Orange essential oil has many uses, and what’s more, it’s easy to make. All you need is time – at least a week, and more for a more potent concentration. Here’s how to make it, and how you can use it.
DIY Orange Essential Oil Recipe
3 large Limoneira oranges
3-4 cups vodka
1 clean jar
Two Days Before
- Peel the orange with a sharp knife, taking in only the colored skin and as little of the white pith as possible.
- Cut it into strips, and set on a clean baking sheet in a single layer.
- Set the baking sheet on a windowsill where it will ideally get some sunlight. It must stay dry.
- Let them dry until they are fairly hard. It should take roughly two days.
When They’re Ready
- Cut the strips into smaller pieces, and add them to a jar.
- Cover with vodka and close the jar.
- Set on a counter (out of sunlight) for about a week, shaking it every few hours.
- Let it steep for at least a week. If you can wait two or three weeks, more oil will be extracted.
- Strain the peel from the liquid, squeezing the pieces to release any last drops of oil and alcohol.
- Let the jar of liquid sit, uncovered, on the counter for 2 or 3 days. The goal is to get the alcohol to evaporate.
- Once the alcohol (clear liquid) has evaporated, seal the jar again, and the oil can be stored and used for up to 12 months in a cool, dark place.
Orange Essential Oil: Use It
Orange essential oil is used in several different ways. NOTE: Before using it on your skin, dilute with water, and do a trial with one drop to gauge if you are sensitive. If there is any irritation, stop using it on your skin.
- Use it in cooking and baking for an instant pop of sweet orange flavor;
- In aromatherapy, it is used to relieve stress and anxiety, a claim supported by a few research studies;
- Another study reported that the scent seemed to reduce stress in women undergoing labor contractions;
- Due to its antibacterial properties, some people use it to spot treat acne and blemishes on the skin;
- There is some research supporting its antibacterial qualities; it can be used as a cleaning agent;
- Some evidence also suggests it can be used directly on the skin to reduce local pain.
How?
- An aromatherapy diffuser will scent the air;
- Add a 10-15 drops to a spray bottle of water to use in cleaning or aromatherapy;
- Add a few drops to scent a neutral massage oil (such as almond or grapeseed oil).
