Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin is a wonderfully uplifting oil that can relieve stress, tension and feelings of depression added to that it can boost the digestive system, reduce water retention and increase circulation.
Mandarin is a gentle oil that is particularly beneficial for the elderly and people who feel frail or are recovering from illness. It’s also effective for improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks and for helping to prevent stretch marks from forming.
BENEFITS
Mandarin essential oil has the following healing properties:
Cholagogue, Anti-spasmodic, Diaphoretic, Detoxification, Diuretic, Cytophylactic, Emollient, Sedative and Tonic properties.
Digestive system – Mandarin can boost the digestion due to its cholagogue properties , its anti-spasmodic properties help to relieve wind and hiccups.
Water retention and circulation – Mandarin can be used to relieve water retention and improve circulation.
Stretch marks and scars – Mandarin can be used to prevent stretch marks and improve the appearance of existing stretch marks, scars and burns due to its cytophylactic and emollient properties.
Stress and depression – Mandarin can help to relieve stress and tension, it’s an uplifting oil that can refresh the mind and relieve symptoms of depression thanks to its sedative and tonic properties.
Liver - Mandarin can stimulate the liver and will break down fatty substances and promote bile due to its cholagogue properties.
Premenstrual tension – Mandarin is known for easing premenstrual tension due to its anti-spasmodic and sedative properties.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together some oils can overpower other oils. Mandarin goes particularly well with oils such as:
Bergamot
Cinnamon
Clary sage
Clove bud
Frankincense
Lavender
Nutmeg
Neroli
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Mandarin essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Mandarin essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in relieving feelings of depression, stress and tension. It’s an uplifting oil that has a fresh citrus scent perfect for creating an uplifting atmosphere.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of Mandarin essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
Mandarin essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve menstrual pains and digestive issues , it can increase circulation to the skin and help prevent stretch marks and improve the appearance of existing scars and stretch marks. As the oils disperse into the air it can relieve stress and tension in both the body and mind and relieve feelings of depression
Add 1 - 3 drops of Mandarin essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles. Mandarin is a great oil to use in massage to boost circulation to the skin and also help prevent stretch marks and improve the appearance of existing scars and stretch marks. The aroma of the oil can relieve stress and tension in both the body and mind and relieve feelings of depression.
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
CREAM
Adding a few drops of Mandarin to a base cream can create a fresh smelling stretch mark prevention cream which can be used to prevent stretch marks and reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, scars and burns. It can also help increase circulation and reduce fluid retention.
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base cream.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
As with all citrus oils you should avoid exposure to the sun or using a sunbed for about 12 hours after using Mandarin as it can cause skin pigmentation problems.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room for example Mandarine is one such oil.