Bitter Orange Essential Oil

Bitter Orange Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium amara)

One of the lesser-known citrus essential oils is Bitter Orange from Andalusia. However, its aromatic qualities and therapeutic properties are truly remarkable, making it a common component in many cosmetic and even food preparations worldwide. Extracted from the peel of the fruit, Bitter Orange essential oil is a highly effective remedy for promoting calm and relaxation, in addition to offering a wide range of benefits for the skin and digestive system.

"When I first encountered this oil, its aroma captivated me, being a blend between the scents of sweet orange and grapefruit. Moreover, its calming effects during moments of anxiety, when we cannot quiet the mind, are truly notable and swift, which is why I often recommend it to people who suffer from stress." - Luis Rodero, Aromatherapist. Author of Aromatic Alchemy.

Organoleptic Description

Bitter Orange essential oil has a fresh, citrusy, and slightly bitter aroma, with sweet notes that evoke the warmth of Mediterranean citrus. Its colour ranges from pale yellow to light orange, and its texture is light and quickly absorbed, making it ideal for topical and aromatic applications.

Properties and Benefits

• Anti-infectious: Fights bacterial and viral infections.
• Skin Tonic: Improves skin health by balancing sebum production.
• Nervous System Calming: Relaxes and balances the mind.

Therapeutic Uses

• Skin: Treats oily skin and hair.
• Digestive System: Acts as a digestive tonic, improving digestion and relieving stomach discomfort.
• Nervous System: Relieves stress, anxiety, and promotes relaxation.

DIY Recipes

1. Anti-Anxiety Calming Massage

Ingredients:

• 3-4 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 3-4 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of St. John's Wort oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the essential oils with the St. John's Wort oil.
2. Apply the mixture to the chest, shoulders, and soles of the feet.
3. Gently massage until absorbed.

Benefits: This massage helps to reduce anxiety and stress, providing a sense of calm and well-being.

2. Heavy Digestion and Gas Relief Formula

Ingredients:

• 1 drop of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 1 drop of Sweet Fennel essential oil
• 1 drop of Santolina Chamomile essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the essential oils with the coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture to the abdomen.
3. Gently massage in circular motions.

Benefits: This formula relieves heavy digestion and reduces gas, providing digestive comfort.

3. Relaxing Room Spray

Ingredients:

• 100 ml distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 10 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 5 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix the distilled water and witch hazel.
2. Add the Bitter Orange and Ylang Ylang essential oils.
3. Shake well before each use.

Usage: Spray in the air of your home or workspace to create a relaxing and harmonious atmosphere.

Benefits: This room spray relaxes the mind and improves mood, leaving a pleasant citrus and floral aroma in the air.

4. Revitalising Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 5 drops of Lemon essential oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the brown sugar and coconut oil in a bowl until uniform.
2. Add the Bitter Orange and Lemon essential oils, and orange zest if desired.
3. Stir well until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Usage: Use the scrub during a shower, gently massaging onto wet skin in circular motions.

Benefits: This scrub leaves the skin soft and revitalised, removing dead cells and providing a refreshing citrus fragrance.

Facial Serum for Oily Skin

Ingredients:

• 30 ml jojoba oil
• 10 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Pour the jojoba oil into a dark glass bottle.
2. Add the Bitter Orange, tea tree, and lavender essential oils.
3. Gently shake to mix all the oils well.

Usage: Apply a few drops of the serum to a clean face each night before bed.

Benefits: This serum helps to balance sebum production, reduce acne, and leave the skin soft and clear.

5. Relaxing and Revitalising Bath

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 10 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil
• 5 drops of bergamot essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the Epsom salts and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Add the essential oils and mix well.
3. Add the mixture to a hot bath.

Usage: Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes to relax and revitalise your body and mind.

Benefits: This bath relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, and leaves the skin soft and fragrant.

Tips for Proper Use

1. Dilution: Always dilute Bitter Orange essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.
2. Allergy Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before first use to ensure no allergic reactions.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare professional before using this oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Storage: Store the oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to maintain its efficacy.
5. Night Use: To benefit from its sedative properties, use products containing Bitter Orange essential oil at night to promote restful sleep.