Monday Spotlight: Tangerine Essential Oil

Guest Post by Catherine Von Hatten
 

I’ve been enjoying Tangerine oil in my water lately, mostly because I love the taste. Turns out there are many reasons to include it in our daily routines.

Tangerine oil

• works like a cleanser in our bodies, similar to grapefruit and lemon oils, making it a great digestive aid.
• alleviates water retention.
• settles the mind and eases stress and anxiety. It has sedative-like properties that bring emotional balance to the mind, relax the nervous system, and are natural sleep aids.
• contains 85-93% limonene which has been shown to protect against pancreatic, stomach, colon, skin, and liver cancers in animal studies.
• provides a whole source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folate. It also contains B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
• has antiseptic properties and will combat certain infections, as well as cure swelling and reddening of wounds. When consumed orally, it can effect the entire body.
• gives relief from muscle spasms. When applied topically, it is useful in treating severe cramps, acute pain, and immobility.
• was used in ancient Chinese medicine to cure fever and convulsions caused by increased temperature.
• relieves respiratory problems like asthma, chest congestion, dry cough, and breathing problems.

Tangerine essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of tangerines, a species variation of the mandarin orange. The name comes from Tangier, Morocco which was the first port to ship tangerines to Europe, but tangerines actually originated in China.

There are many ways to take advantage of tangerine oil’s benefits.

• You can put a drop or two in your water. It tastes so good, you may actually find yourself drinking more water!
• Put some in your diffuser and enjoy a fresh citrus smell in your home.
• You can inhale it directly from the bottle.
• You can mix it with a carrier oil (50/50 dilution) and apply it topically.