Orange Oil
for Hypertension!

Do you like the invigorating smell of oranges? Then consider adding orange oil to your collection. This citric aromatherapy oil was shown to temporarily lower blood pressure just by sniffing the peel.

Glands inside the rind produce the oil. If you take your thumb and forefinger and pinch the peel you will see a spray of liquid that contains the oil.

The best quality oil is said to be the cold pressed sort because the quality of steam distilled oil is inferior.

There are several strains that are used to produce the oil. Sweet orange is the one to choose.

Therapeutic properties of orange may help lower your high blood pressure by:

  • Reducing Anxiety
  • Sedating
  • Calming
  • Regulating Heart Beat
  • Lifting Depression
  • Diuretic actionBitter orange on the other hand is not good for high blood pressure because it contains a substance that stimulate the adrenergic receptors. They are involved in the fight-or-flight mechanism and so trigger blood vessels to constrict so that blood can be directed to muscles. So be careful that you are buying the right one.While it serves as an anticoagulant, which means it can prevent or retard the clotting of blood; it is also a stimulant for the circulation, and relaxant for you.

    For those who suffer from arteriosclerosis, it may also be helpful as it is thought to reduce edema (swelling) of the circulatory system which can help cause it.

    Does the flower have any properties that could interest us?

    Yes! Neroli (Citrus vulgaris/aurantium), which is an oil extracted from the orange blossom, acts as an antidepressant, an anti-hypertensive, a sedative, and a stimulant, which is rather strange as they are opposites.

    A well known fact that echoes in the aromatherapist`s world, is that Neroli significantly lowers blood pressure and stress. The IFF (International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.) based in New Jersey, discovered the find in their research.

    A Note of Caution:

    I you suffer from dermatitis or any skin sensitivity beware! This essential oil contains a high percentage of limonene, a mild skin irritant.