Health Effects Of Bitter Orange

Health Effects of Bitter Orange

May 5, 2010 | By Glyn Sheridan

Bitter orange (citrus aruantium), the precursor of today's edible, sweet orange fruit, comes from an evergreen tree native to tropical Asia but commercially cultivated around the world. The PDR for Herbal Medicines lists the flowers, the dried fruit peel and the seeds of the bitter orange as the medicinal portions of the tree. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not rigorously test most herbal supplements, they may contain medicinal substances that are beneficial or harmful. Consult a medical professional before starting a health routine that includes bitter orange.

Weight Loss

With stimulating properties, bitter orange supplements, derived from the peel of the fruit, are available as a weight loss aid. The Mayo Clinic advises dieters not to use this herb because it carries a high risk of potential side effects. Chemicals in the herb may increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of migraines, stroke or heart attack. Take this herb to lose weight only under the direction of a medical professional.

Digestion

Bitter orange flowers, taken as a tea, may soothe gastric disorders and aid in the digestion of food, advises the PDR, by increasing the production of digestive juices and reducing gastrointestinal spasms. Prepare and drink a tea made from approximately 4 grams of dried bitter orange flowers, steeped in boiling water for 10 minutes. Sip 1 cup of tea an hour before eating to aid digestion.

Antifungal

In a scientific study reported by PubMed, the Department of Dermatology at Tanta University in Egypt found that a diluted preparation of bitter orange oil showed promising results in fighting fungal skin infections. Patients with fungal infections applied a solution that included bitter orange oil to the areas and researchers monitored the results. The study concluded that bitter orange oil is an inexpensive and promising treatment for fungal infections. Patients in the study experienced side effects that included mild skin irritation when using the strongest concentrations of oil.