Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Bitter orange

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium Rutaceae)


Other Names: Sour Orange, Bigarade Orange, Marmalade Orange

Native to India, this evergreen tree is now cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. It can grow up to 10 meters tall, with shiny, firm, dark green leaves that have winged petioles. Clusters of sweet-scented white flowers appear where the leaf stalks join the stem. The fruits, smaller than sweet oranges, have a bitter taste.


Parts for Use

Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit Peel

  1. Bitter-tasting leaves are harvested and dried outdoors for use in infusions.
  2. Strongly scented flowers are picked in the morning before fully opening, then dried in the shade for use in orange flower water.
  3. The peel, with a strong odor and bitter taste, is taken from unripe fruits, dried outdoors, and used to extract essential oil, flavonoids, and vitamin C.

Ingredients

The leaves contain a small amount of essential oil called petitgrain. The flowers yield neroli essential oil, and the fruit peel’s essential oil contains 90% limonene.


Use in Treatment

Bitter orange flowers are used to alleviate nervousness and mild insomnia. A 2002 Brazilian study showed that leaf essential oil enhances the effects of anti-insomnia medications by prolonging sleep. The bitter leaves stimulate digestion, while the flowers help relieve cramps, aiding in indigestion. The fruit peel has been used to treat headaches and heart palpitations. Bitter orange also exhibits antibacterial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.


Cultivation

Plant bitter orange in a sheltered, sunny location with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The tree requires frequent watering.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Nervousness and Insomnia)

  1. Orange Flower Water: Place 20 grams of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water and consume at night before bed.

For Slow Digestion

  1. Infusion: Place 5 grams of dried flowers in 1 liter of boiling water, cover, let sit for 5 minutes, strain, and drink three times daily after meals.

For External Use (Relaxation)

  1. Essential Oil: Add 4 drops of neroli oil to bath water for relaxation after a strenuous day.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  2. Do not use bitter orange essential oil internally without medical supervision.
  3. The fruits may not be suitable for individuals with rheumatic conditions.
  4. No harmful effects have been observed with the use of bitter orange flowers and leaves.