Orange ~ A description of sweet Orange/Blood Orange fruit, country of origin, characteristics, Jeanne Rose skin care, formulas and recipes on how to use this famous, important oil.

ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL/HYDROSOL PROFILE

By Jeanne Rose ~ July 2019

ORANGE. LATIN BINOMIAL AND NAMING ~ Citrus x aurantium. In the past it was called Citrus aurantium, C. aurantium var. sinensis, C. sinensis and C. x sinensis with the  ‘C’ always meaning Citrus. We are discussing the sweet Orange and Blood Orange and not the Bitter Orange that was covered in the blog-post on Neroli. The orange is a hybrid  between pomelo (Citrus maxima) as the female parent and mandarin (Citrus reticulata).

            Yes, I know that this is the same exact name as is used for Clementine and Grapefruit and Bitter Orange-Neroli. But there are strict rules on naming and citrus has been examined and analyzed for parentage for quite some time.

            Citrus taxonomy  is confusing and often inconsistent. They are all named with Latin and common names. They often have the same parentage but have different physiologic forms or formae often based on terroir (such as Mandarin in Italy and Tangerine in the USA) or scent chemistry such as (limonene which has a chiral difference — both a left turning molecule, (S) for sinistral with  the sour smell of Lemon or Bitter Orange and a right turning molecule, (R) for right hand or clockwise, the sweet smell of Oranges). This is the reason we all as lovers of essential oils and aromatherapy need to learn some chemistry along with good taxonomy.

         Family –  Rutaceae

ORANGE. HISTORY, DESCRIPTION,  & COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ~ The Orange is not known in the wild and is assumed to have originated in southern China, maybe India and Indochina. The sweet Orange was mentioned in Chinese history as early as 300 B.C. It was carried to the Mediterranean by traders around 1500. Blood Oranges originated in Sicily and Spain in the 18^th century and there are many varieties. Their pigment originates from anthocyanins. They often have intense sweet flavor with a hint of Raspberry.

            I have always wondered whether the color was named after the fruit or was the fruit named after the color? Today I found out that the color orange was named after the fruit, not the other way around. Before then, the English-speaking world referred to the orange color as geoluhread, which literally translates to “yellow-red.” —Wikipedia

            “The Color Orange Was Named After the Citrus Fruit Orange.”

           General description of plant, habitat & growth ~ This is a small, evergreen tree with a deliciously sweet pulp, dark green leaves and white flowers. The sweet Orange is a hybrid between the maternal line of the Pomelo (Citrus maxima) and the Mandarin  (Citrus reticulata) and varieties of sweet Orange arise through mutations as the sweet Orange reproduces asexually.

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            To see a chart of the five pure origin Citrus genus, please see the Mandarin Jeanne-blog post.

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         Portion of plant used in distillation, how distilled, extraction methods ~ The peel oil is either cold-pressed or steam-distilled. If it is steam-distilled it will be a lighter color and have less of the fruity citrus odor of cold-pressed Orange. Commercially, Orange oil can also be extracted from the juice during the juicing process. Sometimes sweet Orange leaves and flowers are also distilled and that is called Petitgrain and sweet Orange flower oil.

         Yield ~ Orange peel oil yields up to 0.5% by cold-pressing.

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Orange Essence is from juice; Orange wild is from the Dominican Republic from trees that have reverted to a wild state; Orange sweet is from the United States and Blood Orange from Italy.

ORANGE ODOR DESCRIPTION ~ EO Odor is citrus, fruity and spicy. There is also an herbaceous quality to the wild Orange that would be a lovely addition in a citrus perfume. Blood Orange is very rich and more intense than the others with a better tenacity in the blend or the perfume. The odor of any Orange peel or Orange essence is dependent on its chemistry.

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            “Sweet Orange peel oil is the most important of the citrus oils.  It yields up to 0.5% by cold pressing. It is mainly produced in the south of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Florida and Brazil.  (+)-Limonene is the main constituent of this oil and has sweet scent and taste.  The aldehyde content of Sweet Orange oil is the measure of the oil.  The preferred Valencia oil possesses up to 3% aldehydes. One of which is decadienal with an extremely high aroma value.   Other constituents that contribute to the character and quality of Orange oil are the sinensal. x-sinensal has a high orange aroma scent and low odor threshold while b-sinensal has a metallic-fishy note that can be very objectionable.

            The difference between Orange and Grapefruit oil can be as simple as the amount of (+)-valencene. When the amount of a-terpineol exceeds normal level, off-notes occur.  This terpineol forms during the aging or oxidation of orange juice.  (Some essential oil of Orange is indeed produced from Orange Juice). The acetates contribute to the floral notes of Orange oil.”^{1 —} also from the Blending Book.

            The taste of Orange flesh and juice is determined mainly by the relative ratios of sugars and acids and its ripeness when eaten. It can be sweet, tangy, tart, deep and tasty,  and combinations of all of these and this taste is reflected in the odor or it might be better to say that the odor is reflected in the taste.

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CHEMICAL COMPONENTS ~ D-Limonene (the sweet one), N-Decylic Aldehyde, Linaloöl, Terpineol, and B-Carotene.     Limonene is the most abundant compound of monoterpene hydrocarbons for all the examined juices of Blood Orange, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Bergamot and Bitter Orange and with the important difference that mirror images of this molecule changes the odor and taste.  In the citrus peels, Limonene, a compound of the terpene family, is present in the essential oil of citrus peel. The limonene structure has a chiral center, and thus it is found in nature as a mirror-image, two types, the (R)- and (S)-limonene. Isomer (R)- has the characteristic sweet smell of Oranges, while the (S)- smells like the sour of Lemons or bitter Orange. (R) is clockwise or right hand and (S) is counterclockwise or sinistral- left hand.

            “Sweet Orange peel oil is the most important of the citrus oils.  It yields up to 0.5% by cold pressing. It is mainly produced in the south of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Florida and Brazil.  (+)-Limonene is the main constituent of this oil also called the (R or right-hand isomer).  The aldehyde content of Sweet Orange oil is the measure of the oil.  The preferred Valencia oil possesses up to 3% aldehydes. One of which is decadienal with an extremely high aroma value.   Other constituents that contribute to the character and quality of Orange oil are the sinensal. X-sinensal has a high orange aroma scent and low odor threshold while b-sinensal has a metallic-fishy note that can be very objectionable.

            The difference between Orange and Grapefruit oil can be as simple as the amount of (+)-valencene. When the amount of a-terpineol exceeds normal level, off-notes occur.  This terpineol forms during the aging or oxidation of orange juice.  (Some essential oil of Orange is indeed produced from Orange Juice). The acetates contribute to the floral notes of Orange oil.”¹

                  There are many synonyms for the sweet limonene including,  d-limonene,  D-Limonene, (+)-Limonene, (R)-(+)-Limonene, (R)-limonene and others.

         Solubility ~ Incompletely soluble in 95% alcohol up to 10 volumes. Some Orange oil is soluble in in a quarter to half that amount.

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HISTORICAL USES ~ Digestive and flavoring. “The Color Orange Was Named After the Fruit.” Today I found out orange was named after the fruit, not the fruit named after the color. Before then, the “English-speaking world referred to the orange color as geoluhread, which literally translates to ‘yellow-red’.” —Wikipedia

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INTERESTING FACTS ~ Peel pulp  and fruit pulp contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  The peel oil does not contain vitamins – so don’t drink it. Originated in China.  The oil is used for flavoring food, drink, and confectionery, Curacao type liqueurs and for flavoring cigarette paper.  The Orange tree was taken to the West Coast of America by Franciscan monks, who began the cultivation of it there.  The  cold-pressed peel oil protects against insect damage when added to furniture polish and is used in termite eradication.         

            Valencia oranges have thin skins, a few seeds, and are very juicy and are considered the best for juicing.

            Blood Orange is not quite as sweet as the sweet Orange. The red color comes anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid. It’s believed that this coloring was the result of a mutation between the blond oranges and of  Valencia’s and Navels.

            If you want to read 70 pages on the sweet Orange, blossom, oil and water, that would be volume III , pages 118-197 of The Essential Oils by Guenther. Fascinating and full of discovery.

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ORANGE PROPERTIES

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OIL  ~ In general, the oil of Orange is slightly antiseptic, antispasmodic, a slight diuretic, sometimes a depurative (purifying), stomachic, cholagogue (promotes the discharge of bile); when inhaled is can be calming and sedating; and in skin care or by external application it has antiseptic properties.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES & HOW USED (IG OR AP) ~ Application in skin care products and for disinfection. Internally by-the-drop in orange juice, it is taken as a diuretic, for constipation, obesity, bronchitis, colds, ‘flu, and to eliminate toxins.     

         Physical Uses & How Used ~  Application (AP) – Orange oil goes nicely into many blends that are used for skincare. It would be a middle note to other aromatic oils and  blends well with many. In lotions and creams, it has a slight antiseptic quality as well as the aromatic sunshiny scent.

         Ingestion (IG) –   Don’t. Drink the juice instead and dry and keep the peels for your bath.

         Inhalation (IN) – Orange oil is relaxing by inhalation , especially when mixed with some of your other favorites such as Lavender, Spikenard, Jasmine, and many more.

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         Skin Care Formulas are available in my 350-page  Herbal Body Book that is chock-full of great skin, hair, and body care formulas. Here is one I have always enjoyed.

Corny Honey Peeler for Face or Body

         Mix together 1 tablespoon each of Cornmeal and Orange flower honey. Mix these together in the palm of your hand and then apply to a steamed and cleansed face using small circular motions. When the honey is tacky, apply a thin layer of yogurt (or buttermilk will do) over the top, take a bath or shower and remove when rinsing — first with warm and then with cool water.  Your skin will be smooth and bright.

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EMOTIONAL PROPERTIES (AP OR IN) ~ Inhaled for nervousness and anxiety.

         Emotional/Energetic Uses ~ Used by inhalation for nervous exhaustion, obsessions, to stimulate the appetite, to improve your self-image by boosting self-confidence, and assist with concentration.  Orange peel oil can also be used in a blend via application (as in massage or topical use) for these emotional and energetic states.

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            DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ You can add Orange peel/Blood Orange to any blend for diffusion. It does two things: it is rather inexpensive and brings down the price of the entire blend and it adds the sparkly sunny Orange odor to any combination of scents. A great way to refresh the air of your home.

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EATING ORANGES ~ For starters, not only is an orange a delicious fruit to snack on whenever or daily, but its health benefits are an added perk. They contain vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Eating Oranges promotes healthier and more beautiful skin, better eyesight, reduces the chances of a stroke, assists in weight loss, and helps keep our blood vessels healthy. Eating one Orange, one Apple, one Tomato, and one Carrot every day supplies the correct types of fiber into your diet.

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HERBAL USES ~ My best suggestion for using Orange oil externally is not too. That is, use the peel itself herbally. See below. But just in case you don’t know how, here are some obvious choices.

            I have been happily using Orange flowers and Orange peel for over 50 years. the sweet Orange peel is dried, cut, and added to bath herb mixtures as an aromatic and antiseptic stimulant. This peel, cut & sifted (CS),  makes any bath into a pleasure. The powdered peel can be mixed with any liquid and used as a facial mask — I like it with Almond meal or powdered Oatmeal. An infusion of the peel is also helpful as an addition to your shampoo to reduce oiliness and in the herbal rinse as well. Refer to Jeanne Rose Herbal Body Book for hundreds more uses to add to your knowledge.²

             The powdered peel sifted is also mixed with baking soda or other drying agents and used as an underarm deodorant. It does not stop the perspiration, but it does make it pleasant when you are out and about working and especially in the garden, this mixture is repellent to bugs.

Orange peel box and Orange peel Olive oil candle

            Orange Peel Box. You can also make small boxes out of the peeled flavedo (skin). Cut Orange in half, scoop out the flesh and eat that, soak the skin in water for several hours, turn skin inside out and place over a mold or copper tubing (copper kills bacteria). Let dry over the mold. Then remove. Make sure they are very dry before you  polish with a silk polishing  cloth and then fill the box with potpourri, snuff or jewelry, and make sure that the top fits over the bottom. My own hand-made boxes never looked quite as ‘finished’ as the ones that I purchased in the ’80s.

            Orange Peel Candle. Halved, defleshed Oranges can also be made into Olive Oil lamps. Keep the inner stem intact as you remove the juicy flesh as that is your wick. Fill the peel with olive oil and light the wick. Olive oil works best because of the high burning point, if it happens to spill, the oil drowns out the flame and thus your wooden house won’t go up in flames.  It probably also is wise to place the Orange on a non-burnable base like a piece of tile.

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            I also use thin-skinned Oranges at the end of the season when they are pithier – somewhere around July – and I make pomanders — those medieval objects that are used to decorate the Christmas tree or to put into a bowl and fragrance the room. Yes, it is best to make pomanders in the months of July-August when  you have a bit of time before the holidays and so that the pomander can cure by the time Christmas arrives. Pomanders are made with thin-skinned pithy Oranges (or whatever you have) and stuck full of Cloves very close together. As the pomander dries, the skin shrinks, the Cloves get closer together, preserves the Orange and the fragrant scent of Orange/Clove fills the air. They take a month or so to cure. They are easy but sometimes time-consuming to make.

HYDROSOL ~ There is not much nicer application in the morning than a spray of Orange or Blood Orange hydrosol on your face or in the air around you. It feels refreshing and  sunshiny  – a good morning tonic for the skin.  Orange and Blood Orange hydrosol is a facial toner and can be added to thick creams to thin them and they can be  incorporated into all types of  body care formulas. Blood Oranges have red colored flesh and sweet, berry-like notes that extend into the hydrosol.

Orange Hydrosol Limerick
A spray with sweet Orange hydrosol
Will make you feel good and feel tall
It will sweeten your skin
And will heal your sore chin
And heal anything short of a fall…JeanneRose2014

Positively Aromatic and Lancaster Creations are my special sources for the best citrus hydrosols. And Sandra Shuff, who owns Positively Aromatic, says her husband Douglas sprays Blood Orange hydrosol onto their salads to make a very special taste and these salads are really  delicious.  I sometimes forget how easy it is to use hydrosols on food — ‘a simple spray and away you go’.

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                  HYDROSOL — PLEASE NOTE ~ A true hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water has many components most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil, or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.

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KEY USE ~ Oil of Refreshment

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BLENDING ~ Sweet Orange oil blends with  just about anything. Be sure of what you have as there is also Bitter Orange Oil and wild Orange from the Dominican Republic (oranges that are not cultivated and allowed to revert to the wild state). Try the different Orange oils with these: herbal oils like Angelica root, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Spearmint, Sage, Rosemary, Marjoram, Thyme; evergreen oils such as Juniper berry, Pine, and Spruce;  all the citrus oils such as Bergamot, Grapefruit, lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Petitgrain (these have all been written about in the jeanne-blog; the florals of Chamomile, Rose Geranium, Lavender, Mimosa, Rose, Jasmine, Vanilla; the spicy oils like Black Pepper, Caraway, Cardamom, Cinnamon; all the resinous oils such as Cistus/Labdanum, Spikenard [the resinous oils have also been discussed at length both specifically and in general  (see https://jeanne-blog.com/resin-resinoids-gums-eo/)]; and with the many CO₂ extracts that can be used in blends , skin care and perfumery.

            Arctander who wrote Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, mentions  that Orange oil is  used “as an odor-masking agent, … In perfumes, old-fashioned eau de colognes, fern perfumes, Chypres, “fruity” and citrus perfumes.” Just remember that Orange is not very tenacious in a perfume and in a few weeks can get lost and the perfume scent will change.

            Citrus Scent Notes ~  Citrus oils are used in the perfumery business to impart a fresh, sparkling note to any blend.  They are usually not overpowering.  They can be used in up to 25% as the base for classic type of eau de cologne.  Citrus oils harmonize with many other essential oils and they are used in different concentrations in almost all scent blends and modern perfumes. 

 In combination with Lavender oil, citrus oils are the basis for English Lavender, which is an 1826 creation.   High concentrations of citrus oils are in Chanel No. 5 (1921).  Also, of importance are the citrus oils in pop drinks like Coca-Cola and others.

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PERFUMERY ~ Orange peel oil has much use in perfumery. Here is a formula from 1867.

Eau De Portugal
Neutral Grape Spirits at least 60 % …. 1 quart
Orange Peel zest oil … ½ oz
Bergamot Peel Oil … ¼ oz
Rose otto oil … ½ dram (2 ml)
Rinse all your cologne bottles with the spirits before filling with the Eau de Portugal.
— The Art of Perfumery by Piesse

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A SCIENCE ARTICLE ..— NUTRITIVE AND MEDICINAL VALUE OF CITRUS FRUITS by Milind S. Ladaniya, in Citrus Fruit, 2008 “ ….. ….. Organic acids present in citrus fruits, such as citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, and malonic acid also provide calories, and are easily metabolized as they are the part of metabolic pathways in the human body. Citrus fruits do not increase the body’s acid content. These acids are very mild compared to the hydrochloric acid present in stomach. Most of the acids are present in the form of salts of potassium (with K or Na cation). Sodium and potassium are alkaline metals; their salts are excreted by the body in the form of sweat or urine. …..”

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References:

¹Ohloff, Günther. Scent and Fragrances, The Fascination of Odors. Springer-Verlag.
²Rose, Jeanne. . /books.html
Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Elizabeth, NJ. 1960
Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils. Krieger Publishing Company, FL. 1974. Guenther treatise on Orange Oil covers almost …….80 pages and should be read by anyone who truly has an interest in essential oils in general and Orange oil.
Harman, Ann. Harvest to Hydrosol, 1^st edition, 2015, IAG Botanics
Mabberley, D.J., Mabberley’s Plant Book, 2008 3rd Edition  2014 updates, Cambridge University Press
Ladaniya, Milind S. • NUTRITIVE AND MEDICINAL VALUE OF CITRUS FRUITS. Citrus Fruit, 2008
Piesse, G.W. Septimus. The Art of Perfumery and the Methods of Obtaining Odors from Plants. PA. 1867.
Rawlinson, Gloria. The Perfume Vendor. Hutchinson & Co. 1937.
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.
Rose, Jeanne. The Blending Class Booklet. Available from the author at  /books.html
Rose, Jeanne. Natural Botanical Perfumery. Available from the author at /
Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book, Applications & Inhalations.
www.EdenBotanicals.com. 2019

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Scent Rising Up