The preserve, marmalade, came from the small, bitter fruit known as the Seville orange, which differs from the familiar edible, sweet orange Citrus sinensis that all of us know well. Citrus aurantia has dark, shiny green oval leaves that are pale beneath; the smooth grey-green branches have long blunt spines and the small white flowers are highly fragrant. The plant has become a symbol of both innocence and fertility. The Crusaders brought it back to Europe with them from North Africa and early missionaries introduced it into California. The United States is now one of the main producers of this oil. Because the oil oxidizes very quickly it cannot be kept for very long.
Applications and Effects
- Mellow, warming, and soothing. Has similar properties to neroli and can be used in similar conditions.
- Skin: Dull and oily complexions, mouth ulcers.
- Circulatory, muscular systems: Muscular aches and pains, water retention, detoxifying.
- Respiratory system: Bronchitis, chills.
- Digestive system: Constipation, colic, indigestion (aids digestion of fats), diarrhoea, stimulates appetite.
- Immune system: Colds, ‘flu, fevers.
- Nervous system: Nervous tension, insomnia due to anxiety.
- Mental/emotional effects: Lifts gloomy thoughts and depression and encourages a positive outlook. Useful for replenishing cheerfulness. Revives the spirit when it is lacking in energy and relieves boredom. Quells “butterflies” in the stomach.
Precautions
Generally safe to use, although like other citrus oils it increases the photosensitivity of the skin and can cause irritation under ultraviolet light, particularly from the sun. Occasionally causes dermatitis.