- Other Names
- Seville Orange, Bigarade, and Sour Orange
- Farming Method
- Certified Organic
- Plant Part
- Peel
- Country of Origin
- Egypt
- Application Method
- Diffusion, Inhalation, Massage, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Citrus aur. bigarade
- Extraction Method
- Cold Pressed
About the Plant:
Bitter Orange is thought to be a hybrid between the pomelo citrus fruit and mandarin. The Bitter Orange tree is a small evergreen that typically grows 10-20 feet high. Bitter orange trees can reach a ripe old age, with some trees in Spain being reportedly over 600 years old.
Both the Bitter Orange and edible orange trees bear a great resemblance to each other, but their leaf stalks show a noticeable difference. The Bitter Orange leaf is much broader, and has the shape of a heart.
The tree has a smooth brown trunk, stout branches with glossy dark green leaves, and fragrant white flowers that become a thick, heavily pitted fruit. The essential oil is produced by cold pressing of the peel while the fruit is usually made into a delicious marmalade.
Where It Grows:
The Bitter Orange is native to southern China and North-Eastern India. Eventually, Bitter Orange trees spread into eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Syria, and more of southeast Asia. Bitter Orange flourishes Mediterranean climates which is why Italy is leading the worldwide production of bitter orange.
Today, bitter orange trees are cultivated for the production of essential oil in several countries including Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Sicily, Spain, Taiwan, West Indies, and United States. Amrita Aromatherapy is proud to carry Bitter Orange Essential Oil from Egypt.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
Bitter Orange has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for indigestion, nausea, and constipation.* The dried peel of both bitter and sweet orange was used to help treat anorexia, colds, coughs, digestive spasm relief and to stimulate digestion.* The rind is both carminative and tonic, and the fresh rind is used as a remedy for acne.* Since then, Bitter Orange has been used in both therapeutic application and as a flavor additive for cooking.
Various Bitter Orange products are promoted for heartburn, nasal congestion, weight loss, appetite stimulation or suppression, and athletic performance.* As a bitter herb, bitter orange stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder, which in turn supports healthy digestion of foods (especially dietary fats), and regular bowel movements.* The volatile oils of bitter orange are thought to be relaxing to the smooth muscle of the GI tract, and orange marmalade (traditionally made with bitter and not sweet orange) can make a good breakfast for those with stagnant digestion.* Bitter orange is also applied to the skin for pain, bruises, fungal infections, and bedsores.*
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of ephedra in dietary supplements because it raises blood pressure and is linked to heart attack and stroke.* Bitter orange is commonly used as a substitute for ephedra in dietary supplements.*
Other Facts:
- Scent: Sweet, Citrus Smell, Tart (Bitter), and Dry
- Fragrance Note: Top Note
- Composition: d-Limonene, B-Myrcene, Linalool, and Bergapten
- Family: Rutaceae Family
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- USDA Certified Organic
- Eases Tension
- Soothes Colds
- Promotes Energy
Orange Bitter Organic Essential Oil is a cross between the sweetness of Sweet Orange and the bitterness of Grapefruit. Bitter Orange is derived from the same tree as Neroli and Petitgrain; therefore, it shares many of Neroli's therapeutic properties.*
Like with all citrus oils, Bitter Orange brings natural anti-bacterial benefits, promotes energy, and boosts immune function.* It is often used as an antiseptic because of softening and regenerating properties.* Lastly, Bitter Orange can be diffused to uplift moods, relax, and relieve stress.*
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
- Targeted Topical Application: Make a dilution blend of up to 3-5% in any carrier oil (15-25 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil). Apply a small portion of this blend, do not exceed 10 drops per application per day, to affected areas for the following:
- Nervous System:
- Uplift and Relaxes Moods
- Relieve Stress
- Dispel Temper Tantrums
- Energizes Mind and Spirit
- Integumentary System (Skin/Hair):
- Decrease Appearance of Bruises
- Reduces Appearance of Varicose Veins
- Softens and Brightens Skin Tone
- Digestive System:
- Supports Lymphatic Drainage
- Aids Poor Digestion
- Stimulates Detoxification
- Nervous System:
- Whole-Body Massage: Dilute up to 2% in any carrier oil (10 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) for the following:
- Digestive System:
- Supports Lymphatic Drainage
- Aids Poor Digestion
- Stimulates Detoxification
- Integumentary System (Skin/Hair):
- Decrease Appearance of Bruises
- Reduces Appearance of Varicose Veins
- Softens and Brightens Skin Tone
- Digestive System:
Diffusion / Inhalation (add a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal diffuser):
- Nervous System:
- Uplift and Relaxes Moods
- Relieve Stress
- Dispel Temper Tantrums
- Energizes Mind and Spirit
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Blends Well With:
- Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Ginger, Myrrh, and Neroli
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Safety Precautions
- Bitter Orange Essential Oil can cause skin sensitization if oxidized and is phototoxic.*
- Exposure to sunlight should be avoided for 8 hours after topical use.
- Before using topically, perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back by applying a small quantity of diluted essential oil and apply a bandage.*
- Wash the area if you experience any irritation.
- If no irritation occurs after 48 hours it is safe to use on your skin.
- Wash the area if you experience any irritation.
General Safety Precautions
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Also, use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bitter Orange Essential Oil has an aroma that is a cross between Sweet Orange and Grapefruit essential oils. Today, various bitter orange products are promoted for heartburn, nasal congestion, weight loss, appetite stimulation or suppression, and athletic performance.*
Bitter orange essential oil has a dry citrus scent with bitter top notes and is often used in abdominal massage oils for its kinship with the digestive system.* It helps clear the lymphatic system, improving immune function.* It is effective for aiding poor digestion, constipation, and clearing congestion of the liver when used in massage blends.* The cleansing, stimulating, and toning properties of Bitter Orange essential oil makes it ideal to add to other lymphatic stimulants for reducing edema, cellulite, or as part of a detoxification program.*
Bitter Orange can also be used as an antiseptic because of its softening and regenerating properties.* When Bitter orange is applied topically to the skin, it can help decrease symptoms of pain, bruises, fungal infections, and bedsores.* Varicose veins and facial thread veins respond well to this essential oil, especially when blended with Cypress oil in facial treatments.* Some aromatherapists have had success treating acne with this oil, perhaps due its antiseptic properties.*
Lastly, it is said to help uplift moods and relieve stress.* When Bitter Orange is diffused with spicy aromas, it will cheer a wintry or stale room.* On the emotional side, Bitter Orange essential oil is extremely uplifting and energizing for the body, yet calming to the mind and emotions.* It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aid to meditation, and this is perhaps why it can be extremely helpful in easing stress and anxiety.* Diffusing bitter orange oil is said to help dispel tantrums and frustration for both adults and children alike!*
The following is a list of conditions which Bitter Orange Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
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Click the links below to view GC Analysis:
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Click the links below to view CoA Analysis: |
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Click the link below to view Safety Data Sheet (SDS): |
