How to Use Tangerine Essential Oil
The sweet and tangy scent of tangerine essential oil is calming and grounding, thanks to a high concentration of a terpene called limonene. While the oil is used in aromatherapy to encourage the release of old habits, limonene is being studied for its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The oil also exerts antifungal, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive effects.
Tangerine is a variety of mandarin orange. Although the two have similar properties, they differ slightly in chemical composition. In terms of essential oil extraction, mandarin essential oil is distilled from the leaf of the tree, while tangerine essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit.
The primary active agent in tangerine essential oil is limonene, a monoterpene found in high concentration in the fruit rind that is responsible for the oil’s refreshing, citrusy aroma. This compound is a common ingredient in natural cleaners, and for good reason: it exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts. This also makes tangerine essential oil a fragrant and beneficial addition to lotions, salves and other skin care products.
Limonene is also classified as a cannabinoid, meaning that it binds to cannabinoid receptor sites and mediates cell communication to provide relief of pain, nausea and inflammation where needed. Several studies have shown that certain components of limonene, namely perillyl alcohol and d-limonene, demonstrate protection against skin, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
Summary of Benefits
Anti-anxiety
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Anti-cancer
Soothing and calming
Refreshing
Suggested Uses
Diffuse throughout your home or office, especially during times of stress
Blend with a carrier oil (like sweet almond) and massage over the solar plexus
Add to homemade lotions, creams and body butters to benefit skin
In a 1-ounce glass bottle with a roll top applicator, combine 10 drops tangerine EO, 6 drops vetiver EO and 2 drops bergamot EO and dab on pulse points
Use to scent potpourri.
Safety Precautions
Like most citrus oils, tangerine essential oil increases photosensitivity when applied topically. If you put a product on your skin that contains tangerine oil (or any other citrus oil), wait at least 12 hours before undergoing exposure to direct sunlight.
Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing without the consent of your health care practitioner. Do not use this oil on cats.
November 2015 Special ~ 20% Off Tangerine Essential Oil
