Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. It refers to a citrus tree and its fruit. It is also known as Seville orange, sour orange, bigarade orange and Zhi shi. It is used for its essential oil from leaves, flowers and fruits.
Here are Few Uses of Bitter Orange:
- It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest for nausea, indigestion, and constipation.
- It has replaced the banned stimulant ephedra in many weight-loss products.
- Bitter orange peal is used for abdominal pain and dysenteric diarrhea.
- Bitter orange oil is used in foods, cosmetics, perfumes, flavoring and aromatherapy products.
- Bitter orange is currently used for heartburn, loss of appetite and nasal congestion.
- It is also applied to the skin for fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.
- The leaf of the bitter orange plant is prepared as a tonic and used as a laxative, a sedative for insomnia, and to calm anxiety.
- Bitter orange is also used in herbal medicine as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. The bitter orange peel is used as an anti-spasmodic.
Side Effects and Warnings:
- People suffering from heart ailments and hypertension should be careful while using bitter orange products as it is found that bitter orange contains chemicals that may speed up the heart rate and raise blood pressure.
- Bitter orange may be always not safe as dietary supplement.
- People should avoid taking bitter orange supplements if they are taking medications (such as MAO inhibitors), caffeine, or other herbs or supplements that speed up the heart rate.
- Pregnant women should avoid taking bitter orange products as its safety is not yet clear.
- Bitter orange oil used on the skin may increase the risk of sunburn, particularly in light-skinned people.
- It is best to consult a health practitioner before using any product of bitter orange. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
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