1/3 oz

Citrus reticulata

Non-sprayed

Peel, Cold Pressed, South Africa

Mandarin has a sweet fragrance that is calming to children and elderly, and is soothing massage oil that is safe for pregnancy. It is useful for preventing stretch marks for girls as they develop and can help with cellulite and excess fluid. It can also be used for digestion and muscle spasms. Mandarin is phototoxic and has a shorter shelf life.

Our Red Mandarin is perhaps the sweetest of our three mandarin essential oils, although our Yellow Mandarin is also sweeter than our Green Mandarin. It has a smooth, sweet-tart citrus aroma typical of mandarin with a slight floral undertone. Recommended for both aromatherapeutic and perfumery applications (e.g., in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and colognes).

Mandarin oil is considered beneficial for the digestive system and has a soothing effect on children and the elderly, especially when used in combination with other citrus oils such as orange or neroli essential oil.1,2 For information regarding mandarin’s many aromatherapeutic attributes, please see:

Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd ed., by Shirley and Len Price, 1999, p. 322.

Medical Aromatherapy – Healing with Essential Oils, by Kurt Schnaubelt, 1999, p. 185.

Aromatherapy – An A-Z, by Patricia Davis,1988, p. 199.

The Aromatherapy Book – Applications and Inhalations, by Jeanne Rose, 1992, p. 114.

Originating mainly in south China, mandarins were introduced to Europe in the early 1800s3 and were brought from Italy to the United States about 1840-50.4 According to Steffen Arctander, the fruit developed into the small, ellipsoidal mandarin in Europe but in the United States, the fruit remained quite similar to the Chinese mandarin and was renamed tangerine.5 Guenther notes that there is a marked difference in both the flavor and aroma between the two, as well as the physical properties and chemical compositions, with soil, climate, location, even cultural conditions and considerable hybridization contributing to the differences.6 Mandarins are also grown in Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Japan, Egypt, Iran, Morocco and many other countries.7 For expression of the oil, harvest of the fruit before reaching maturity occurs from late October through the end of November, and those harvested later in the season are generally for export or consumption.8

Aromatic Profile: Smooth, sweet-tart citrus aroma typical of mandarin with a slight floral undertone.

Appearance: Medium yellow/orange, clear, transparent mobile liquid.

Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery.

Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.

Blends Well With: Basil, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Safety Considerations: Photosensitizing. Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.

1 Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy – An A-Z, 1988, p. 199.

2 Schnaubelt, Kurt. Medical Aromatherapy – Healing with Essential Oils, 1999, p. 185.

3 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 394.

4 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, p. 336.

5 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 395.

6 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, p. 335.

7 Wikipedia, Citrus reticulata.

8 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, pp. 336-7.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Holistic Pathways as to the medicinal value of any products from Holistic Pathways. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.