The Impressive Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin: The fruit
The mandarin orange tree (Citrus reticulata), is considered to be native to southeastern Asia. It is a small tree with shiny green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The tree was unknown in the Mediterranean region until the eighteenth century. Since then, the fruit has been cultivated in many countries. Now you can find mandarin fruit in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mexico, and the United States.
The seedless, medium-sized citrus fruit has an orange-red color and is easy to peel. Mandarins have low levels of acidity, and are appreciated for their sweet taste. The powerful mandarin fruit owes its name, which means gold in Cantonese, to the high officials of the Chinese empire who, by tradition, received this fruit as a gift as a symbol of fortune and prosperity. To this day, the fragrant citrus fruit is offered to wish someone a life full of hope and prosperity.
Citrus Reticulata Oil: Medical Applications
Citrus reticulata oil, also called tangerine oil or mandarin essential oil, is made by mechanically extracting the zest. The extract has a pleasant citrus fragrance, which is why it is often used in aromatic products to help minimize stress. Mainly composed of monoterpenes (limonene), the mandarin or tangerine essential oil has powerful properties: calming, relaxing, antispasmodic, circulatory, slightly antiseptic and anti-fungal. It is also effective in digestion-related problems (slow digestion, bloating, colic, etc). Citrus reticulata oil can also ease heart palpitations or common breathing conditions.
Mandarin essential oil is remarkable for dealing with cases of insomnia, nervousness, anxiety. It is one of the most calming essential oils that can help with depression and apprehension. Since young children are allowed to use it, parents use it as an opportunity to calm down hyperactive toddlers. Besides the hypnotic effect, the mandarin oil helps to purify the air. The clean, fruity and uplifting aroma is liked by many and leaves a sweet smelling fragrance around the house. Mandarin oil provides all-around relief and is perhaps one of the best oils for calming and balancing the mind.
Benefits of Mandarin essential oil
Mandarin essential oil has many well-known benefits for the skin. The oil is often used in skincare treatments to reduce cellulite, stretch marks, scars, water retention and other body-relating swelling conditions. In cosmetic use, mandarin or tangerine oil can be used to cure skin problems such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Being rich in antioxidants, it helps fight the signs of aging. It has beneficial properties to treat dry and wrinkled skin.
In terms of hair care; the oil revives copper color tones, cleanses oily hair, or restores dull hair to bring it back to life.
This citrus essence is photosensitizing. It should always be diluted in vegetable oil when used for massages because it may cause skin irritations. Always carry out a skin patch test before use. In general, (diluted) mandarin or tangerine oil can be used by anyone from young children to seniors and women who are breastfeeding; however, as with many essential oils, avoid use on newborns or women who are less than 3 months pregnant.
Main component
Monoterpenes (limonene)
Extracted from
Zest
Origin
Spain, Italy, Brazil, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mexico and the United States
- Skin: Good for acne, seborrheic dermatitis, dry and wrinkled skin
- Hair: Helps with greasy hair, restores dry hair and intensifies copper tones
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Antispasmodic
- Circulatory
- Antiseptics
- Anti-fungal
- Insomnia
- Nervous tension
- Anxiety disorders
- Pregnant woman: first 3 months
- Photosensitivity
Hairborist products with Mandarin oil
