It was once said that oranges represent generosity and gratitude. Once called "golden apples," oranges also symbolized innocence and fertility. Historically, oranges have been used to treat
palpitations, scurvy, jaundice, bleeding, heartburn, and diarrhea.

The orange tree is an evergreen, growing up to 33 feet tall. It has dark green, glossy, oval leaves, with sharp spines. Fragrant with white flowers, the orange tree is known for its resistance to disease, and is often used as rootstock for other citrus trees. The essential oil of the orange is produced by cold expression from the outer peel of the almost ripe fruit. The leaves are used for the production of petigrain oil; the blossom for neroli oil. The oil is a dark yellow liquid with a fresh floral scent.

Orange is used in certain stomachic, laxative, and carminative preparations. It is used extensively as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and colognes. Orange's properties have been claimed to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, choleric, fungicidal, sedative (mild), stomachic, and tonic. This oil may help with appetite, bones, colds, colic, dermatitis, digestive system, fever, flu, mouth ulcers, muscle soreness, sedation, tissue repair, water retention, and wrinkles. Native to the Far East, especially India and China, it has become well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It also grows abundantly in the USA, Israel, and South America.

Chemical constituents are monoterpenes, limonene, terpinolene, esters, aldehydes, and coumarines. Safety Data: PHOTOTOXIC. Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after use. Limonene has been reported to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.