For many of us, the smell of Christmas starts with an orange. Peeled by the fire, studded with cloves or tucked into the toe of a stocking, it's one of those scents that brings back memories in a single breath.
Where it comes from
Sweet orange essential oil comes from the peel of the orange tree, Citrus sinensis. The tree is thought to have originated in southern China and Southeast Asia, and travelled west along trade routes centuries ago. Today most of the world's oranges are grown in Brazil and the United States.
How it's made
Unlike most essential oils, which are steam distilled, sweet orange oil is cold pressed. The peel is pressed to release the oil held in tiny pockets in the skin, the same oil you feel misting your fingers when you peel an orange. Because it comes straight from the fruit, it smells fresh and true, just like the orange itself.
How it makes you feel
Sweet orange is bright, warm and uplifting. It's often used to lift the mood on dark winter days and to bring a cheerful, welcoming feel to a room. It's also one of the most loved oils in our workshops, because almost everyone finds it comforting.
A festive diffuser blend to try
Add these to your diffuser with water, following your diffuser's instructions:
- 4 drops sweet orange
- 1 drop nutmeg
- 1 drop clove
It's a softer cousin of our Christmas Spice blend, and lovely while you're wrapping presents.
A note on safety: essential oils are highly concentrated. Don't apply them directly to skin, keep them away from children and pets, and store citrus oils somewhere cool and dark, as they lose their freshness over time.
Bring it home
Sweet orange is at the heart of two of our signature scents: Christmas Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet orange, vanilla and clove) and Festive Citrus (mandarin, sweet orange and May Chang). You can make a candle in either with our Christmas Soy Candle Making Kit, or top up your workshop candle with a refill kit.
Planning something for your team this Christmas? Have a look at our corporate workshops.