Mandarin plants and fruits are native to China while mandarin oil is widely produced in Italy — the biggest mandarin oil producer worldwide. Mandarin is a citrus fruit that is yellow in color and comes with pips. They are also commonly called tangerines or mandarin oranges.
What Is Mandarin Oil?
Apart from being used as a flavoring agent and in cosmetics, mandarin oil has other potential medical uses that can be very beneficial to our daily life.
The chief constituents of mandarin oil include geranial, linalool, limonene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, nerol, citral, methyl anthranilate, gamma terpinolene and citronellal. The essential oil is extracted from the fresh peels of fruits by cold pressed technique.
Uses of Mandarin Oil
Mandarin oil blends well with other essential oils like orange, grapefruit, lavender, cinnamon, lemon, clary sage, nutmeg, frankincense and bergamot.
Mandarin oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- In perfumes
- In anti-aging skin treatments
- In bath oil
- In air fresheners
- In pain balms
- As an anti-depressant
Benefits of Mandarin Oil
The health benefits of mandarin essential oil may be attributed to its specific properties, which include antispasmodic, antiseptic, cytophylactic, circulatory, digestive, depurative, nervous relaxant, hepatic, stomachic, sedative and tonic.
Listed are a few key benefits of mandarin oil:
1. Prevents infections
Mandarin oil prevents viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It also prevents the open wounds from getting septic.
The oil extract forms a strong protective cover over the wound to promote blood leucocytes and blood platelets collection at the injured area. In this way, it blocks the intrusion of harmful microbes.
2. Encourages healthy cell and tissue growth
Another prime feature of the mandarin essential oil is that it promotes the growth of new body cells and tissues. It speeds up the healing process associated with any wounds and signs related to wear and tear.
3. Natural cure for spasms
Spasms are abnormal contractions that can occur in any part of the body. Mandarin oil contains antispasmodic properties that help relax the affected area and provide instant relief from spasms.
4. Aids in digestion
Mandarin oil contains digestive properties that play a significant role in digestion and metabolism. It helps to stimulate bile production and other essential digestive juices in the stomach. This process helps boost the appetite and aids in digestion.
5. Optimizes and strengthens liver function
Mandarin oil optimizes and strengthens liver functions, as it maintains proper bile discharge from the liver and prevents infections.
6. Improves lymph and blood circulation
Mandarin oil extract enhances both lymph and blood circulation, especially beneath the skin area to keep it refreshed and rejuvenated.
7. Relieves symptoms of arthritis and boosts immunity
Since mandarin oil helps improve blood circulation, mandarin oil can also create warmth and give relief from arthritis and rheumatism problems. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflamed tissue and provide immediate relief from pain.
8. Purifies the blood
Mandarin oil is an excellent health tonic for the body as it works to remove unwanted toxins via fecal matter, urine and sweat. In this way, it purifies blood naturally.
Side Effects of Mandarin Oil
Mandarin oil has phototoxic effects, and therefore, individuals with sensitive skin are advised to apply it in combination with a mild carrier oil. You should perform the necessary skin patch test before applying the oil extract to stay safe.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised not to use mandarin oil.
