Orange Oil Bitter
Bitter Orange oil is extracted from the rind of bitter orange fruits. This tree is a member of the citrus family, Rutaceae. Records state that Bitter Orange is indigenous to China. Few other sources insist that Bitter Orange trees are native to Eastern Africa and the tropical parts of Asia. Many orchards of Bitter Orange have been grown in various parts of the world including Africa, Spain and along the coasts of Mediterranean regions. This tree of the orange family is widely cultivated in many other parts of the world including, Canada, Florida, the Mediterranean region and California. As the name indicates Bitter orange tastes bitter with plenty of medicinal benefits. The ancient physicians of Arabia were extremely satisfied with the curative benefits of this natural herb.
Bitter Orange oil is extracted from the rind or outer peel of the fruits. This oil has a strong, bitter, woody, herbaceous, fresh, citrusy and tangy aroma. Bitter orange oil has a pale yellow to amber color with a watery viscosity. It blends well with sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, geranium oil and lavender oil.
Latin name: Citrus Aurantium.
Alternative names: Orange, Bitter Orange, Petitgrain bigarade, Citrus Bigardia, Bitter Orange, Marmalade Orange, Sour Orange, Seville Orange, Zhi shi.
Bitter Orange tree requires full sun and can tolerate partial shade. It is capable of growing in all types of soil with a good drainage system. These trees are also grown as a plantation crop in certain places. As we know, bitter orange oil is extracted from the peel of the bitter orange fruits. The bitter tasting rind has high components of volatile oils. It also contains synephrine, flavonoids, N-methyltyramine, hesperidins, coumarins, vitamin C, triterpenes, flavones, cirantin, octopamine, carotene and pectin. The oil of bitter orange has antibacterial, sedative, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic, nervine, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-depressant properties.
Uses: Bitter Orange oil with its immeasurable healing values is used in the treatment of fever, palpitations, headaches, arthritis, cervical cancer, gas, infections, flatulence, colon cancer, prostate cancer, constipation, cold, breast cancer, melanoma cancers, strokes, cataracts and flu. This oil is also proved to enhance the blood circulation and boost the function of immune system. Bitter orange oil also reduces the level of LDL cholesterol known as the bad cholesterol and increases the level of HDL cholesterol claimed as the good cholesterol. Dull skin, digestive disorders, stress related problems and few other cell damages caused by the free radicals are also treated with the positive effects of Bitter orange oil.
