Red mandarin essential oil: the gentle side of citrus fruit

For many of us, mandarins taste of winter evenings: a bowl of fruit on the table, fingers that smell of peel, a room slowly filling with a sweet fragrance. Red mandarin essential oil captures exactly that feeling. It is one of the gentlest oils in the citrus family.

What is red mandarin?

The mandarin tree, Citrus reticulata, is a small tree of the rue family, native to East Asia and grown in China for a very long time. As with most citrus fruits, its essential oil is not distilled: it is obtained by cold-pressing the peel, squeezing the rind to release the tiny pockets of essence. It is called «red» mandarin when the fruit is harvested fully ripe; fruit picked earlier gives «green» mandarin, with a tangier scent.

According to the product sheet, our red mandarin essential oil has a soft, fruity scent. The item Red mandarin (Citrus reticulata) clearly states the species, and the organic 10 ml version is described as relaxing and fruity. To see where citrus oils fit among the others, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion, to create a soft, relaxing atmosphere.

• In the evening, with the family: a few drops in the diffuser for about twenty minutes, then switch off and air the room.
• In blends: mandarin rounds off livelier oils. With a woody or spicy oil it brings the festive season to mind; with lavender it turns more floral.
• In living spaces: its light scent suits a living or dining room, where you do not want an overpowering smell.

Storing citrus oils properly

Citrus oils are more sensitive to air and light than many other essential oils. Close the bottle straight after use, keep it cool and dark, and use it without waiting too long. If the scent turns dull or sour, stop using it.

Precautions

Gentle, but not trivial. Like any essential oil, red mandarin must not be swallowed or applied neat to the skin. As a precaution, as with other citrus oils, avoid sun exposure after applying it to the skin, even diluted. Avoid contact with the eyes. Seek advice before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child or if you are under medical care. Keep the bottle out of children's reach.

Our products

• Red mandarin EO – soft, fruity scent.
• Organic red mandarin EO, 10 ml – organic version, relaxing and fruity.
• Red mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – see the documentation tab on the product sheet.

Final word

If you are looking for a first essential oil to diffuse, red mandarin is a reassuring choice: a familiar, rounded scent that almost everyone enjoys. Come and smell it at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains; we will help you choose between our products and dream up your first blends.