Orange Peel Oil Uses for Any Occasion

Orange peels are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into more than just your trash can or compost pile. When you turn the protective rind into an oil, you can use it for cleaning supplies, beauty treatments, and aromatherapy, just to name a few options.

Orange peel oil uses are often only limited by your own creativity and willingness to experiment. Get started here.

How to Make Orange Peel Oil

Before discussing the many orange peel oil uses, lets breakdown how to make it: The first step is peeling several oranges (keep the pith and the peel) and let the peels dry on a paper towel in direct sunlight, which may take several days. Once the peels are completely dried out, grind them in a food processor. Place the ground peels in a jar, and pour in vodka (just enough to cover the grounds). Shake vigorously and let sit for several days, continuing to shake the jar multiple times each day.

After about a week, use a cheesecloth to strain the mixture and save the liquid in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with a breathable cloth, and let it sit for a few more days until the remaining alcohol is completely evaporated.

Now that you have your homemade orange peel oil, you’re ready to start incorporating it into a variety of uses. If you instead prefer purchasing orange peel oil, it can be found at health stores and online retailers.

Wellness and Comfort

If you’re simply looking to feel better, orange peel oil is a great home remedy for many things that ail you. It has historically been used as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, diuretic, and soothing tonic. Check with your doctor before adding orange peel oil into your regimen, though, as consuming too much can potentially make you nauseous.

To boost your mood with the bright scent of citrus, use orange peel oil in a homemade diffuser. Combine ¼ cup mineral oil with two tablespoons vodka, and add one tablespoon of orange peel oil. Stir well, place in a jar, add reeds, and enjoy a fresh fragrance each and every day.

Around the House

DIY-household cleaners are a terrific way to keep your home tidy without introducing harsh chemicals into your living space. The SFGate shares a simple vinegar and orange peel oil cleaner that is safe and effective to use around your house. Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb. orange peels
• 1 gallon distilled white vinegar
• 1 gallon bucket

Place the orange peels into the bucket, and cover them with vinegar until they’re completely submerged. Place the bucket in a cool spot for two weeks, stirring once a day to be sure that everything is mixing together. After two weeks, strain the liquid from the orange peels using a colander. Fill a spray bottle for everyday use, and store the rest in a resealable gallon container for refills.

Beauty Benefits

Orange peel oil is a wide-reaching ingredient that has been used in a variety of beauty treatments. Everything from cleansing masks to skin-brightening pastes to orange zest sugar scrubs can be created with a few drops of orange peel oil.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy orange oil benefits is by using it as a morning face cleanser. Combine ¼ cup of coconut milk with 1 teaspoon of organic honey, and add a few drops of orange peel oil. This skin wash is bright and soothing, perfect to freshen up your morning routine. Be sure to test a bit on your wrist before applying to your face, as orange oil can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin.

Pest Control

Perhaps the most surprising use of orange peel oil is as a means for pest control. While its bright, citrusy scent is delightful to human noses, it’s a natural repellent to ants. D-limonen, which is found in citrus oils, is toxic to ants and is also useful in masking their scent trails. If you have unwanted ants in your home, simply wet a cotton ball with orange peel oil and wipe it across your baseboards (and any other area you find that serves as a entryway for the insects). Repeat every other day until the problem is resolved.

Orange peel oil uses truly span the spectrum of DIY projects. Whether you’re looking for an effective beauty mask or a toxin-free way to rid your home of pests, orange peel oil is a trusted source to get the job done naturally and effectively.

What are some of your favorite uses for essential oils? Hit us up on Twitter with your go-to recipes and tag #GoodMatters!

Image sources: Public Domain Pictures | Wikimedia Commons | Flickr

This article was brought to you by Tom’s of Maine. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of Tom’s of Maine.