Tangerine Essential Oil (citrus reticulata)

The tangerine essential oil is usually harvested around November, with a deeper orange rind than the mandarin that tends to be harvested around February with a more yellow colour. The two fruits do tend to share a simular fragrance, but the tangerine is slightly more weaker ans more subtle in aroma than the mandarin. The tangerine oil is mainly produced in the USA and this is followed by Sicily, the tangerine is native of China.

Latin name: Citrus reticulata. Citrus reticulata.

Family: Rutaceae.

Plant part used: The fruit peel.

Extraction: Cold expression.

Main Properties of Tangerine Oil: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, tonic. Mind: It is thought the tangerine oil has an almost hypnitic effect, and can be helpful with stress and tension, because of its soothing action on the nervous system. Body: The properties of the oil is close to orange oil, and this may be the same for mandarin. Has an effect on the digestive system, dealing with gastric complaints like, diarrhoea, flatulence and constipation. Because the oil has Vitamin C content, it is a popular choice for massage in pregnancy. Effects on the skin: Due to its re-energising action on the blood the tangerine oil brings back colour to the skin. Makes a useful skin tonic and could help with the smoothing out of stretch marks particularly when blended with neroli and lavender.

Aroma: A fine, sweet, light and tangy orange aroma.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Clary sage, Frankincense, Neroli, Lime, Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, Lemon, Lavender, Grapefruit, Orange and Rose.