Botanical Overview
Citrus × aurantium (fructus), commonly known as Bitter orange, Seville orange, or Sour orange, is a member of the Rutaceae family. The medicinal part used is primarily the dried fruit peel, sometimes including the fruit itself. Native to Mediterranean regions, Asia, and North Africa, it has a long history of use in traditional and Western herbal medicine.
Energetics
This herb has a warming and drying nature with a bitter and pungent taste. It exhibits an ascending directionality and is tonifying in its activity, primarily influencing the Qi.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Stimulant
- Digestive tonic
- Appetizer
- Vasoconstrictor
Indications
Western
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Nervous tension
- Circulatory weakness
Syndromes
- Digestive insufficiency
- Mild hypotension
- Mild anxiety
TCM
- Abdominal distension
- Poor appetite
- Cold limbs
- Diarrhea
Syndromes
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Cold pattern in Middle Jiao
Ayurveda
- Weak digestion
- Lack of appetite
- Excess Kapha
Syndromes
- Agni deficiency
- Kapha imbalance
Unani
- Indigestion
- Anorexia
- Gastric pain
Syndromes
- Su-e-meda (dyspepsia)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The fruit peel contains important phytochemicals such as synephrine, flavonoids, volatile oils including limonene and hesperidin, contributing to its stimulant, carminative, and digestive tonic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried peel infusion: 1-3 g up to 3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
- Essential oil used externally or in aromatherapy
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to its stimulant properties. Use cautiously in individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions. Potential interactions include MAO inhibitors and other sympathomimetic drugs. High doses may cause photosensitivity and increased blood pressure.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Mars
Elemental ruler: Fire
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency – HMPC Assessment Report
- Plants For A Future
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica
- Grieve, M. (1971) A Modern Herbal
- The Complete Herbal – Nicholas Culpeper