Homemade Bitter Orange Oil Recipes
In this blog post we share some homemade bitter orange essential oil recipes. Bitter orange essential oil is extracted from the peel of the bitter orange fruit, Citrus × aurantium via cold press Read our blog post on bitter orange essential oil health and beauty benefits for more details.
Take advantage of this amazing ingredient with our homemade remedy for joint pain, homemade remedy for cellulite, homemade remedy for tired feet, homemade remedy for varicose veins, homemade natural deodorant, homemade hair mask, homemade air freshener and our homemade sensitive skin cleanser.
You can also learn how to make your own bitter orange essential oil at home with this recipe.
Bitter orange, or Seville orange (as opposed to Valencia orange, a sweet orange named after the famed oranges in València, Spain), bigarade orange, or marmalade orange is a species of Citrus, Citrus × aurantium and its fruit, from the family Rutaceae. It is also known as kijitsu, khatta and Chen–Pi.
Bitter orange essential oil has antiseptic, anti–inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The plant compounds in bitter orange, which are called protoalkaloids, are synephrine, tyramine metabolites N–methyltyramine, pinene, carotenoids, limonene, cymene, camphene, octopamine, ocimene and few other alkaloids.
Before using bitter orange in any form, first read through all the precautions, since this ingredient can cause adverse reactions in some people.
Differences Between Bitter Orange, Neroli and Petitgrain Essential Oils
Bitter orange essential oil is orange–yellow or orange–brown in color and is obtained from the peel of the bitter orange fruit, Citrus × aurantium via cold press. Neroli essential oil is obtained from the flowers of the tree and petitgrain essential oil is obtained from the leaves and twigs of the tree. The scent of bitter orange is fresh, fruity citrus, virtually identical to that of sweet orange, but much more intense, neroli smells much more floral and petitgrain features a warm, somewhat spicy fragrance.
How to Make Bitter Orange Essential Oil
This process must be performed with extreme caution, since bitter oranges can cause allergic dermatitis (an allergic skin reaction) with direct contact. It can be performed at home in a clean kitchen. Making sure to work away from the reach of children.
Ingredients
- Vodka (without any flavors added, it aids in the extraction process)
- Bitter oranges
- A coffee filter or cloth that serves as a strainer
- A pair of latex gloves
- A dark glass container with a tight–fitting lid
Directions
- Before starting, be sure to wear the gloves.
- Peel all the bitter oranges well. Try to remove as much of the pith (white parts) as possible from the outer skin.
- Chop or grind all the remaining outer skin to very small bits (you can use a grater or a food processor).
- Place the orange peel bits in the glass container.
- Fill the glass container with vodka, until about 2 cm (1 in) from the top.
- Seal the container with the lid tightly.
- Shake it for a couple of minutes, at least three times a day, to get the highest oil yield.
- The container should be kept in a sunny place for at least 14 days.
- With the help of the coffee filter or cloth, strain the mixture from the glass container.
- Collect the remaining liquid is in a bowl. Filter again if necessary.
- Transfer filtered liquid from the bowl to a flat and wide plate.
- Cover the plate with cheesecloth and allow to evaporate at room temperature for at least three days.
- Once that the remaining alcohol in the mixture has evaporated only the essential oil of bitter orange will remain.
Homemade Remedy for Joint Pain Relief
Joint pain is uncomfortable and quite common. Bitter orange essential oil has properties that can benefit joint pain.
Ingredients
- 6 drops of bitter orange essential oil
- 6 drops of a carrier oil (such as sweet almond or sesame)
Directions
- Mix and apply to the affected area.
- Massage until oil blend is absorbed.
Homemade Remedy for Cellulite
You can create this oil blend yourself with few ingredients, ideal for cellulite that usually affects women, especially around the thighs.
Ingredients
- 24 drops bitter orange essential oil (use a standard dropper)
- 12 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops juniper essential oil
- 100 ml of sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
- 1 dark glass container with a tight–fitting lid
Directions
- Put all the oils in the glass container and cover it with its lid.
- Shake vigorously until oils are blended well.
How to Use
We recommend that you apply it daily, on clean skin (after a shower or bath) and massage gently and constantly (at least for 10 minutes).
Homemade Remedy for Tired Feet
A hot foot bath is always helpful for soothing aches and pains. Here is a combination that will help you alleviate foot pain caused by shoes or long hours of standing on your feet.
Ingredients
- 12 drops of bitter orange essential oil (homemade or store–bought)
- 2 Tbsp. Epson salts
- Hot water
- Large tub spacious enough to hold your feet
Directions
- In a sauce pan bring water to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes until the water is warm
- Pour water into the tub.
- Add the bitter orange essential oil and the Epson salts.
- Stir the water until everything is well combined.
- Sit somewhere comfortable and soak your feet in the water for 10–15 minutes.
How to Use
We recommend doing this at least once a week.
Note: Make sure the tub is thoroughly washed before using it again.
Homemade Remedy for Varicose Veins
This oil blend will help you with the problem of varicose veins. You can mix the ingredients in a larger batch and store the mixture in a dark glass container with a tight–fitting lid, but it is best that you mix them just before use.
Ingredients
- 4 drops bitter orange essential oil
- 10 ml of avocado oil
Directions
- For a larger batch: Add oils to a glass container (with lid) in a ratio of 1:10 and shake thoroughly to mix ingredients well.
- Otherwise, place both ingredients in the palm of your hands, rub them together to mix the oils very well.
- Apply on the affected areas and massage until oil blend has been absorbed.
How to Use
You should do this once a day every day, or at least every other day.
Note: Avoid sun exposure after using.
Homemade 100% Natural Deodorant
This recipe can be used by both men and women. Especially for people with a tendency to sweat more. This recipe can help you fight body odor in a natural and simple way.
Ingredients
- 60 drops bitter orange essential oil
- 60 drops sage essential oil
- 150 ml of aloe vera gel
- A dark glass roller bottle or container with a tight–fitting lid
Directions
- In the glass container add both essential oils and aloe vera gel.
- Shake vigorously until everything is mixed well.
- Apply to the underarms.
How to Use
This batch should last about two weeks of daily application. We recommend applying it once a day after getting out of the shower. Massage into the skin steadily for at least 30 seconds.
Homemade Remedy Hair Mask
This is a hair mask recipe that is useful for giving hair natural shine and protect it from breakage.
Ingredients
- 15 drops bitter orange essential oil
- 100 ml of sweet almond oil
- ½ cup (4 oz.) of aloe vera gel
- 2 Tbsp. Shea butter
Directions
- Put Shea butter in a bowl in the microwave.
- Heat for 30 seconds until it is melted or softened.
- Add the almond oil and aloe vera.
- Whisk ingredients until everything is mixed well and homogeneous.
- Add the bitter orange essential oil and whisk again.
How to Use
Apply this mixture to hair from the scalp to the tips. After 5 minutes rinse off with plenty of water. After 5 more minutes shampoo your hair as usual.
You can also use this mixture in conjunction with shampoo. Although the above mixture is much more effective when used as a hair mask.
Add 10 drops of this mixture to a bottle of organic shampoo. Shake until everything is combined well. You can use this shampoo whenever you need.
A Zen Air Freshener for Your Home
This recipe is characteristically harmonious with a home environment. Helping uplift mood and stimulate the nervous system. This essential oil permeates spaces with an exquisite aroma, and provides a sense of tranquility and well–being.
Ingredients
- 10 drops bitter orange essential oil
- 10 drops petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops of liquid soap
- 100 ml of distilled or filtered water
- 1–8 oz. spray bottle
Directions
- Pour the water into to the spray bottle.
- Add the liquid soap and both oils.
- Place spray nozzle back in the bottle and shake to mix well.
- Spray in any room of the house (especially the kitchen and bathrooms). Shake well before each use.
How to Use
We recommend using this spray every two days. You can also add other essential oils of your choice to give this air freshener a personal touch.
To Cleanse Sensitive Skin
This simple mixture consists of a blend of oils diluted with your own personal skin cream or lotion. It gently cleanses the skin overnight.
Ingredients
- 2 drops bitter orange essential oil
- 2 drops geranium essential oil
- 20 g of skin cream or lotion (preferably organic, without added chemicals or fragrances)
Directions
- Apply mixture to the face (and also neck) before going to bed.
- Leave on overnight.
- Rinse off the next morning with a wet washcloth or just cool tap water.
Precautions
Like many of essential oils, bitter orange essential oil is often adulterated with sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis), synthetic orange terpenes, fatty aldehydes and esters, which will undermine its therapeutic value.
Bitter orange essential oil is known to be photo–toxic when applied topically to the skin. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for 12 hours after applying bitter orange essential oil to the skin (in the form of massage, lotion or bath).
Bitter orange essential oil is available as a 100% pure essential oil but should not be applied to skin before it is diluted into a carrier oil, ointment, gel or cream form. In any form, bitter orange essential oil should never be used on broken or damaged skin. Do not apply directly to open wounds.
Bitter orange essential oil should only be used for topical application. Never use bitter orange essential oil in eyes or in mucous membranes. Never ingest essential oils. Avoid prolonged use, prolonged use may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Be cautious when combining use of this oil with caffeine, as it can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
Drug Interactions of Bitter Orange
Bitter orange may have serious interactions with drugs such as statins (to lower cholesterol), nifedipines (a calcium channel blocker used to manage angina, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon and premature labor), some anti–anxiety drugs and some antihistamines, in a similar manner to grapefruit–drug interactions.
Furthermore, one 2017 study determined that bitter orange juice contains furanocoumarin, a compound that may cause the same medication interactions as grapefruit juice.
Individuals with severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, and narrow–angle glaucoma and monoamine oxidase inhibitor recipients should avoid bitter orange juice consumption. Persons taking decongestant–containing cold preparations or any a treatment that contains cyclosporine should also refrain from bitter orange juice intake. It’s unclear whether bitter orange supplements pose the same risks.
Contraindications
Topical use of bitter orange essential oil is not safe for people with hypersensitive skin, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety information. Bitter orange essential oil can induce premature labor due to the simulating effects. Bitter orange essential oil may be used safely by pregnant or breastfeeding women strictly for aromatherapy in a diffuser, with a recommended dose of no more than 4 drops with a little water and only for 15 minutes at a time with very long breaks in between.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, do not use bitter orange essential oil on children. Some brands clearly label their essential oils “KidSafe” on the bottle if it can be used on children ages 2–10.
When applying bitter orange essential oil topically (on your skin), always perform a 24–hour skin patch test first using 1–2 drops, read how for further details. Wear gloves if handling this essential oil in its pure form as direct contact may cause allergic dermatitis (an allergic reaction of the skin). Only use bitter orange essential oil in diluted form. Use almond or grapeseed as a carrier oil for dilution.
Use only 100% authentic oils. Bitter orange essential oil can have a long shelf life if stored properly in tightly–sealed dark glass containers. Keep in a cool and dry place, such as a dresser drawer or kitchen cabinet. Keep away from extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Bitter orange essential oil products come with expiration dates. Bitter orange essential oil’s freshness can be difficult to preserve. Preservation with olive oil is possible in a ratio of 1:10. Good quality bitter orange essential oil is orange–yellow to green–yellow in color and thin in consistency.
Manufacturer’s advice against using bitter orange essential oil products beyond this date. Any bitter orange essential oil product whose use–by date has passed, should be discarded. Signs that it has expired includes changes in scent, texture and color. If you are interested in trying bitter orange essential oil, be sure to choose a product that is 100% pure and organic. Bitter orange essential oil can be found online.
Sources:
Bitter orange
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_orange
Bitter Orange Essential Oil: Contraindications, Benefits And Uses
https://bodycarre.com/bitter-orange-essential-oil/
1 YEAR AGO READ BY KATHIE SAND