1/3 oz

Citrus sinensis

Certified Organic

Peel, Cold Pressed, South Africa

Orange is a great nervous system sedative and anti-depressant. Orange encourages energy, courage and counteracts the emotion of worry. Perfect for children€™s first aid and great as a room freshener. 

We highly recommend one of our most favorite citrus oils – Bitter Orange. The red is a particularly bright and vivacious oil and a bit sweeter than the Green Bitter Orange. As described by Steffen Arctander, its aroma is “fresh and yet ‘bitter’ in the sense of ‘dry’, but with a rich and lasting, sweet undertone… overall, the odor is distinctly different from that of other citrus oils. It is a different type of freshness, [with] a peculiar floral undertone…”1 It may be for this distinctly different aroma that Bitter Orange seems to be preferred in many high-end perfumes.

The specific evergreen tree that produces the Bitter Orange also provides three other oils – steamed distilled Neroli and solvent extracted Orange Blossom Absolute from the blossoms, and Petitgrain steam distilled from the leaves. And since the 1860s, when nearly all citrus orchards, except for bitter orange trees, were destroyed due to root rot and gum disease, it has been the practice to use the highly resistant root stock of this specific citrus, C. aurantium var. amara, to propagate Lemon, Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, and Bergamot trees.2

Please use this oil on the skin with caution and in low dilution due to the phototoxic effect of some citrus oils.

Aromatic Profile: Tart, fresh orange and yet ‘bitter’ in the sense of ‘dry’ but lightly sweet with soft green notes; sweeter than Green Bitter Orange. Adds an interesting note in natural perfumery.

Appearance: Very pale yellow, transparent, mobile liquid.

Use: Aromatherapy, Natural Perfumery.

Blending Suggestions: Add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.

Blends Well With: Angelica, Caraway, Cinnamon, Cistus, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Labdanum, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Tagetes, Vanilla, Violet Leaf, Ylang Ylang. We also recommend blending the different types of Orange oils we carry to create a unique, complex Orange accord.

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

1 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 480.

2 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, pp. 89, 228.

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.