Zest for Life

Zest for Life

Introducing the beautiful Tangerine Essential Oil (Citrus reticulata)
 

 
Tangerine is a type of citrus tree. The essential oil (eo) is cold press extracted from the fruit peel and is the second most widely cultivated citrus in the world. The tangerine is a hybrid variety of mandarin which makes it one of the sweetest of the citrus oils, making it a wonderful addition to recipes.  
 
dōTERRA sources this essential oil from Brazil and it takes 2.7 kilograms of peel to produce one 15mL bottle of essential oil. Like the essential oil chemistry of other citrus, Tangerine contains high levels of the monoterpene, limonene which are known for their ability to have stimulating and enhancing effects on mood. Limonene is also known for its cleansing and purifying properties, which makes it helpful for cleansing surfaces around the home. 
 
Tangerine differs from other citrus essential oils, as it has a more diverse makeup which includes significant amounts of alpha-pinene, myrcene and even linalool. These are rare qualities that allow it to be both uplifting and cleansing yet calming all at the same time! Clever. 
 
This makes it a wonderful addition to the diffuser at bedtime if you've had a rough day and feel like washing away the stress of the day whilst uplifting and feeling more chilled. Maybe add a couple of drops of cedarwood, vetiver and lavender to the diffuser as well to round out a powerful sleep blend for support through the night.

Researchers at Columbia University and Baylor University recently completed a study examining the mechanisms by which the constituents alpha-pinene and limonene were likely responsible for immune modulation and the subsequent improved cellular health.  (1 )Alpha-pinene and limonene increased the expression of genes involving t-cells. T-cells are key players in the immune system; they travel through the body searching for damaged or irregular cells. Once found, T-cells induce programmed cellular death (called apoptosis) in these damaged cells. 
 
Other essential oils, such as Frankincense, Cypress, and Rosemary also contain alpha-pinene and limonene. This preliminary research suggests that adding a drop of any of these essential oils to your daily regimen may promote cellular wellness.
 
Myrcene is an aromatic volatile compound that is used as a flavour ingredient in the food industry and a fragrance in the soap and detergent industry. Scientists investigated the protective effects of myrcene in UVB-irradiated skin cells (human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Their data indicated that myrcene had a potential protective effect on UVB-induced human skin photo-aging and suggested it might have applications in the skincare industry.  (2) As with all citrus essential oils, it is best to avoid sunlight and UV rays for at least 12 hours after application. 
 
So add a couple of drops to your favourite skin moisturiser and apply well before exposing skin to the sun. Always spot test on a sensitive skin area first. Our bodies, environment, diet, stress are ever-changing and we can be more sensitive sometimes.
 
Linalool is a monoterpene compound, commonly found as a major component of essential oils of several aromatic species, many of which are used traditionally as sedatives, insect repellent, such as an ingredient used in flea dips for dogs and cats and so much more. (3) A wonderful calming addition to this zesty essential oil.
 
 
You can also benefit from Tangerine in some of the dōTERRA Blends, including Elevation®, Citrus Bliss®, and Zendocrine®.
 
Here are some of the ways I use these blends at home:

• I apply Elevation® topically directly to the heart when I need extra support from some bad news or just feel like extra support during rough times. 
• I love to diffuse the Citrus Bliss® on its own or with some Frankincense before my boys are home from school. It is a great blend to have all the family feeling light and bubbly and their "antsy pants, school worries" able to be washed away. 
• Zendocrine® is a wonderful support to the body, especially the liver, which is a detoxification organ. Apply with a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil topically over the abdomen or add to a slice of citrus and pop it in your water, for a refreshing taste to consume throughout the day.

 
Uses:
Add 1-2 drops as a flavouring in cake and cookie recipes.
Add 1-2 drops to water, smoothies or teas for a citrus flavour.
Diffuse 3-4 drops for an energising and uplifting aroma throughout your home. Blends well with Frankincense, Lime, Clove, Ylang Ylang and Eucalyptus essential oils.
 
Directions for Use:
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
Food flavour use: Add 1 or 2 drops to food.
 
Check out some great uses and food recipes here.
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-tangerine-oil
 

 
 
<sup>References:
1. Moayedi Y, Greenberg SA, Jenkins BA, et al. Camphor white oil induces tumor regression through cytotoxic T cell-dependent mechanisms. Mol Carcinog. 2018 Dec 23. doi: 10.1002/mc.22965. [Epub ahead of print]
2. Hwang E, Ngo HTT, Park B et al. Myrcene, An Aromatic Volatile Compound, Ameliorates Human Skin Extrinsic Aging via Regulation of MMPs Production. Am J Chin Med. 2017 Jun 28:1-12. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X17500604
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/linalool</sup>