Bitter Orange Essential Oil Health and Beauty Benefits
Bitter orange essential oil health and beauty benefits include relieving pain, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Bitter orange essential oil is extracted from the peel of the bitter orange fruit, Citrus × aurantium via cold press. Check out our post recipes using bitter orange essential oil for recipes incorporating this beneficial oil. Before using bitter orange in any form, first read through all the precautions, since this ingredient can cause adverse reactions in some people.
Bitter orange contains several potent plant compounds that are sometimes extracted from the dried peel to make a variety of health and beauty products. You can also learn how to make your own bitter orange essential oil at home with this recipe.
Bitter orange, or Seville orange (as opposed to Valencia orange, a sweet orange named after the famed oranges in València, Spain), bigarade orange, or marmalade orange is a species of Citrus, Citrus × aurantium and its fruit, from the family Rutaceae. It is also known as kijitsu, khatta and Chen–Pi.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitter Orange | Citrus × aurantium | Southeast Asia | Aids in Weight Loss, Improves Thyroid Function, Enhances Digestion, Alleviates Stress and Reduces Anxiety, Boosts Energy, Supports Skin Health, Supports Scalp Health, Used In Aromatherapy, Used In Massage Therapy, Improves Athletic Performance. | Should be diluted into a carrier oil, ointment, gel or cream. Should never be used on broken or damaged skin. Do not apply directly to open wounds. Never use bitter orange essential oil in eyes or in mucous membranes. Topical application can cause phototoxicity. Never ingest bitter orange essential oil. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid if you have hypersensitive skin, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as it can be overstimulating and induce premature labor. Avoid if taking statins (to lower cholesterol), nifedipines (a calcium channel blocker used to manage angina, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon and premature labor), some anti–anxiety drugs and some antihistamines, as it may cause drug interactions in a similar manner to grapefruit–drug interactions. Individuals with severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, and narrow–angle glaucoma and monoamine oxidase inhibitor recipients should avoid drinking bitter orange juice. Persons taking decongestant–containing cold preparations or any a treatment that contains cyclosporine should also refrain from drinking bitter orange juice. | Airtight dark glass kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. |
Description of the Bitter Orange
The bitter orange tree is a small evergreen that typically reaches a height of 3 meters (10 ft.) in cultivation, but may reach a height of 6 meters (20 ft.) in the wild. Bitter orange trees can reach a ripe old age, some trees in Spain are reported to be over 600 years old.
Citrus × aurantium can be identified through its fruit, which is oval or oblong in shape, measures 7–8 cm across, is red–orange when ripe and has a distinctively thick, dimpled skin. The fruit is comprised of 10–12 segments, holds numerous seeds, less juice than other orange varieties and and has a distinctly bitter or sour taste. The tree has alternate, simple, heart–shaped leaves and thorns on its petiole.
The Distribution and Habitat of Bitter Orange
The bitter orange tree thrives in subtropical regions but can withstand adverse environmental conditions like frost for short periods. There are 23 cultivars of the fruit, the most prominent of which is bergamot (Citrus bergamia). Some varieties are bitterer than others.
Differences Between Bitter Orange, Neroli and Petitgrain Essential Oils
Bitter orange essential oil is orange–yellow or orange–brown in color and is obtained from the peel of the bitter orange fruit, Citrus × aurantium via cold press. Neroli essential oil is obtained from the flowers of the tree and petitgrain essential oil is obtained from the leaves and twigs of the tree.
The scent of bitter orange is fresh, fruity citrus, virtually identical to that of sweet orange, but much more intense, neroli smells much more floral and petitgrain features a warm, somewhat spicy fragrance.
The Varieties of Bitter Orange
- Citrus × aurantium subsp. amara is a spiny evergreen tree native to southern Vietnam, and widely cultivated. It is used as grafting stock (a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together) for citrus trees, in marmalade, and in liqueur (an alcoholic drink composed of spirits and additional flavorings) such as triple sec (an orange–flavored liqueur), Grand Marnier (a French brand of liqueurs), and Curaçao (a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the bitter orange “laraha”, a citrus fruit grown on the Dutch island). It is also cultivated for the essential oil expressed from the fruit. From the blossoms, by process of distillation (the process of separating the components from a liquid mixture by using selective boiling and condensation) can be obtained two by–products: neroli oil (an essential oil with a sweet, honeyed and somewhat metallic scent, with green and spicy facets) and orange flower water (or orange blossom water).
- Citrus × aurantium var. myrtifolia is sometimes considered a separate species, Citrus myrtifolia, the myrtle–leaved orange, is a species of Citrus with foliage similar to that of the common myrtle. It is a compact tree with small leaves and no thorns which grows to a height of three meters (10 ft.) and can be found in Malta, Libya, the south of France and Italy. The “Chinotto” cultivar is used to make the Italian bittersweet carbonated beverage also called Chinotto.
- Citrus × aurantium var. daidai, daidai, is used in Chinese medicine and Japanese New Year celebrations. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year. The aromatic flowers are added to tea.
- Citrus × aurantium subsp. currassuviencis, laraha (is cognate with Portuguese laranja, meaning “orange”), grows on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. The dried peels are used in the creation of Curaçao liqueur.
Bitter Orange Related Species
- Citrus bergamia, the bergamot orange, is probably a bitter orange and limetta (considered to be a cultivar of Citrus limon, C. limon “Limetta”, is a citrus species commonly known as mousami, musami, sweet lime, sweet lemon and sweet limetta) hybrid; it is cultivated in Italy for the production of bergamot essential oil, a component of many brands of perfume and tea, especially Earl Grey tea (black tea blend).
The Etymology of Bitter Orange
The words “orange” and “auran(tium)” are derived from the Sanskrit “nagaranga” that comes from the Arabic “naranj”.
The History of the Bitter Orange
Thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, bitter orange is now grown for commercial purposes throughout the Mediterranean region and the Americas, including California and Florida, the South Sea Islands, Europe, and Western and Southern Africa. It is probably a cross between the pomelo, Citrus maxima, and the mandarin orange, Citrus reticulata.
Bitter orange trees could be found growing wild near small streams in generally secluded and wooded parts of Florida and the Bahamas, after it was introduced to the area from Spain, where it had been introduced and cultivated heavily beginning in the 10th century by the Moors. Citrus × aurantium was the first orange to be introduced to the Americas by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century, finding its way to Mexico in 1568 and South America later in 1587.
The Many Uses of the Bitter Orange
Many varieties of bitter orange are grown for commercial purposes for their essential oil, which is used in perfumery and in cosmetics (facials, shampoos, cleansers, conditioners and moisturizers), used as a flavoring in foods or as a solvent (a substance that dissolves), and also for consumption.
The fruit and leaves make lather and can be used as soap. Additionally, it is used in making household cleaning products, disinfectants and pharmaceuticals.
The Citrus × aurantium tree is used as a rootstock (part of a plant, often underground, from which new above–ground growth can be produced) in orange groves.
The hard, white or light–yellow wood is used in woodworking and made into baseball bats in Cuba.
The Phytochemistry of Bitter Orange Essential Oil
The plant compounds in bitter orange, which are called protoalkaloids, have been used for over 20 years in supplements for weight loss, athletic performance, skin care, appetite control, and brain health, as well as perfumery.
However, a 2016 study and a 2018 study showed that bitter orange extract (49 mg synephrine) and the plant’s natural uses neither harm your heart and nervous system nor excite nervous system activity, as some stimulants do. Furthermore, the 2018 study has claimed that synephrine shouldn’t be classified as a stimulant. Synephrine is also found in other citrus fruits and their juices, such as mandarins and clementines.
Like other citrus fruits, bitter orange provides limonene—a compound shown to have anti–inflammatory and antiviral properties. Epidemiological studies suggest that limonene may prevent certain cancers, namely colon cancer.
An ongoing 2020 study is also exploring the use of limonene as a treatment for COVID–19, which is caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2). However, it has not been evaluated meticulously to translate its effects in humans despite its potential efficacy in preclinical studies due to many reasons, including lack of integrated approach. Bear in mind that limonene cannot prevent or cure COVID–19.
Another protoalkaloid found in bitter orange is octopamine. However, bitter orange extracts appear to contain little to no octopamine. Moreover, it’s thought to be metabolized very rapidly in the liver when consumed from the whole fruit. Likewise, it doesn’t appear to exert any beneficial or adverse effects on the human body.
The leaves of the bitter orange tree are rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which acts as an antioxidant. What’s more, its peel has a high content of flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants with high medicinal value.
Antioxidants are substances that protect your body from disease by preventing cell damage. They work by deactivating free radicals, which are unstable compounds that damage your cells, increasing inflammation and the risk of disease.
Bitter Orange as an Herbal Stimulant
Bitter orange is also employed in herbal medicine (the study of pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants) as a stimulant (substance that increases activity of the central nervous system) and appetite suppressant (an anorectic or anorexic substance).
Bitter orange extract and peel have been marketed as dietary supplement purported to act as a weight–loss aid and appetite suppressant. Bitter orange contains the tyramine metabolites N–methyltyramine, octopamine and synephrine (an alkaloid).
In addition, synephrine is structurally similar to your flight–or–fight hormones, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Epinephrine is a hormone involved in regulating visceral functions), which act on the alpha–1 (α1) adrenergic receptor to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction), and increase blood pressure and heart rate.
A 2013 60–day double–blind, placebo–controlled safety study involving Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) extract showed these extracts in dietary supplements to be safe to consume in doses of 50–98 mg per day. One 2017 study showed that 40 mg of synephrine combined with 320 mg of caffeine is a safe dose for these combined ingredients. In a 2004 clinical trial, eating a whole bitter orange containing 30.6 mg of synephrine revealed no interactions with medications.
But case reports (patient reports) have linked bitter orange supplements to strokes, angina, and ischemic colitis (injury of the large intestine resulting from inadequate blood supply). Following an incident in which a healthy young man suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack) linked to bitter orange, a case study found that dietary supplement manufacturers had replaced ephedra with bitter orange analogs.
Whether bitter orange affects medical conditions of heart and cardiovascular organs, by itself or in formulas with other substances, is inconclusive.
Standard reference materials have been released concerning the properties of bitter orange by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the ground fruit, the extract, and in solid oral dosage form, as well as for those packaged together into one formulation.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has placed “synephrine (bitter orange)” on its current list of banned drugs, listing it as a stimulant.
Bitter Orange Similarities to Ephedra
Synephrine is structurally similar to ephedrine, the main component in the herb ephedra (a genus of gymnosperm shrubs), but synephrine has different pharmacologic properties (how the component acts). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of ephedra in dietary supplements because it raises blood pressure and is linked to heart attack and stroke.
Following these bans in the U.S., Canada, and other parts of the world, bitter orange has been substituted into “ephedra–free” dietary supplement for herbal weight–loss. Like most dietary supplement ingredients, bitter orange has not undergone formal safety testing, but it is believed to cause the same spectrum of adverse events (harmful side effects) as ephedra.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has stated that currently little evidence shows that bitter orange is safer to use than ephedra.
The Health Benefits of Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Today, various bitter orange products are promoted for heartburn, nasal congestion, weight loss, appetite stimulation or suppression, and athletic performance. Bitter orange is also applied to the skin for pain, bruises, fungal infections and bedsores. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Bitter Orange Essential Oil Health and Beauty Benefits. The most common health benefits attributed to bitter orange essential oil are discussed below.
Bitter orange essential oil has antiseptic, carminative, sedative, stomachic, digestive, antidepressant, hypocholesterolemic, anti–inflammatory, choleretic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Its major chemical constituents are synephrine, tyramine metabolites N–methyltyramine, pinene, carotenoids, limonene, cymene, camphene, octopamine, ocimene and few other alkaloids.
Therapeutic Uses of Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Bitter orange and its extracts are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, dysentery and constipation. The fruit has been used to treat anxiety and epilepsy. It has also been used for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aid to meditation.
Bitter orange essential oil has also been used for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal ulcers, lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, joint pain, muscle aches, bruises, and some liver and gall bladder dysfunctions. It is commonly used in complementary medicine in the form of herbal weight loss supplements.
- Digestive Aid: Massage your stomach with 2 drops of bitter orange essential oil diluted with sesame oil. Alternatively, you may also add 2 drops of bitter orange essential oil to a hot bath.
- To Soothe Joint Pain: Blend 6 drops bitter orange essential oil and 6 drops of a carrier oil (such as sweet almond or sesame), apply to the affected areas.
- To Ease Anxiety: Mix equal parts bitter orange, neroli and sweet orange essential oils and diffuse in an oil burner or diffuser. Alternatively, dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the neck and shoulders with a gentle massage.
- To Lift Mood: Fill a bathtub with hot water, add 4 drops of bitter orange essential oil and 2 drops of neroli essential oil. Soak in a long bath.
- To Cleanse Oily or Combination Skin: Mix equal parts bitter orange, sandalwood and ylang–ylang essential oils. Apply to the skin every night before bed and wash off the next morning.
Precautions
Like many of essential oils, bitter orange essential oil is often adulterated with sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis), synthetic orange terpenes, fatty aldehydes and esters, which will undermine its therapeutic value.
Bitter orange essential oil is known to be photo–toxic when applied topically to the skin. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for 12 hours after applying bitter orange essential oil to the skin (in the form of massage, lotion or bath).
Bitter orange essential oil is available as a 100% pure essential oil but should not be applied to skin before it is diluted into a carrier oil, ointment, gel or cream form. In any form, bitter orange essential oil should never be used on broken or damaged skin. Do not apply directly to open wounds.
Bitter orange essential oil should only be used for topical application. Never use bitter orange essential oil in eyes or in mucous membranes. Never ingest essential oils. Avoid prolonged use, prolonged use may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Be cautious when combining use of this oil with caffeine, as it can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
Drug Interactions of Bitter Orange
Bitter orange may have serious interactions with drugs such as statins (to lower cholesterol), nifedipines (a calcium channel blocker used to manage angina, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon and premature labor), some anti–anxiety drugs and some antihistamines, in a similar manner to grapefruit–drug interactions.
Furthermore, one 2017 study determined that bitter orange juice contains furanocoumarin, a compound that may cause the same medication interactions as grapefruit juice.
Individuals with severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, and narrow–angle glaucoma and monoamine oxidase inhibitor recipients should avoid bitter orange juice consumption. Persons taking decongestant–containing cold preparations or any a treatment that contains cyclosporine should also refrain from bitter orange juice intake. It’s unclear whether bitter orange supplements pose the same risks.
Contraindications
Topical use of bitter orange essential oil is not safe for people with hypersensitive skin, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety information. Bitter orange essential oil can induce premature labor due to the simulating effects. Bitter orange essential oil may be used safely by pregnant or breastfeeding women strictly for aromatherapy in a diffuser, with a recommended dose of no more than 4 drops with a little water and only for 15 minutes at a time with very long breaks in between.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, do not use bitter orange essential oil on children. Some brands clearly label their essential oils “KidSafe” on the bottle if it can be used on children ages 2–10.
When applying bitter orange essential oil topically (on your skin), always perform a 24–hour skin patch test first using 1–2 drops, read how for further details. Wear gloves if handling this essential oil in its pure form as direct contact may cause allergic dermatitis (an allergic reaction of the skin). Only use bitter orange essential oil in diluted form. Use almond or grapeseed as a carrier oil for dilution.
Use only 100% authentic oils. Bitter orange essential oil can have a long shelf life if stored properly in tightly–sealed dark glass containers. Keep in a cool and dry place, such as a dresser drawer or kitchen cabinet. Keep away from extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Bitter orange essential oil products come with expiration dates. Bitter orange essential oil’s freshness can be difficult to preserve. Preservation with olive oil is possible in a ratio of 1:10. Good quality bitter orange essential oil is orange–yellow to green–yellow in color and thin in consistency.
Manufacturer’s advice against using bitter orange essential oil products beyond this date. Any bitter orange essential oil product whose use–by date has passed, should be discarded. Signs that it has expired includes changes in scent, texture and color. If you are interested in trying bitter orange essential oil, be sure to choose a product that is 100% pure and organic. Bitter orange essential oil can be found online.
Sources:
Bitter orange
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_orange
Health Benefits of Bitter Orange Essential Oil
https://kabeelaliving.com/health-benefits-of-bitter-orange-essential-oil/
May 29, 2020 by admin
Bitter Orange Essential Oil: Contraindications, Benefits And Uses
https://bodycarre.com/bitter-orange-essential-oil/
1 YEAR AGO READ BY KATHIE SAND
Bitter Orange Essential Oil
https://www.quinessence.com/blog/bitter-orange-essential-oil
by Geoff Lyth on March 1, 2019
Health Benefits of Bitter Orange Essential Oil
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-bitter-orange-essential-oil/
What Is Bitter Orange, and Does It Aid Weight Loss?
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bitter-orange
Written by Amber Charles Alexis, MSPH, RDN on March 17, 2021 — Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN, Nutrition