Bitter orange is a supplement that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the Herbal Supplement Resource, bitter orange is a flowering evergreen tree that bears fruit and has its origins from Asia but is now also cultivated in the Mediterranean. Its botanical name is citrus aurantium and the medicinal benefits come from the flowers and leaves that grow on the tree and the peel of the fruit.
Weight Loss
Bitter orange has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries in other cultures. Ephedra was being used as a component of many weight loss supplements in the United States. However, it was taken off of the market by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when serious health concerns were discovered. Bitter orange contains synephrine and octopamine, which act similar to ephedra. It is thought that synephrine and octopamine cause bitter orange to act as an appetite suppressant. It is commonly combined with caffeine and St. Johns wort for some weight loss supplements.
Gastrointestinal
Bitter orange is very useful in treating gastrointestinal ailments, such as nausea, heartburn and constipation. In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reports that the tribes in the Amazon rain forest have been using this supplement for these and other gastrointestinal ailments for hundreds of years.
Fungal Infections
Bitter orange is also used to treat some types of fungal infections. Ring worm, athlete's foot and jock itch can be treated with bitter orange. According to the Natural Home Remedies website, applying bitter orange oil or tea on the infection can heal these types of fungal infections. However, it is very important to stay out of sun light when you do this because you are at an increased risk for severe sun burns.
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