> Supplement Index > Bitter Orange / Citrus aurantium / Bigarade Orange / Neroli / Sour Orange > Bitter Orange General Information Bitter Orange Uses & Scientific Evidence For Bitter Orange Dosage Information Bitter Orange Safety & Interaction Information Buy Bitter Orange Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bitter Orange General Information Bitter Orange is a flowering, fruit bearing tree of the same family as orange and tangerine. Two different oils are produced from this tree. A 16th century Italian princess named Anna-Marie de Nerola reportedly discovered oil from its flowers to be quite fragrant, and used it to scent her gloves. Today the oil, called Neroli oil, is prohibitively expensive. This oil has sedative qualities. Petitgrain oil is processed from the leaves and stems of the tree and is a digestive, intelluctual stimulant, and sedative. The distilled flower water of Bitter Orange is antispasmodic and sedative. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, carotene, pectin, coumarins, and flavonoids. The flavonoids offer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. The fruit is also said to contain cirantin, which some believe acts as a contraceptive. In Chinese herbal medicine, the unripe fruit known as zhi shi, is thought to regulate the qi (life force or energy). - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bitter Orange Uses & Scientific Evidence For Using Neroli oil as a massage oil will help reduce heart rate and palpitations, and promote sleep; however, it also can be used for rashes, eczema, acne, and other skin problems. Petitgrain oil is used for painful digestion. It can also improve memory and work as a sedative for nervousness. The peel and the flower are used for headaches and pain. The flower water can be added to a bottle to soothe a colicky baby and promote sleep. 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. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Bitter Orange Dosage Information Bitter Orange comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow the product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - 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. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Bitter Orange Supplements and Products Below