This or That: Sweet, Bitter, or Blood Orange

There are a lot of different essential oils to choose from, and each one has its own unique benefits. Why should you pick orange as an essential oil to add to your life? Here are three key reasons:

1. Orange oil is relaxing and refreshing. If you need a pick-me-up, just diffuse or inhale some orange oil and you'll be ready to go!
2. It's great for combating stress. When you're feeling overwhelmed, just apply a little orange oil diluted with a carrier oil to your neck or temples and let it work its magic.
3. Orange oil is wonderful for boosting your mood. If you're feeling down, diffusing or inhaling orange oil can help brighten your day.

So, if you're looking for an essential oil that can promote happiness, peace of mind, healing, and relaxation, then look no further than orange oil! Let's take a moment to discuss the three orange essential oils Amrita carries.

What are the Main Differences Between the Oranges?

Sweet Orange is the most recognized and popular fruit of the three. This fruit has a sweet pulp with non-bitter membranes. It takes a lot more peels to make this essential oil because of how thin the peel is, making the pulp much sweeter.

Bitter Orange is a cross between the sweetness of a Sweet Orange and the bitterness of a Grapefruit. This fruit is not eaten like typical orange, but instead used to make a delicious marmalade because of the tartness.

Blood Orange is the darkest of the three with a red interior fruit. When the fruit is darker, it tends to be sweeter and fruitier. This pigment is called anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant. That is something rare for a member of the citrus family.

Myths and Lore Behind These Oranges

Sweet Orange was used as a folk remedy for healing a variety of concerns such as colds, skin infections, and muscle spasms.* In China, the Sweet Orange was believed to be a symbol of good fortune.* This is why it was used as a traditional offering and gift to friends and family.* Today, this tradition is still a popular gift among several countries and cultures.*

Bitter Orange was a traditional medicine in China for digestive issues and skincare.* Many doctors used a dried peel in their treatments for concerns like colds, coughs, and digestive spasms.* However, they would use the rind for a tonic to remedy issues like acne.*

Blood Orange was used by Chinese doctors for centuries for scurvy, jaundice, bleeding, and indigestion.* However, in the rest of the world, this orange wasn’t used therapeutically because it was considered rare and expensive. Today, Blood Orange is known for being used in food and liquors as flavoring because of its fruitier and sweeter aroma.

Why Would You Select One Orange Over Another? (Therapeutically Speaking Only)

Sweet Orange is an iconic bright, cheerful fruit, which uplifts and soothes your spirit.* Known for easing fear of the unknown and relaxing a tense mind, Sweet Orange is the perfect way to boost your day.* Let Sweet Orange aid a sluggish digestion and help stimulate sluggish lymph nodes.*

Bitter Orange is promoted in a variety of products for concerns like heartburn, nasal congestion, and weight loss.* This is due to its cleansing, stimulating, and toning properties.* When you stimulate the lymphatic system, it can make your body detoxify quicker, decreasing cellulite and edema.*

Blood Orange has a slightly sweet and rich undertone to help ground and calm you.* This helps support happier moods and emotions.* When it is used in massage, it can also help improve a sluggish digestive system by boosting the gallbladder.* This can reduce bile flow, making you feel less constipated.*

Fun Diffuser Recipes for You to Try at Home and the Office

Final thoughts from Dr. Streicher and the team

While each orange essential oil is slightly different, the main point remains: Orange can help you in a huge variety of ways. Have fun trying each of them!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.