Orange Essential Oil (Bitter)

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium

Plant Part: Fruit Peel

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Origin: Italy

Description: The Bitter Orange tree is an evergreen that grows up to 30 feet high with glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The essential oil is produced by cold pressing of the peel. The Bitter Orange is native to southern China and North-Eastern India. Both the Bitter Orange and edible orange trees bear a great resemblance to each other, but their leaf stalks show a noticeable difference. The Bitter Orange is much broader in the shape of a heart.

Color: Yellowish to orange liquid.

Common Uses: The Bitter Orange Essential Oil has properties very similar to the Sweet Orange. They include the following properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant (nervous), tonic (cardiac, circulatory). Orange Bitter Essential Oil may be used in the same way as oil of turpentine in chronic bronchitis. It is non-irritant to the kidneys and been applied to combat colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, the flu, gums, slow digestion, and stress.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Lavender, Lemon, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Clove.

Aromatic Scent: Orange Bitter Essential Oil has a very sweet citrus smell characteristic of Sweet Orange, while also carrying some of the bitterness of grapefruit.

History: There is some argument, but it is believed that Bitter Orange was brought to Europe by the Arabs in the First century along with the sweet orange.

Cautions: Bitter Orange Essential Oil is considered photo-toxic and exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Do not use if pregnant.