Brand name: Bitter Orange
Latin name: Citrus aurantium
Other names: Bigarade Orange, Neroli
A Remedy For
Appetite loss
Indigestion
Only the peel has proven medicinal value, and only for digestive problems. However, in folk medicine the flower of Bitter Orange is also used--not only for gastric complaints, but also for problems ranging from nervousness and insomnia to gout and sore throat. In Asian medicine, the flower is used for poor appetite, chest and stomach pain, and vomiting--again without conclusive evidence of therapeutic effect. Homeopathic practitioners use both the peel and the flower as remedies for headache and pain.
What It Is; Why It Works
Bitter Orange comes from a flowering, fruit-bearing evergreen tree native to tropical Asia, but now widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. The small, unripened fruit are a traditional flavoring in the liqueur Curacao. The peel of the fruit, fresh or dried, soothes spasms in the digestive tract.
Avoid If...
No known medical conditions preclude the use of Bitter Orange.
Special Cautions
Frequent contact with the peel can cause skin irritation, including redness, swelling, and blisters. In light-skinned individuals, the drug may heighten sensitivity to sunlight.
Possible Drug Interactions
There are no known drug interactions.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
There is no information available.
How to Prepare
Crushed Bitter Orange peel is available for use in teas. Alcohol solutions (tinctures) and liquid extracts may also be found.
Typical Dosage
Customary daily dosages are:
Crushed peel: 4 to 6 grams (about 1 teaspoonful)
Tincture: 2 to 3 grams (about one-half teaspoonful)
Extract: 1 to 2 grams (about one-quarter teaspoonful)
Strengths of commercial preparations may vary. Follow the manufacturer's labeling whenever available.
Overdosage
No information is available.