Bitter orange, or "Citrus aurantium," is used medicinally to treat a wide range of ailments, including indigestion, depression, insomnia and constipation. The dried outer peel and leaves of bitter orange are used in medicinal treatments. Today, bitter orange is used for weight loss, anxiety and stomach problems. Taking even moderate doses of bitter orange can produce dangerous side effects, so medical authorities recommend consulting a health professional before beginning a bitter orange therapy.
Weight Loss
Bitter orange may help in losing weight. The amino acid l-phenylalanine found in bitter orange may help to suppress appetite, according to HerbNET. Although bitter orange has been used historically as an herbal supplement to stimulate appetite, the herb contains the stimulant chemical synephrine that helps to promote weight loss like the compound ephedrine, according to the University of Michigan Health System. In both human and animal studies, bitter orange displayed anti-obesity effects and helped to reduce significant body weight and fat.
Anxiety
Bitter orange also has sedative qualities that help to relieve anxiety. Bitter orange leaves are used in Mexico and South America as a sedative and to "calm frazzled nerves," the University of Michigan Health System says. The essential oil of bitter orange may produce anti-anxiety and sedative effects due to its linalool and fragrant limonene content, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Depression & Insomnia
Bitter orange has been used in many parts of the world to treat depression and insomnia. Because synephrine is similar to the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, bitter orange produces anti-depressant effects by elevating mood and promoting dopamine in the brain, according to HerbNET. Bitter orange's sedative effects that help to treat anxiety also help in treating insomnia, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Digestion Problems
The most common historical and present-day use for bitter orange is in treating gastrointestinal-related problems. The strong acidity in bitter orange helps to stimulate digestion, relieve flatulence, reduce abdominal bloating and open the bowels, says HerbNET. Bitter orange leaves have been used in many parts of the world for their laxative effects and to treat stomachaches, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation and dysenteric diarrhea, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
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