Mandarin essential oil : properties, natural remedies, aromatherapy and all the uses of the essential oil extracted from mandarin.
The essential oil of mandarin is extracted from the peel of the fruit Citrus reticulata, as well as all the essential oils extracted from citrus fruits, may be called an essence .
Difference between essence and essential oil
When it comes to citrus fruits, as well as mandarin, we can speak of essences as a synonym for essential oil. In reality, to be more precise, the process of extracting an essence is different from that used for the production of essential oils. There are three methods of extracting citrus essential oils and they are used based on the starting plant component (peel, leaves or flowers).
- From the peel of lemon, mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, sweet orange and bitter orange they see the production of cold extracted essential oils, the essences.
- From the leaves of bitter orange, sweet orange, petitgrain, lemon and mandarin, the essential oil is produced by steam distillation.
- Two essential oils are obtained from the flowers of the bitter orange. The essential oil of Neroli is extracted by distillation in a current of steam while the essential oil of Zagara is extracted through a process of enfleurage.
The essential oil of mandarin or mandarin essence, cold extracted from the peel, is very popular in aromatherapy and is considered a natural remedy to combat cellulite, against skin aging and as a remedy for water retention.
Mandarin essential oil: properties
The essence of mandarin extracted by cold pressing of the peel is rich in a chemical compound known as d-limonene, it is a chiral molecule with powerful antioxidant properties. Limonene is responsible for the classic citrus smell and, due to its properties, it is widely used in the cosmetic industry.
Limonene affects various product sectors and also the pharmaceutical industry and medicine: recent studies seem to reveal that limonene has anti-carcinogenic properties, its action would increase the levels of liver enzymes used in the neutralization of carcinogens. Still, a study published and based on cancer prevention and therapy, has seen that limonene has chemoprootective properties in cancer forms and if present in the diet it reduces breast cancer growth. In the food industry, limonene is used to flavour biscuits and sweets.
In daily practice, mandarin essential oil can be used to prepare insecticides, repellents or excellent cosmetics and ointments.
How to use mandarin essential oil
Widespread in the home environment, mandarin essential oil gives good man and serenity to the inhabitants. It is recommended to be spread at intimate dinners or business appointments, according to experts, its aroma would help to overcome shyness and relieve anxiety and nervousness.
Thanks to the presence of limonene and geraniol, the essential oil of mandarin can be used for the preparation of anti-acne tonics. A do-it-yourself tonic for combination or oily skin, you can use 120 ml of distilled water, a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers, a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers and 5 drops of mandarin essential oil. Stir the product continuously even during use. Essential oils are immiscible in water, therefore it will be necessary to stir continuously to ensure, as far as possible, an equal distribution of the essence in the preparation.
Other uses
To overcome the problem of miscibility, it is possible to exploit the properties of the essential oil by diluting it in a carrier oil, these are very common vegetable oils.
To counteract water retention and cellulite, add 10 drops of mandarin essential oil and 5 drops of cypress essential oil to 20 ml of almond oil.
Where to buy it
Where to buy mandarin essential oil ? It is an essence that is easy to find in herbalists.
Homemade mandarin essential oil
In the article how to make essential oils we talked about steam distillation, however, this technique is unsuitable when it comes to the essence of mandarin. The reason? Essential oil of mandarin is obtained by cold pressing of the rind, a technique rather difficult to implement in the home, in the absence of suitable technical material to obtain yields right. So do we give up? No, but know that what you will get will not be a real essential oil, but will be a vegetable oil enriched with the active ingredients of the mandarin essence.
What do you need to prepare DIY essential oil?
- Plenty of mandarin peel
- A glass jar
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil will act as a “carrier”, it is in this fluid that the plant cells of the mandarin peel will release the contained oils.
How do you prepare homemade mandarin essential oil?
- Chop the tangerine peels
- Put the rinds in a saucepan
- Add coconut oil, just the bare minimum to cover the tangerine peels
- Turn on the heat and simmer the oil for 5 minutes
- Filter and put in a jar.
- Store in a dry place.
Note: coconut oil when kept in the fridge solidifies but, upon contact with body heat, it becomes liquid.
