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Orange
(Citrus sinensis)
Raise your hand if you grew up with one these in your little brown paper lunch bag. Maybe you started your day with a small glass of orange juice instead.
Oranges are one of those things that were just a part of daily life growing up. They were so ordinary, in fact, that they didn’t warrant a second thought, except early spring when the news showed pictures of trees encased in ice and made dire projections for that year’s harvest. But even then, there always seemed to be juice in abundance and produce shelves piled high at the grocery store.
I think the only thing that ever really stood out to me as a kid where oranges were concerned was the very strange idea that children used to receive and be excited about oranges for Christmas.
That couldn’t really be a thing, could it?
Now of course it’s my own children looking at me in disbelief when they read a story of children receiving fruit for Christmas, and me dreaming of drying oranges to use as decoration. It’s funny how some things don’t change and how quickly others do.
Orange trees are native to Asia, but you can find them all over the world, including in France, Germany, and the United States. The fragrant orange tree is an evergreen, flowering tree that grows to approximately 33 feet and has sweet-smelling blossoms.
Like so many sweet smelling things, orange often find itself worked into love spells. Oranges are also closely associated with abundance, perhaps because they have traditionally been given as gifts, and so they are also incorporated into spells for abundance.
History/Folklore: All species help move Qi stagnation. Mandarin Orange Peel is a better anti-inflammatory, carminative and tonic. The Unripe Green Orange Peel is a cholagogue and carminative. Bitter Orange Peel moves Qi stagnation, stimulates, expectorates and is a stomach digestive. Another species is tangerines with the Latin name, Citrus tangerina.
Chen Pi, sweet orange peel, has been used in China since the second century B.C. The bulk of the nutrients are in the peel and not the orange fruit itself. Grated orange peel is added to candies, breads and bakery goods.
It is often added to herbal formulas in order to improve their taste and help build Qi Chen pi is considered an important herb for both the Spleen and Lung meridians Orange Flower Water is used on dry skin and broken capillaries to stimulate new cell growth and as a sedative due to its calming effects.
Oranges are a symbol of love, marriage, joy and happiness. Tangerines and oranges are an auspicious symbol during the Chinese New Year celebrations as the sound of the word for “luck” and “wealth” are very similar to the word for “orange.” The bright orange color also suggests the color gold, so it is also a symbol for good luck and prosperity. A bowl of oranges is believed to bring good fortune. Orange trees will often be placed at the doorways of offices and businesses in order to attract good fortune.
Sourced from https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/orange-peel/
Perhaps my favorite association is with oranges and the sun. You’ll often find dried oranges used in Yule decorations as a promise and reminder of the return of the sun even in the middle of winter. Just sniffing orange is usually enough to bring sunnier days to mind.
HERBARIUM: MAGICAL AND MEDICINAL USES OF ORANGE BLOSSOM
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Divination, Fertility, Love, Luck, Money
Magical Uses and History: Try as I might, there is very little recorded history regarding the orange. Eight magical books and several dozen websites later and all I could manage to pull up regarding the history of the orange is its movement through the world from India. However, one source suggested during the time of Shakespeare, many people carried “pomanders,” which consisted of a hollowed out orange filled with herbs and spices to create a scent box. This isn’t at all surprising considering the hygiene of the time period. Despite the lack of history, there are many magical uses for the orange.
One of the most prominent uses of the orange is in love spells. According to one myth, Gaea gave Hera a garden full of “golden apples” as a wedding gift. These “golden apples” have been interpreted to be oranges, thus associating oranges with love and marriage. The dried flowers, peels, and seeds can be added to love sachets while the flowers are often added to wedding bouquets to encourage marital bliss. According to one spell, the orange blossoms added to the wedding bouquet should be saved and burned along with a piece of paper containing the names of the couple. The ashes are then placed in a red bag or small bottle with a piece of true silver and stored in a safe place to protect and preserve love and marital harmony. Furthermore, bathing in an infusion of orange peels is said to increase one’s attractiveness.
For prosperity magic, orange peels can be added to spell mixtures, incense, or powders to increase the potency of the spell. The Chinese have long regarded the orange as a symbol of luck and good fortune, so carry them on your person to uplift, energize, and bring good luck.
For divination purposes, when you eat an orange, you can think of a yes-or-no question you want answered. As you eat the orange, count the seeds. An even number means yes while an odd number means no. Thinking of changing plans? Drink a glass of orange juice to increase intuition. Orange juice can also be drunk in place of wine, especially if you are underage or abstaining from alcohol. This tradition began sometime around Henry VIII’s reign, although the history is a bit fuzzy.
And finally, due to its association with the Sun, place oranges on your Yule and Litha altars to symbolize the return of the Sun at Yule and his rise in strength at Litha.
Orange can be used in a number of spells including:
Divination
Love Spells
Money Spells
Luck Magic
Medicinal Uses: Due to its high level of vitamin C and low cost, oranges were often packed on ships to prevent the crews from developing scurvy. High amounts of vitamin C and potassium have also led to its use in preventing cancer and stroke, especially in women and young children. However, citric fruits, like oranges, make you more susceptible to sun burn, therefore increasing your risk of skin cancer if consumed in excess. Orange is also used to prevent heart disease, treat anemia, reduce inflammation, and as an antimicrobial.
Preparation and Dosage: Internally- Drinking orange juice, especially if mixed with blackcurrant juice, reduces inflammation. Drink a glass up to three times a day. To create a tea, add 1-2 tsp (4-6 grams) of dried peel to a cup of hot water. Brew for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day. For an infusion, add 1 tsp (2 grams) of dried peel to a cup of water. Allow to brew for 10 minutes. Consume up to 3 times a day. Two to three drops of oil (if marketed for consumption) can be taken daily as a dietary supplement. Externally- Rub diluted orange oil on sore joints to reduce inflammation. Be aware the using orange oil increases the risk of sun burn, so use with caution. Inhale orange oil to reduce anxiety and uplift your mood.
Sourced from http://www.flyingthehedge.com/2018/01/herbarium-orange-blossom.html
Oranges make it into our apothecary for more than just their magical properties. Medicinally they are every bit as important. For health benefits, I recommend consuming the fruit in its whole, fresh form rather than juice. The fruit itself contains fiber which moderates its affect on glucose whereas the juice is basically just sugared vitamin water. You can also add fresh zest to many dishes or dried peel to syrups and teas.
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Active ingredients
The orange fruit contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The flavonoids are tangeretin, nobiletin, diosmin and hesperetin. Red (blood) oranges have much higher levels of the anti-inflammatory anthrocyanidins.
Orange peel (of various varieties) contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds in bitter orange peel show choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity. The essential oils comprise phenolic compounds such as terpenes. D-limonene is a major active constituent.
Therapeutic uses
Anaemia & nutrient source
By increasing iron absorption from foods, oranges and orange juice have been shown to reduce anaemia. Oranges are also a reasonable source of absorbable folic acid.
Cardiovascular health
Population studies have shown a strong correlation between eating diets high in vegetables and fruit and improvement in cardiovascular health. One experiment tested 24 adults with both high cholesterol and high triglycerides (both risk factors for heart disease) and they were given 2½ cups of freshly squeezed orange juice to drink daily for 90 days. The results showed a significant improvement in plasma antioxidants, and the oxidation of the lipids (fats) decreased significantly. Regular consumption of orange juice increased HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
Other uses
The fruit of the orange has been shown to be cooling, digestive and carminative (relieves wind), and has tonic properties. It was traditionally used in asthma, to reduce vomiting, to purify the blood, for coughs, fevers, thirst, hiccoughs and for indigestion.
Orange segments
The different parts of the orange have different effects in your body.
Fruit
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of orange consumption are useful in the prevention of chronic illness and have been shown to reduce neurotoxicity when consumed regularly. In mice, the antioxidant effects reduced neurodegenerative changes of the Alzheimer’s type.
Drinking the juice of red (blood oranges) every day for seven days improved endothelial (arterial wall) function, reducing the risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease in 19 human subjects. This effect was attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Orange peel extract
Dried sweet orange peel and dried ripe (and unripe) fruits of Seville (bitter) orange are ancient Chinese remedies. They are used for indigestion (the primary indication is to relieve heartburn), stubborn coughs and anal and uterine prolapses, also for treating shock in higher doses. Orange peel extract has improved the circulation of blood through the heart and cerebral tissue.
The dried peel of the common orange (Citrus sinensis) was shown to reduce thyroid overactivity, lower blood glucose and stimulate insulin as well as reducing lipid (fat) peroxidation, indicating a potential for use in hyperthyroidism and diabetes.
Orange peel is a rich source of flavonoids, compounds that are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities.
Essential oils
Orange oil has been shown to be strongly antimicrobial compared to several antibiotics. It appears to be more effective than lemon oil as an antibacterial and antifungal. Limonene is the main antimicrobial active ingredient. These antimicrobial properties can also be useful in food preservation. D-limonene exhibits anti-stress activity (by inducing the release of the hormone dopamine) and anti-inflammatory effects when taken as a dietary supplement.
The aroma of sweet orange oil has a marked anti-anxiety effect in human subjects. As well as sweet orange, oils from other varieties include neroli oil from Seville orange flowers, and pettigrain oil from its leaves. Bergamot orange oil is a major component of the famous eau de cologne.
Read more at https://www.wellbeing.com.au/body/nutrition/the-medicinal-uses-of-oranges.html
I realize that it isn’t always easy to keep fresh fruit on hand. One of the first things we learned while traveling is that food deserts do actually exist. One way to keep orange on hand is to keep dried orange peel in a jar in your apothecary. Another is to keep dietary grade essential oils on hand. Orange essential oil is cold pressed from the rinds of the fresh, juicy fruit.
Primary Composition: monoterpenes
Description / History: Sweet orange oil is often cold pressed or expressed, and has an orange color with a slight greenish tinge. It is thin oil, with a medium to strong scent, which resembles fresh oranges. In perfumery, it is a top note.
Primary Effects: antispasmodic / antidepressant / nervine / digestive aid / antifungal
Indications: cramping / digestive issues / constipation / diarrhea
Contraindications: none known
Additional Effects: none known
Interactions: none known
Administration: Orange oil can be safely consumed in culinary preparations in small amounts. It is commonly used as a flavoring in gourmet foods. It can also be applied topically and is an ideal addition to make skin care blends. Diffusion is another way to benefit from this oil.
Notes: Orange oil has a normalizing effect on the digestive system, making it beneficial for both diarrhea and constipation. As an antifungal agent, orange oil fared better than commercial synthetic fungacides against Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and A. parasiticus. The oil also has a balancing effect in many blends. When used in minute amounts, it adds sweetness to deep and earthy aromas.
Ideal Blends: myrrh / rose / sandalwood / frankincense / bergamot / cinnamon / clary sage / jasmine / lavender / lemon / eucalyptus / ylang ylang
Excerpted from Understanding Holistic Health, page 160
Orange essential oil has a sweet, bright aroma reminiscent of a blossoming orchard of orange trees. Start your day with an uplifting burst of liquid sunshine by diffusing Orange as you get ready in the morning. With just a few drops, you can fill any space with a sense of peace, harmony, and creativity. Orange is delightful on its own, or you can combine it with complementary oils such as Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Neroli, and Patchouli.
Orange essential oil is also a must-have culinary tool. Try it in baked goods, especially to create contrast with particularly sweet items, or combine it with warm spices like cardamom and clove to enhance them. Add Orange Vitality to your drinking water to give it a burst of flavor. Orange also blends beautifully with other fruity flavors, making it a great addition to smoothies, juices, and even Ninja Juice. It also contains the naturally occurring constituent limonene.
AROMATIC PROFILE
Sweet, fruity, citrus aroma
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Key Constitents: limonene and alpha-pinene
| Topical | Aromatic | Dietary |
| Can be massaged into skin for an energizing aroma Works as an adhesive remover Can be applied to skin in the evening to help reduce the appearance of blemishes | Has a sweet, uplifting aroma Can be added to household cleaner for a sweet citrus scent Can be diffused to add a touch of warmth to your space any time of year | Full of zesty, citrusy flavor Enhances the flavor of foods and water Has antioxidant properties Cleanses the digestive system |
Beloved for its clean, fresh scent, Orange essential oil was also shown to reduce anxiety in children awaiting dental treatment. Salivary cortisol levels were lowered as were pulse rates.
Medical Properties: Antitumoral, relaxant, anticoagulant, circulatory stimulant. Rich in limonene, which has been extensively studied in over 50 clinical studies for its ability to combat tumor growth.
Uses: Arteriosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, insomnia, and complexion (dull and oily), fluid retention, wrinkles
Fragrant Influence: Uplifting and antidepressant. A Mie University study found that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation, and reduced depression.
Directions:
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly inhale.
Topical: Dilute 1 drop essential oil with 1 drop of V-6 or other pure carrier oil and apply 2-4 drops on location, chakras, and/or Vita Flex points.
Dietary: Put 2 drops in a capsule. Take 3 times daily.
Caution: Possible sun sensitivity.
Excerpted from The Essential Oils Desk Reference, 7th Edition, page 118
Thank you for digging deeper into Orange with me. I am very passionate about herbs, oils, and the education of their uses.
Please remember that essential oils are very concentrated products and should never be ingested unless specifically labeled for such use.
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Lastly, the obligatory disclaimer.
I am not a doctor. None of the statements included in this post have been approved by the FDA or any other cool acronym known agency. It is Young Living’s official stance that they and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any specific disease or illness. Young Living Independent Distributor #14632733
