The tangerine is an orange-colored citrus fruit which is closely related to the mandarin orange. Taxonomically, it may be named as a subspecies or variety of Citrus reticulata; further work seems to be required to ascertain its correct scientific name. Tangerines are smaller than common oranges and are usually easier to peel and to split into segments. The taste is considered less sour, but sweeter and stronger, than that of an orange.

What can be considered by some to be a good tangerine will be firm to slightly soft, heavy for its size, and pebbly-skinned with no deep grooves, as well as orange in color; Peak tangerine season lasts from autumn to spring. Tangerines are most commonly peeled and eaten out of hand. The fresh fruit is also used in salads, desserts and main dishes. The peel is dried and used in Sichuan cuisine. Fresh tangerine juice and frozen juice concentrate are commonly available in the United States. The number of seeds in each segment (carpel) varies greatly.

A popular alternative to tangerines are Clementine’s, which are sometimes called seedless tangerines and are also a variant of the mandarin orange.

It is a native of China, but was taken to Europe in 1805 and a little later to America, who now is a large producer of this oil. The difference between tangerines and mandarins are the fact that tangerines are harvested around November while mandarins are harvested around February.

Tangerines are also deeper orange in color and do not have pips, while mandarins are more yellow and do have pips. Tangerine oil is soothing to the nervous system and has a tonic effect on the digestive system, while helping flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. It is also useful for the skin and is used to help with stretch marks, increasing circulation and reducing fluid retention.

Benefit & Uses: Spasms may be a small word but its effects may be widespread and highly dangerous. Spasms are not restricted to muscular cramps only. It can happen in the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems and can cause breathing troubles, asthma, congestion, severe coughs, spasmodic diarrhea, cholera, nervous afflictions and convulsions. The essential oil of tangerine induces relaxations in the organ systems named above and gives relief from spasms.

Certain components of this oil stimulate the generation of new cells, or more precisely, cell division, and recycling of the cellular material in the body. This does not only promote general growth within the body, but also helps heal or repair the regular wear and tear and outstanding damage done to the body.

Tangerine essential oil is considered a powerful depurative. It helps in the excretion or removal of toxic and unwanted substances such as uric Acid, pollutants, extra salt and water from the body through sweat, urine and the excretory process, as well as increases the oxygen-retaining capacity of the erythrocytes (red blood cells), thereby refreshing and purifying the blood.

The essential oil of tangerine soothes the body. It soothes all types of inflammation and hyperactivity in the organ systems functioning in the body, namely the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, and excretory systems. It sedates inflammation from fever, intrusion of poisonous substances in the blood stream from external sources, convulsions, anxiety, stress, and hypersensitivity of allergies. It also sedates depression, anger and impulsive responses.

The essential oil of tangerine keeps your stomach in good condition by maintaining the proper flow of digestive juices and maintains the right balance between the acid and bile so that excess acids are neutralized. This also cures wounds, if any, in the stomach. It soothes the stomach and gives relief from inflammation.

 

An agent that tones and fortifies is a tonic and tangerine essential oil has this property. It tones up all the functions in the body. It fine tunes metabolic functions such as decomposition of food and absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach and intestines. It also helps in growth and adds to strength; ensures proper excretion; promotes secretions of the endocrine system and also tones up the nervous system to keep you more alert and active.