Bitter orange herb is a round fruit with a bright red, bitter peel. The Latin name is Citrus aurantium, and it is also known as bigarade, Seville orange, sour orange and Zhi shi. Neroli---the oil extracted from its flowers---can be used topically on the skin. The fruit and peel are dried and can be taken orally. The bitter orange fruit is very versatile and is used in cooking, cosmetics, aromatherapy products and medicines.
Origin
The bitter orange tree thrives in warm, subtropical climates and can survive in different soil conditions. Native to Southeast Asia, it was spread around the world in favorable climates such as the Mediterranean region and the Caribbean.
Therapeutic and Cosmetic Uses
People use bitter orange as a substitute for shampoo and soap, especially in the Pacific Islands. It is common to distill Petitgrain, Neroli and seed oils from the plant, to be used as fragrant additives in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. Preliminary research shows that the fragrance may have anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Bitter orange is not a new concept in traditional Chinese medicine or to indigenous Amazonians, as they use the herb to treat nausea, indigestion and constipation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedra for its harmful side effects and it is now common to use bitter orange as a replacement in weight-loss supplements.
Culinary Uses
Most often, the bitter orange fruits are made into marmalade, especially in South Africa. Unlike sweet oranges, sour oranges are too sour to be eaten in their raw form without garnishes. The way it is used varies throughout the world---the juice can be used to make vinegars, marinades and wine. The peel contains oil that is used in confectionery products and baking.
Research on Health Effects
People consume bitter orange for medicinal purposes, but more scientific research must be conducted to understand the effects. Bitter orange naturally produces synephrine--a chemical similar to the banned ephedra--but it is unknown if it is safer to use. Synephrine may be dangerous as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure or interfere with other medicines. A study at Georgetown University Medical Center did not find a significant weight change in the group taking bitter orange supplements, even when it was combined with a restricted diet and strict exercise regimen.
Warning
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) claims that it may not be safe to use bitter orange herbs as a dietary supplement. NCCAM recommends against using the herbs for people with heart conditions or those who are taking stimulants or medications that increase the heart rate. When used topically, bitter orange can increase the vulnerability to sunburn.
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