Obtained from a fruit belonging to the “citrus” family is an essential oil known as Tangerine Oil. This oil is extracted from a fruit belonging to the “Citrus tangerina” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is derived from the peel of the fruit using the “cold compression” process. This oil is said to be a great source of vitamin-C, folate, and beta-carotene. In addition, this oil is supposed to blend well with others such as bergamot, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, frankincense, lavender, nutmeg, and neroli.
A. Chemical constituents of Tangerine Oil:
This oil is extracted from the peel of a “citrus fruit” known as “tangerine” belonging to the “Citrus tangerina” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as alpha pinene, alpha thujone, beta pinene, camphene, citronellal, gamma terpinolene, geranial, limonene, linalool, myrcene, nerol, sabinene and terpineol. However, it is “limonene” that forms the major organic compound of this essential oil.
B. The uses and benefits of Tangerine Oil:
There are several benefits related to health that one can gain by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil when used serves as an “antiseptic” enabling the treatment of wounds by destroying disease causing microbes.
2. Antispasmodic:
This oil comprises of an “antispasmodic” property, and thereby serves in treatment of conditions such as coughs, diarrhea etc by inhibiting the contraction of muscles.
3. Sedative:
This oil also serves as a “sedative” by inducing sleep and exerting a calming influence on the body of an individual.
4. Depurative:
This oil when used “purifies” by enabling the removal of toxic substance from the blood such as uric acid, excessive salt and water etc, and thereby serves as a depurative.
5. Cytophylactic:
This oil helps in stimulating the generation of new cells when used, and thereby serves as a cytophylactic.
C. The adverse effects of Tangerine oil:
There are a couple of major adverse effects that may occur on using this oil. They are as follows;
- The use of this oil can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
This oil when used may lead to “photo toxicity” especially in those individuals possessing sensitive skin.