragrance of this essential oil greatly contributes to its use as a deodorant to conceal body odor and is a common additive in some natural deodorant products.

15. Purifies the Blood

Blood purification involves the removal of toxins in an efficient manner by the liver and kidneys so the body is able to maintain optimal function and ensure overall health. When harmful toxins enter the bloodstream, they may cause a number of ailments, as the blood becomes congested with toxic metabolites and may not be able to supply essential nutrients and oxygen to cells that need them. Tangerine essential oil plays a vital role in purifying the blood as it may help improve the liver and kidney functions and promote the excretion of these toxic or harmful substances from the body.

16. Improves Digestion

Digestive problems are very common and may give rise to other serious health conditions if not properly treated.  The tangerine essential oil may act as a stomachic and provide support for the digestive system by promoting the secretion of digestive juices. It may also help by promoting peristalsis in the intestines so that ingested food particles move freely through them and also help minimize the likelihood of constipation occurring. Not to mention inhalation of tangerine oil has a stimulatory effect on appetite, starting the digestive process all the way from the mouth, and ensuring its normal transit.

17. May Prevent Sepsis

Staphylococcus Aureus is the species of bacteria that is responsible for this dreaded infection called sepsis. Sepsis is a really bad condition. It is not only limited to mere swelling and reddening of wounds, but also with acute pain. If not curbed, it can quickly spread to the other parts of the body and affect them, even if there are no wounds there. It causes acute pain, immobility, and hardening of joints, as well as acute contraction and cramps in muscles, swelling, redness, fever, and convulsions. It also readily attacks newborn babies, since their skin is vulnerable to infections. It also attacks them when they are separated from their mother’s body by cutting the umbilical cord. The essential oil of tangerine contains certain components which may kill these bacteria and stop it from spreading, thereby helping to cure sepsis. It can be externally applied to open wounds, as well as taken orally to create a uniform effect on the whole body. Tangerine oil contains antioxidants and is used in a variety of recipes for its flavor. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

18. May Act as a Cytophylactic

Certain components of this oil stimulate the generation of new cells or more precisely, cell division, and recycling of the cellular material in the body. This does not only promote general growth within the body but also helps to heal or repair the regular wear and tear and outstanding damage done to the body.

How to Make Tangerine Oil

Tangerine oil is extracted from the rind of the fruit. It is cold-pressed, which is a common method of extraction for citrus oils. The extract has a yellow-orange color and releases a zesty, sweet scent.

How Does Tangerine Oil Work?

There are several methods to use this amazing oil. It can be used in cooking, for bathing, and as a diffuser. It can be ingested, applied topically, or mixed with food. We recommend the following applications to maximize the use of tangerine oil:

• Cleaning the house: Take a few drops and mix them with water. Apply the solution to a cleaning rag and use it to wipe surfaces and corners. With its antiseptic property, it helps disinfect and clean the house.
• Kills Bacteria: By applying directly to a wound, tangerine oil helps kill the bacteria and disinfects the affected area. It reduces the swelling and redness of the wound.
• Massage Oil: It can be added to carrier oil and used as a massage oil. Mixed it with a light carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil. The suggested ratio is one drop of tangerine essential oil to every 5 ml of preferred carrier oil.
• Stretch marks: Mix 1-2 drops of tangerine essential oil with 1-2 drops of lavender oil and a teaspoon of preferred carrier oil and rub it on the affected area.
• Inhale for a Quick Pick Me Up: The smell of tangerine essential oil is very fresh and uplifting. Dab a bit on a cotton ball and keep it in your purse for a quick sniff throughout the day. It smells refreshing and can brighten your mood and even wake you up a bit.
• Use for Stubborn Stains: Place 1-2 drops on stubborn stains. Wipe away after 2 minutes. Repeat for stubborn stains.
• Refreshing Bath: Combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup of Sea Salt for a spa-like bath!
• Gardening: Add 24 drops of tangerine essential to a bucket of soapy water. Use to wipe down your nursery pots and flats.
• Purify Cutting Boards: Combine 12 drops with 1/4 sea salt and rub them onto cutting boards. Rinse with hot water to purify the board.
• Remove Trash Can Odors: Mix 12 drops with warm water and swish around in your trash can. Leave in there for about 30 minutes and rinse. This will help remove the odor and disinfect it. Then every time you change your trash bag, drop 2-3 drops in the bottom to keep it smelling fresh.
• Uplift Your Daily Outlook: Tangerine essential oil can really come in handy for uplifting your spirit. Inhale before walking into a Doctor’s office or a meeting for a quick uplift to your mood.
• Remove Glue: Almost all products consist of stickers and stickers can be easily removed but the glue underneath is impossible to get off. Use 1-2 drops and rub on top of the sticky mess. It will come off easy as pie!
• Bug Deterrent: Bugs just love munching on the leaves of plants. Combine 24 drops with 4 oz. of water. Place in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on plants to deter bugs.
• Diffuser: Tangerine oil is greatly used in a diffuser. It can help brighten moods and give everyone a pick-me-up.
• Air Freshener: If you don’t have a diffuser handy place a few drops onto your air vents to help freshen your home and clean your air.
• Simply add a drop of tangerine essential oil to a glass of water and drink it for an additional boost.
• Rub the essential oil into a candle before lighting it for aromatherapy use.

Popular Uses of Tangerine Essential Oil

• Add 2–3 drops as a flavoring in cake and cookie recipes.
• Add 1–2 drops in water, smoothies, teas, or lemonade for flavoring and for its digestive benefits.
• To boost energy and uplift mood, place 1–2 drops in the palm of your hand, rub them together, and cup them over the nose and mouth for 30 seconds or diffuse throughout the room.
• Apply to flex points or abdomen to promote feelings of calmness. Dilute with fractionated coconut oil to minimize sensitivity if needed.
• Diffuse throughout your day, especially times of stress. Consider massaging over the solar plexus daily to increase playfulness.
• For grief, inhale from the palms of your hands, or diffuse throughout the room as needed. Also, consider applying over the heart.

Beauty benefits

Tangerine oil works wonders for your skin and hair. It is great for treating acne, stretch marks, pimples, stretch marks, and dull skin. It imparts healthy hair by treating scalp infections, rashes, and dandruff. Check out the beauty benefits of this rejuvenating oil:

• Add two drops of tangerine oil to 10 ml of jojoba oil. Use it as a massage oil to hydrate your skin and also to maintain its elasticity. Tangerine oil is well-known for its ability to moisturize.
• If acne is the cause behind your sleepless nights, all you need to do is to mix a drop of tangerine oil with four drops of grape-seed oil. Topical application of tangerine oil blended with grape seed oil helps in controlling acne.
• Add a few drops of tangerine oil to argan oil and use it for nourishing mature skin.
• If you want to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks, mix half a cup of sweet almond oil with fifty drops of tangerine oil and use it on your stomach when you are expecting a baby. The best part is that tangerine oil is considered safe during pregnancy. If you don’t want to take a chance, after you have delivered your baby, add a few drops of tangerine oil to your regular massage oil to do away with stretch marks and improve circulation.
• Add two or three drops of tangerine oil to coconut oil and use it on your scalp to control scalp infections.
• If you have been suffering from hair loss, mix two drops of tangerine oil with a tablespoon of sweet almond oil, massage hair roots with the mixture, and help strengthen your gorgeous lock.

12 Uses for Tangerine Essential Oil

The Scent

Here are 12 ways to incorporate tangerine essential oil into your aromatherapy journey.

Citrus Grove Diffuser Blend

• 5 drops tangerine oil
• 5 drops grapefruit oil
• 3 drops clary sage oil

Add all oils to your favorite diffuser and enjoy a cheerful citrus pick-me-up.

Tangerine Apple Clearing Face Mask

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
• 2 drops tangerine oil
• 1 drop tea tree oil

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and apply to the face, avoiding the eye area and mouth. Let dry for about 15 minutes or until it hardens, then rinse with a washcloth and warm water.

Gaia’s Beauty Lair Perfume Oil

• 15 drops tangerine oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang oil
• 4 tablespoons apricot seed oil

Mix all ingredients and pour into a glass rollerball container or an airtight glass jar. Dab onto pulse points throughout the day to freshen up.

Counting Sheep Pillow Refresher

• 2 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops tangerine oil

Apply essential oil drops to a cotton ball, and insert into the pillowcase before drifting off into peaceful slumber.

KP Duty Kitchen Spray

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 20 drops tangerine oil
• 10 drops peppermint oil

Add all ingredients to a large spray bottle and shake gently until combined. Spritz onto grimy kitchen areas and wipe down with a cloth to leave behind sparkling surfaces.

Barbados Breeze Diffuser Blend

• 5 drops tangerine oil
• 3 drops lime oil
• 1 drop spearmint oil
• 1 drop jasmine oil

Add all oils to your favorite diffuser and drift into the image of a tropical sunset.

Washing the Blues Away Shower Melts

• 1 ½ cups cornstarch
• 30 drops tangerine oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus oil
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 4 tablespoons water

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until blended. Divide the mixture and add to ice cube trays. Put the trays in the freezer until the mixture sets (about 3 hours). Remove from freezer, pop out the shower melts from the ice cube tray, and put in a glass jar for storage. They do not need to remain in the freezer but will have a dry consistency. To use, put one melt in the shower while bathing. Warm water and steam will break down the shower melt for easy clean-up, while you simply enjoy the scent.

Cayman Islands Daydream Room Spray

• 30 drops tangerine oil
• 25 drops lemon oil
• 15 drops grapefruit oil
• 5 drops sandalwood oil</a
• 4 ounces purified water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently until mixed. Spritz into the air to renew a stale environment.

Larissa’s Geranium Garden Diffuser Locket

• 10 drops tangerine oil
• 8 drops bergamot oil
• 5 drops geranium oil
• Diffusing locket necklace

For this project, you will need a diffusing locket necklace which can be purchased from eBay and Amazon. These are available in many designs and come with diffusing pads for the oils. Open the locket and remove the diffusing pad. Add oils to the pad, put the pad back into the locket, and enjoy this perfume alternative.

Flower Child Tangerine Body Lotion

• 1 cup unscented lotion
• 20 drops tangerine oil
• 10 drops patchouli oil

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, and apply to dry areas of the body, especially the knees and elbows. Store the remainder in an airtight glass container and use as needed.

Orange Spice Cuticle Softener

• 3 drops tangerine oil
• 3 drops bergamot oil
• 1 drops basil oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Nourish nails and cuticles with this spicy sweet blend. Mix all oils and dab onto nail beds and cuticles to restore hydration.

Tangerine Tango Bubble Bath

• 1 cup warm distilled water
• 1 cup liquid castile soap
• ½ cup vegetable glycerin
• 10 drops tangerine oil

Mix all ingredients and pour half of the mixture into the bathtub under warm running water. Store the remainder in an airtight glass jar until the next use.

Compared To Others Oil

Traditional uses and benefit of Tangerine essential oil

• It’s a great remedy for acne and skin impurities.
• Tangerine essential oil helps treat dandruff, dry scalp, and other hair infections.
• It aids in restoring damaged tissues in the body.
• It helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
• It’s safe to use topically during pregnancy because it helps prevent stretch marks.
• If you are suffering from any infection, then consuming tangerine essential oil is said to curb the infection since it has antiseptic properties. It is in fact prescribed as a treatment for Staphylococcus infections.
• The essential oil is said to be helpful in getting rid of flatulence and help you get rid of retained water in the body.
• It relaxes the muscles and nerves and prevents spasms from occurring.
• It helps in improving the circulation in the body and keeps the heart-healthy.
• It purifies the blood.
• It helps in expelling toxins from the body through urine, excretion, and sweat.
• The aroma of tangerine inspires, prevents depression and anxiety, and creates a sense of joy and hope.
• Add a few drops of tangerine oil to argan oil and use it for nourishing mature skin.

The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level. As such, all of our oils carry a label warning that the product is NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.

References

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