Once again there you might like to revisit one of the blogs I wrote over the Advent season last year which focused on the different candles of the Advent Wreath and the quality and essential oils associated with each candle. If you would like to revisit this post you can read the
Third Week In Advent - Joy here.
The oil that is highlighted for Joy is Orange.
Over the years research has been done that shows when orange essential oil is used in stressful situations. One example is the study done by
J Lehrner, Christine Eckersberger, P Walla, G Poetsch, L Deecke, at the Neurological Clinic, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, Available online since December 2000
Ambient odor of orange in a dental office reduces anxiety and improves mood in female patients
Another one is by
Mariana P. Leite, Jaime Fassin Jr, Eliane M F Baziloni, Reinaldo N Almeida, Rita Mattei and
Jose R Leite of Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil,
Behavioral effects of essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. inhalation in rats, Accepted November 2008
Abstract
The orange essential oil (OEO) and its components obtained from Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) has been attracting interest due to its sedative and relaxing actions. In the present study, rats previously exposed to OEO at the concentrations of 1.0%; 2.5% and 5.0%, w/w, by inhalation during 7 minutes in acrylic boxes were evaluated in two anxiety models: elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field. The OEO at the concentration of 2.5% increased both the time of the animals in the open arms of the EPM and the time of active social interaction in the open-field being longer than that of the diazepam group (1.5 mg/kg i.p). In conclusion, the decrease in the level of emotionality of the animals observed in the two experimental models suggests a possible central action, which is in agreement with the phytochemical profile of the oil under study, since it showed the presence of limonene (96.24%) and mircene (2.24%), components with a well-known depressant activity on the central nervous system.
There are several types of Orange Essential Oil available including Sweet Orange and Bitter Orange. It is Bitter Orange that
Dr Berkowsky uses in his
Spiritual PhytoEssencing protocols. He says:
Bitter orange peel oil is a gentle, nurturing tonic which is best described as a balancing oil. Thus, it’s relevant in cases of either SNS/anterior pituitary gland excess or deficiency. By tonifying the SNS, bitter orange peel oil can also be used to counterbalance a state of PNS excess. If we examine some of its ascribed actions, its balancing action upon the SNS can be discerned. Whereas lemon oil is more strongly associated with the venous system, orange oil has greater affinity for the arterial system. As opposed to lemon oil which lowers blood pressure via vasodilation, orange oil elevates blood pressure via vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction is part of the so-called “fight or flight” response associated with the SNS. Also, bitter orange peel stimulates the adrenal medulla which secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline, another important aspect of this response. Whereas lemon stimulates the secretion of insulin, resulting in decreased serum glucose and increased storage and concentration of glucose in the tissues, orange oil stimulates the secretion of glucagon which results in the breakdown of glycogen reserves and the release of glucose into the blood. This is why bitter orange oil is a specific for hypoglycemia.
In her book,
The Fragrant Heavens,
Valerie Ann Worwood says that:
Orange is imbued with the energy of sunlight and the radiance of the stars... At times it may be gentle, at other times it may give the determination to enliven the spiritual sense of being. Orange contains the joy and magnificence of the light of the heavens. Bursting with vitality, it brings happiness to the heavyhearted and to those who seem lost. it bring newness and regeneration....Orange conquers fears of letting go, and obsessions.
Robbi Zeck, in her book
The Blossoming Heart says:
Orange will help you to loosen up and find your sense of humour when you are feeling gloomy and unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you may not even have an explanation for why you feel that way. When you are taking life too seriously and there is a need to lighten up, use Orange to access a bubbling light-heartedness and radiant, inner warmth.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint,
Gabriel Mojay in his book
Aromatherapy, for Healing the Spirit says:
From an energetic perspective, the principal value of sweet orange oil lies in its ability to unblock and circulate stagnant Qi-energy, mainly when it accumulates in the Liver, Stomach and intestines...Sweet orange oil helps to move stagnant Qi and ease tension and frustration. Its warm, sunny, sweet aroma conveys joy and positivity, dispersing the moodiness and irritability that takes hold when Qi-energy stagnates.
For those of you who are still thinking about making aromatic gifts what about some aromatic chocolates? I made up a whole batch over the weekend and they are now all prettily packaged and labeled and ready to gift.
My e-book
Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons has a Chocolate Mint Truffle recipe in it that I shared in the
Origins of Valentines Day Blog, or you could simply melt some cooking chocolate, add your favorite essential oil for flavoring and pour into Christmas Candy Molds. Voila - Aromatic Chocolates!
Always available:
- The self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses. When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight! Perhaps they will be a gift you give yourself this year!
- Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry Home Study Course
- E-Books and DVD
- Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons
- Infant Massage
- Subtle Aromatherapy
- Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac
- The Hawkins Protocol Book
- Aroma Massage DVD
