Mandarin oil is a useful remedy for many digestive complaints and can be used on babies because of its gentle properties.
Bright and cheerful, the delicate, sweet, tangy aroma of mandarin is refreshing and uplifting. Mandarin essential oil, expressed from the peel of mandarin fruit, has a range of gentle therapeutic properties. Its soft citrus scent is mild enough for babies and children and can be used throughout pregnancy.
Mandarin’s primary action is as a tonic that aids the digestive process. It stimulates the appetite and the liver, helping to regulate digestion and the breakdown of fat. It has proved useful for soothing stomach cramps, morning sickness and indigestion. Used as part of a detoxifying programme, it reduces fluid retention and purifies the body.
Mandarin oil is a very effective treatment for scars and stretch marks, especially when combined with neroli and lavender. Its astringent action helps to clear congested and oily complexions and can be used to increase the firmness of loose skin.
Mandarin oil has a soothing effect on the digestive system. The oil is particularly good for treating insomnia, nervousness and stress.
Active ingredients that mandarin oil contains are:
Monoterpenes: The monoterpene limonene gives mandarin stimulating, antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. High concentrations of monoterpenes make the oil prone to oxidation. Purchase mandarin oil in small quantities and use within six months.
Aldehydes: Mandarin contains Citral and citronellal.
Alcohols: The alcohol geraniol is responsible for the oil’s uplifting qualities.
Traditionally offered as a token of respect in ancient China, mandarin and its associated oil can be used in a range of treatments for many conditions.
Mandarin’s astringent action is beneficial on oil, congested skin. It tones loose skin and can be used to heal scars and damaged tissue.
Use the following facial massage blend to ease oily skin:
4 drops mandarin oil
4 drops cypress oil
3 drops juniper oil
20ml jojoba carrier oil
The mandarin and juniper will help tone congested skin and the cypress helps balance sebum production.
Mandarin gel or massage oil can also help to firm skin after weight loss, especially if mixed with frankincense oil and rubbed into the buttocks.
The following blend promoted cellular regeneration and the wheatgerm base oil nourished new tissue making it ideal for healing scars and reducing stretch marks:
2 drops each of mandarin oil, lavender oil and neroli oil and 5ml of wheatgerm carrier oil.
Children adore mandarin oil’s sweet aroma. Use it to calm them and for any tummy upsets.
Calm a fretful baby with the following blend:
5 drops mandarin oil
2 drops chamomile oil
30ml sweet almond oil
Massage the oil into the soles of the feet until the baby is soothed.
Relieve the discomfort of constipation in young children by massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction using these oils:
5 drops mandarin oil
5 drops geranium oil
15ml sweet almond oil
The geranium works synergistically with mandarin to stimulate congested digestion.
Calm and soothe an overactive toddler into a restful night’s sleep by relaxing them in a warm bath infused with the following blend just before bedtime:
3 drops mandarin oil
3 drops lavender oil
Mandarin’s cheerful aroma is refreshing and calming.
For an invigorating shower blend use:
4 drops mandarin
2 drops bergamot
2 drops peppermint
20ml shower gel
If you suffer from insomnia, add the following blend to an evening bath or vaporizer:
5 drops mandarin
5 drops lavender
Encourage positive thoughts with this vaporizer blend:
6 drops mandarin
3 drops hyssop
1-2 drops thyme
To cure persistent hiccups, massage the abdomen with 5 drops of mandarin oil, 4 drops of basil oil and w drops of cardamom oil blended in a carrier oil,
To counter embarrassing flatulence, massage the abdomen with 25ml of carrier oil containing 5 drops of mandarin, 4 drops of nutmeg and 2 drops of peppermint. This will relieve any uncomfortable trapped wind.
Aid digestion after illness by adding 4 drops each of mandarin and lavender oil and 2 drops of chamomile oil to a morning bath.
The mandarin tree takes its name from the Mandarins who ruled ancient China. The fruit was presented at their court as a token of respect for these oriental majesties. The fruit is now grown throughout the Mediterranean.
Mandarin is a symbol of good luck and it still plays a part in the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
When the mandarin was introduced to Europe, it soon became associated with Christmas. Burning your mandarin oil in a vaporizer can help to create a yuletide atmosphere. By the last 19th century the mandarin was a popular sticking filler, representing the Sun. It remains a symbol of cheerfulness and of the inner child within us all.
