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Can Eating Oranges in the Shower Reduce Anxiety?
Can Eating Oranges in the Shower Reduce Anxiety?
Author(s): Wybee A. Baker, Kelly A. Patterson, Atar M. MacCurtin, Amisha Kalakheti
Author(s): Wybee A. Baker, Kelly A. Patterson, Atar M. MacCurtin, Amisha Kalakheti
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Claim: Our big question ponders a new trend circulating social media claiming that eating oranges in the shower can reduce anxiety. Is this true? Is it not true? To be fair the answer is subjective, but most sources speculate if the act of eating an orange in the shower by itself reduces anxiety. However, it is stated that oranges and showers do have anxiety relieving properties, and the combination of the two may prove to show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms.
Claim: Our big question ponders a new trend circulating social media claiming that eating oranges in the shower can reduce anxiety. Is this true? Is it not true? To be fair the answer is subjective, but most sources speculate if the act of eating an orange in the shower by itself reduces anxiety. However, it is stated that oranges and showers do have anxiety relieving properties, and the combination of the two may prove to show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms.
Introduction
Introduction
Oranges and showers, who would have thought to combine them? As strange as it is, this odd pair may surprise you with some relaxing and relieving effects on stress and anxiety symptoms. Though most research has primarily been experimental, curiosity on the subject has begun to take shape, making its rounds on social platforms and media. Does eating a orange in the shower really release the tension of a stressful day, or is it simply the enlightening aroma of the oranges citrus charm? Perhaps even the warmth of the shower makes it all that much more pleasant. Promising studies have attempted to unravel the mysteries of this trend, and maybe they have.
Oranges and showers, who would have thought to combine them? As strange as it is, this odd pair may surprise you with some relaxing and relieving effects on stress and anxiety symptoms. Though most research has primarily been experimental, curiosity on the subject has begun to take shape, making its rounds on social platforms and media. Does eating a orange in the shower really release the tension of a stressful day, or is it simply the enlightening aroma of the oranges citrus charm? Perhaps even the warmth of the shower makes it all that much more pleasant. Promising studies have attempted to unravel the mysteries of this trend, and maybe they have.
Quick Questions
Quick Questions
Q: Is eating an orange in the shower a clinically proven treatment for anxiety disorders?
A: No
Q: Is the calming effect from this trend supported by strong scientific evidence?
A: No
Q: Can pleasant smells, like the citrus scent from an orange, help some people feel more relaxed?
A: Yes
Where is the Truth?
Where is the Truth?
Research clearly shows that citrus aromas - especially from oranges - can reduce anxiety by lowering cortisol, heart rate, and stress responses, but no scientific studies directly test the act of eating an orange in the shower. The calming effects found in aromatherapy studies come from compounds like limonene in orange peels, which interact with brain systems that regulate stress, and warm steam could realistically amplify these scents during a shower. Still, evidence for the trend comes mostly from personal reports and online popularity rather than controlled trials, and correlations between citrus consumption and improved mood do not prove a causal effect. Overall, the truth is that citrus scent and the sensory comfort of a warm shower can plausibly help people feel more relaxed, but the specific claim remains unproven and relies more on anecdotal experience than scientific confirmation.
Thoughts of a Professional
Thoughts of a Professional
Experts in aromatherapy and psychophysiology generally agree that citrus essential oils, particularly orange, have measurable calming effects. According to clinical aromatherapy research, compounds like limonene can reduce anxiety by influencing neurotransmitter systems such as GABA, dopamine, and adenosine pathways. Professionals emphasize that these effects are most supported when the citrus is inhaled, not eaten, and usually in the form of essential oils rather than whole fruit. A clinician might say that while the “shower orange” trend is not scientifically validated, the sensory components involved - warm steam, strong citrus aroma, and grounding ritual - could combine to create a legitimate short-term stress-relieving experience. Experts also note that many self-soothing habits work because of sensory engagement and mindfulness, meaning that even without direct evidence, the psychological mechanism is plausible.
Context and Background
Context and Background
The idea that eating an orange in the shower can reduce anxiety emerged from social media platforms like TikTok, where users began sharing sensory-based self-care routines. Although the trend appears lighthearted, it links to a broader body of scientific literature on citrus aromatherapy. Studies show that inhaling sweet orange or bitter orange essential oils can lower anxiety, reduce cortisol levels, and prevent stress-related physiological responses. Research also identifies limonene in citrus peels as a key active component with anxiolytic effects in animals and humans. While none of these studies examine eating fruit specifically in a shower, they help explain why users might perceive the activity as calming: warm steam intensifies citrus scent, showers already reduce physiological arousal, and combining sensory inputs can create a grounding ritual. The trend’s popularity reflects growing interest in simple, accessible mental wellness practices—especially those shared online.
Analysis
Analysis
Based on the available research, the claim that eating an orange in the shower reduces anxiety is plausible but not scientifically proven. Strong evidence supports that citrus aroma has calming effects, but these findings come from studies using essential oils, controlled inhalation methods, or clinical settings - not from eating fresh fruit. The shower environment might mimic aspects of aromatherapy by enhancing scent release, which could contribute to stress reduction. However, the role of actually consuming the orange is unclear, since correlations between citrus intake and improved mood do not establish a direct causal link. Additionally, the emotional benefits many people report may be influenced by placebo effects, novelty, or the grounding nature of engaging multiple senses at once. In sum, the experience likely feels relaxing for real psychological reasons, but there is insufficient evidence to claim that the “shower orange” practice has a direct, measurable impact on anxiety.
See Our Sources & How We Did It:
See Our Sources & How We Did It:
www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/can-an-orange-a-day-keep-depression-away?.com
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590098625000119?.com
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