Originating mainly in South China, Mandarins were introduced to Europe in the early 1800s and were brought from Italy to the United States around 1840-1850. According to Steffen Arctander, the fruit developed into the small, ellipsoidal Mandarin in Europe but in the United States, the fruit remained quite similar to the Chinese Mandarin and was renamedTangerine. Ernest Guenther notes that there is a marked difference in both the flavor and aroma between the two, as well as in the physical properties and chemical compositions, with soil, climate, location, even cultural conditions and considerable hybridization contributing to the differences. Mandarins are also grown in Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Japan, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, and many other countries. For expression of the oil, harvest of the fruit occurs before it reaches maturity, from late October through the end of November, and those harvested later in the season are generally exported or used for consumption.

With its antispasmodic and gentle calming action, Mandarin oil is considered beneficial for digestive issues, such as hiccups, stomach cramps, and indigestion. It is also highly effective for insomnia, restlessness, depression, and excitability. Being considered gentle enough for small children and the elderly, it can also be used effectively in combination with other citrus oils, such as Orange or Neroli oil. Patricia Davis and Jeanne Rose state that Mandarin oil helps prevent stretch marks when combined with either Lavender and/or Neroli oil in a massage formula and used twice daily.