Mandarin

Citrus reticulata

Other Names : Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis, Citrus madurensis, Citrus unshiu, Citrus deliciosa, European mandarin, true mandarin, tangerine, satsuma
Mandarins are citrus fruits which are also known as Mandarin oranges or Tangerines. However, there is a slight difference. Mandarins are more yellow in color and come with pips, while tangerines are more orange in color and come without pips.
See also :

• Chen Pi
• Tangerine

Special Precautions of Mandarin

• careful storage and avoiding use of oxidized Mandarin Oil to prevent skin sensitization.
• Mandarin Oil is not phototoxic. However, Mandarin Petitgrain Oil from the leaves of Citrus reticulata is phototoxic.

Benefit and uses of Mandarin

• Antiseptic: It protects wounds from becoming septic as well as from other bacterial, fungal or viral infections. It forms a protective covering on the wound and promotes the collection of blood platelets and leucocytes at the affected place, thereby blocking the intrusion of microbes. Furthermore, the oil itself has bactericidal and fungicidal properties and kills them, thereby adding to this protective effect.
• Antispasmodic: A spasm in the respiratory system can make you suffer from breathing troubles, congestion and exhausting coughs while muscular spasm gives cramps and muscle pulls, which are very painful. Spasms in the digestive system (intestines) can cause vomiting and pulling aches in the stomach and intestines while a spasm in the nervous system can result in nervous afflictions and convulsions. There are a number of treatments, but one that is herbal and has no adverse side effects is mandarin essential oil. Just a few drops and the spasm will be cured.
• Circulatory: The oil of mandarin oranges also improves the circulation of blood and lymph, particularly below the skin, which keeps the skin rejuvenated and looking young and vibrant. This improved circulation also creates warmth and provides relief from rheumatism and arthritis. This also aids growth and boosts immunity.
• Depurative: It purifies the blood by helping remove toxic and unwanted substances from the body by means of excretion, including urine, fecal matter and sweat. This prevents diseases that result from the deposition of toxins, such as abscesses, boils, acne, gout, and arthritis.
• Digestive: A few drops of this oil after lunch or dinner facilitates digestion by stimulating the discharge of digestive juices and bile into the stomach. It also increases the appetite.
• Hepatic: This oil is good for the liver as it helps to maintain the proper discharge of bile from it and protects it from infections. It also strengthens the liver and optimizes its functions.
• Nervous Relaxant: Although the oil is a common sedative, its sedating action is more prominent in relaxing and calming nervous afflictions and disturbances. It can calm attacks of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsions. Furthermore, it removes stress and anxiety.
• Cytophylactic: The essential oil of mandarin also promotes the growth of new cells and tissues, thereby helping to speed the healing time of wounds and other signs of wear & tear. This also promotes proper growth of the body.
• Tonic: Mandarin essential oil tones up overall health and boosts the function of the immune system. Being a tonic, it helps in the growth and proper functioning of the body by toning up all the organic systems functioning in it, including the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, circulatory, neurotic, excretory, nervous, and endocrine systems. It also boosts the overall immune system of the body.
• Sedative: The essential oil of mandarin oranges is a reputed sedative for inflammation and nervous disturbances.
• Stomachic: This oil helps maintain the acid and base balance in the stomach and protects it from ulcers and other disorders. It also fights any infections in the stomach.
• relieves stress, cures skin disorders, maintains moisture balance in the skin, treats diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and other such disorders related to digestive and excretory systems, while also diminishing scars, stretch marks, and fat cracks on skin.

References

Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 87,343.