Bitter Orange
Citrus Aurantium
 Petit
Grain (or Bitter Orange) also called "bigaradier" in
French is indigenous to Mediterranean countries. It is
thought to have been introduced into Europe around the
year 1200 by Arab tradesmen and became widely utilized
by Italian, Spanish and French herbalists during the
17th century. One of its essential oils is called "petit
grain" in French. Use of Bitter Orange dates back to
earliest history - the ancient Greeks employed it as an
antiseptic in aromatherapy and in phytotherapy as a
calmant. In cosmetology, it is valued for its fragrance
and revitalizing properties.
The bitter orange, native to tropical Asia, has provided
food and medicine for thousands of years. Its oil
contains flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial and antifungal. Bitter orange juice is
rich in vitamin C which helps the immune system. As an
infusion, it helps to relieve fever, soothe headaches
and lower fever. It yields neroli oil from its
flowers, and the oil known as petitgrain from its
leaves and young shoots. Both distillates are used
extensively in perfumery. Orange flower water is a
by-product of distillation and is used in perfumery and
to flavor sweets and biscuits, as well as being used
medicinally to reduce heart rate and palpitations, to
encourage sleep and calm the digestive tract.
Bitter oranges, the most well-known of which are the
Seville and the Bergamot, are as their name implies, too
sour and astringent to eat raw. Instead, they're cooked
in preparations such as Marmalade and Bigarade Sauce.
Bitter oranges are also greatly valued for their peel,
which is candied, and their essential oils, which are
used to flavor foods as well as some liqueurs, such as
Curacao. Most of the bitter orange supply comes from
Spain.
For thousands of years, immature bitter orange has been
used in Chinese Traditional Medicine. An active compound
in bitter orange is synephrine, which has thermogenic
properties and may heighten the body's activities.
Drinking the sour juice helps the body get rid of waste
products and naturally boosts the immune system. The
acidic fruit of Bitter Orange stimulates digestion and
relieves gas. An infusion of the fruit works to soothe
headaches, calm palpitations, reduce fevers, coughs, and
constipation. It is also used for insomnia and
indigestion in many parts of the world. Bitter Orange
also helps stimulate the appetite, and reduce chest and
stomach pain, and vomiting. The peel and the flower are
used for headaches and pain. Drinking the sour juice
helps the body get rid of waste products and naturally
boosts the immune system. A tincture of Bitter Orange
can be used to help treat shock or insomnia.
Synephrine is used to activate the adrenaline system
without the stimulatory effect posed by ephedra-based
products. The most likely explanation for weight loss
effects attributed to citrus aurantium (synephrine)
supplements is the stimulant like effects of the
alkaloids. Although this effect is likely to be somewhat
less dramatic than effects induced by Ma Huang (ephedra
- also known as Sida Cordifolia), users can expect
variable effects including reduced appetite and
heightened feelings of energy (similar to caffeine),
both of which are likely to result in weight loss.
Supplement promoters have created a new marketing term,
"thermogenics," which literally means "heat generation."
The idea is that these products alter the metabolism in
a way that causes the body to use more energy. The
effect is a more energetic you, with accompanying weight
loss.
Bitter Orange Safety & Interaction Information
There are no known safety issues or interactions
associated with Bitter Orange when taken in the
recommended doses; however, frequent contact with Bitter
Orange peel can cause skin irritation, including
redness, swelling, and blisters. Heightened sensitivity
to sunlight may occur in light-skinned individuals.
Using Bitter Orange oil internally should be done so
only under a physician's supervision. Not intended for
use by young children. Safety in pregnant or nursing
women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is
not known. If you are being treated for heart disease
consult with your physician before taking bitter orange.
References:
Synephrine Info And Products, Republished from Clayton
South's Health Facts,
www.bodybuilding.com
Thermogenic Products, William T. Jarvis, Ph.D.
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
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