The bitter orange is a tree of the Rutaceae family. It responds to the scientific name of Citrus aurantium. It is grown mainly for its flowers and fruits, which are called bitter orange. In addition to its use in food and perfumery, the latter is also important in herbal medicine. It contains, in fact, a wide range of interesting medicinal virtues. In addition, it contains many active components. We distinguish in particular essential oil, bitter principles, synephrine and octopamine.
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Main uses in herbal medicine
Bitter orange develops anxiolytic, hypnotic and sedative properties. To this end, it acts on the central nervous system. It operates mainly within the framework of the treatment of sleep disorders and cases of anxiety. It is also effective in case of loss of motivation, melancholy, overwork and mental or emotional fatigue.
This fruit with healing qualities also improves the digestive system. In case of slow and lazy transit, it stimulates the gastric and intestinal functions. In addition, it contributes to the progression of the food bolus and prevents constipation. It also soothes digestive tract spasms and is useful for bloating and indigestion.
In addition, thanks to its spasmolytic activity, bitter orange is used in the treatment of spasmodic coughs andCardiac arrythmia. Other than that, its other indications are as follows:
- Dermatological conditions: acne, eczema, wounds and warts
- Greasy hair
- Respiratory disorders
- Overweight and obesity
Pharmaceutical forms
In natural medicine, we find thebitter orange in the form of herbal tea, dry extracts, mother tincture, powder, capsule and essential oil.
Directions for use and dosage
Herbal tea or decoction:
Leave to infuse for 10 minutes 1 to 2 g of dry extracts in 150 ml of boiling water. Drink up to 3 cups of preparation per day.
Mother tincture:
Consume 3 ml of tincture during the day, to be diluted in a little mineralized water.
Capsule:
For a capsule dosed at 210 mg, we recommend taking 2 capsules in the morning and 2 more at noon. Swallow the capsules with a large glass of water at mealtimes.
Essential oil :
In internal use, thebitter orange essential oil can be used as edible oil. It easily integrates with the fats of various culinary recipes.
In external use, in dermal application, dilute up to 20 drops of essential oil in 100 ml of vegetable oil. Then massage the parts to be treated with the oily mixture obtained.
It is also possible to enjoy the benefits of this oil in atmospheric diffusion or inhalation. To make it easier to fall asleep, diffuse half an hour before bedtime.
Precautions for use
Bitter orange is not recommended for people suffering from heart and coronary pathologies, hypertension and diabetes. This contraindication also applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children under 6 years of age.
Also, high dose consumption can lead to headaches, rapid heartbeat and increased blood sugar levels.
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