Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil benefits
Mandarin is an excellent oil for use with children because it is gentle, soothing, uplifting, and relaxing. Supports digestion and appetite.
Mandarin is a native of China but was introduced to Europe and a few years later to America in the early 1800s. Mandarins and Tangerines are very similar: Tangerines are harvested around November, and they are so-called in the US and South America while Mandarins are harvested around February, and they are produced in Italy, Greece, and Spain. Tangerines are also deeper orange in color and do not have pips, while mandarins are more yellow and do have pips.
Mandarin oil is very fresh, lively, and energetic while being so gentle that can be used with infants. It is a great digestive tonic for adults while an invaluable remedy for infant colic; very suitable as a mild anti-depressant and used in case of loss of hunger following sadness and depression. For expectant moms, Mandarin will be an incredibly powerful natural remedy to prevent stretch marks (blended with very nourishing and emollient oils) and to stimulate a healthy appetite after morning sickness.
Is Mandarin different from Tangerine? They are both Citrus reticulata but Tangerines larger than a mandarin and with a skin that's darker in color.
Mandarins are classified based on their ripeness when harvested.
(MANDARIN CITRUS RETICULATA) ESSENTIAL OILS AVAILABLE
|
RED MANDARIN |
YELLOW MANDARIN | GREEN MANDARIN | TANGERINE | CLEMENTINE | |
| Color | Light yellow | Yellow to greenish | Green-yellow | Golden orange | Pale yellow |
| Aroma | Sweet, sour | Sour | Bitter | Sour, sweet | Bitter, sour |
| Aroma strength | 5 | 4 | 3-4 | 4-5 | 4 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata
Method of Extraction: Cold pressing of the rind
Origin: Mediterranean area, South America, Australia
Color: Bright orange
Aroma: Light, sweet, citrus
Note: top
Blends well with: all other citrus oils, Lavender, Chamomiles, Marjoram, Rose, Ylang ylang, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Peppermint, Cypress
Therapeutic properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, laxative, lymphatic stimulant, sedative, tonic
To create a lively, fresh yet calming ambient or stimulate appetite burn or diffuse 2-5 drops every 5 hours.
To relieve colic’s discomfort dilute 4-5 drops of Mandarin every 5 ml of carrier oil and massage the tummy area clockwise max 3 times a day. If massaging an infant reduces the dilution to 1 drop every 5 ml of the carrier. Very useful is applied with the above dilutions during the whole pregnancy to prevent stretch marks
Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours (if skin application). Do not apply undiluted Mandarin essential oil on children. do not take internally unless heavily diluted.
