Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is considered a hybrid between pomelo and tangerine. In its raw state, the fruit is not edible, it is valuable because of the peel. It is used in cooking for desserts, ice creams and various confectionery.

Composition and useful properties

The fruit contains organic acids (malic, citric, gallic, salicylic), carbohydrates, glucosides (hesperidin), related to substances with P-vitamin activity.

The oil obtained from the peels resembles lemon in smell, and in properties and composition - orange.

Dried citrus peel was used in ancient times as a flavoring, it was considered an exquisite delicacy that few people could afford.

The shell of the fetus strengthens the heart and stomach muscles, is characterized by cleansing and lymphatic drainage properties, eliminates the causes of atherosclerosis. The antispasmodic action of bitter orange fights attacks of headaches, migraines, muscle cramps.

The anticoagulant properties of the fetus are weak, reducing the clotting time and preventing the formation of blood clots.

Citrus also has choleretic, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic effects on the body.

The use of orange helps to regenerate any tissue faster, strengthens memory, fights dry cough.

The antispasmodic and laxative properties are also characteristic of the plant, its seeds are used in chest pain, in the treatment of inflammation of the testicles and hernia.

The juice squeezed from the fruit has an excellent bactericidal effect and is used for gargling in laryngitis, angina and other colds. In case of nosebleeds, a swab soaked in the liquid that is placed in the nostrils helps.

Bitter orange oil is known for its antifungal effect. It is also used in the treatment of the oral mucosa.

Entering the composition of toothpastes, in combination with fruit and herbal extracts, the oil helps kill bacteria and is effective as a prophylactic for gums. It is used for skin infections due to fungi and others.

The fruit is used in the fight against hypertension, hangover.

Thanks to synephrine, which has an adrenergic effect, bitter citrus is included in weight loss products. The substance has a general stimulating effect on the body, increases blood pressure, heart rate.

In the past, in Arab countries, orange was used as an antidepressant, it was believed to tone, calm and improve mood.

Fruit oil is widely used to eliminate increased nervous excitability, attacks of neurasthenia and anxiety, loss of appetite and sleep disorders.

Use in cosmetics

Bitter orange is used to prepare lotions, creams, deodorants and various hair care products, as a bath additive, as a basis for making perfumes.

Shampoos and conditioners, prepared on the basis of bitter orange oil, fight dandruff and hair loss, itching and irritated scalp, dry and poorly treated hair (dyed, curly, exposed to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight).

The fruit is used as an anti-cellulite agent. Dry citrus extract accelerates the process of fat breakdown, improves microcirculation and metabolism in areas with cellulite, increases skin elasticity.

Dangerous and harmful properties

Concentrated essential oil of bitter orange could irritate the mucous membranes and skin.

The use of the product is not recommended for:

• hyperacid gastritis, as it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice;
• acute diseases of the digestive organs;
• individual intolerance;
• citrus allergy