Mandarin essential oil in history
The use of mandarin essential oil in Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years, prized for its ability to calm as much as its healing properties. Originally cultivated in China, the fruits were often given as gifts on holidays or special occasions. At one time in history, they were reserved exclusively for the emperor, and later the nobility and high society. In Chinese culture, they are seen as symbols of good fortune, and are commonly eaten at New Year’s celebrations to attract prosperity in the coming year.
Mandarin trees were brought over to Europe in the early 1800s from China, and by 1850 they had become well-established in the Mediterranean. Italy is now one of the biggest producers of Mandarin oranges, and hence a great abundance of mandarin essential oil is also produced there. The tree itself can reach heights of more than 25 feet and also boasts a sprawling width. The slender branches have sharp thorns, which is unlike most citrus species. They are cultivated throughout the world, and are found in most of the southern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and to a lesser degree, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona. They do best in hot, humid climates such as Southeast Asia, the East Indies, Philippines, Japan, India and China.
Mandarin oil uses
Mood lifter: induces feelings of happiness, lightness, optimism and joy.
Sedative: calms and relaxes frayed nerves so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Anti-anxiety: releases feelings of negativity associated with anxiety. Considered to be the most calming of all the essential oils.
Antiemetic: calms a nervous stomach and reduces feelings of nausea.
Antioxidant: protects the body against the absorption of free radicals.
Protects from cancer: chemicals found the peels of citrus fruits, like Mandarin, have been found to inhibit the production of some tumor cells. This research is in early stages, but could lead to some exciting advances in natural cancer prevention and control.
Anti-spasmodic: can relieve and calm nervous afflictions such as Tourette’s syndrome, mild epilepsy and nervous tics.
Liver tonic: stimulates bile production in the liver, strengthens its function, and prevents infection.
Immune-booster/whole body tonic: strengthens the immune system by toning up your internal organs and systems, including the digestive tract, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems.
Digestive: stimulates the release of digestive enzymes to help break down the food you eat. Relieves flatulence, gas, and constipation.
Appetite stimulant: stimulates the appetite and helps to make food seem more appealing.
Skin healing and regeneration: promotes the growth of new skin cells and tissue; helps to heal wounds more quickly, brighten the skin, combat signs of aging, reduce the look of scars and stretch marks.
Acne: brightens the skin, acts as an astringent and speeds the healing of active eruptions. Will also reduce the appearance of acne scars on the face.
Fungicide: protects the skin from fungal infection.
Detoxifying: removes impurities from the body and helps the blood and excretory systems to resolve toxicity.
Moisturizing: helps to maintain moisture balance in the surface derma and prevent skin cracking.
Culinary: its sweet flavors and lighthearted, alluring scent is a welcome addition to cocktails, liqueurs, mulled wine, sodas, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, ice creams and all kinds of sauces.
Room freshener: freshens linens, closets, drawers and rooms in your home.
Cosmetics and perfumery: mandarin’s sweet citrus scent is playful, spicy and earthy; its inclusion in soaps, lotions and skin tonics are both invigorating and restorative.
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