Citrus Dulcis

The sweet orange is produced by a small evergreen tree which is less hardy than the bitter orange tree. It has shiny leaves, white flowers, and round fruits.

The orange, the most commonly grown tree fruit in the world, is thought to have originated in China, India, and perhaps southeast Asia, been transported to the Mediterranean by the fifteenth century, and taken to the New World by the mid-sixteenth century. Excellent sources of vitamin C, oranges also contain flavonoids that increase the body's resistance to carcinogens, allergens, and viruses while strengthing collagen (the protein that provides structure for the body's tissues).

Common Name:

Citrus Dulcis

Other Names:

China Orange, Orange, Sweet Orange

Botanical Name:

Citrus sinensis

Family:

Rutaceae

Location:

United States, Mediterranean, California, Florida

Extraction:

Expression

Parts Used:

Peel

Color and Odor:

The essential oil is golden yellow in color and has a sweet, fruity aroma.

Background:

A native of China, the sweet orange was introduced into Europe int he eighteenth century, where it flourished. Orange is a traditional ingredient in mulled wine; pierced with cloves and dried, the fruit is a popular pomander.

Medicinal Parts:

Peel of the fruit, oil taken from the peel, fruit juice.

Properties:

Antidepressant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative.

Medicinal Uses:

To treat lack of appetite and stomach complaints.

Uses:

Digestive System—Promotes peristalis, easing constipation.
Circulatory System—Valuable for treating cardiac spasm or palpitation and reducing blood cholesterol.
Emotions—Very cheering, joyful, bright and lively, orange disperses gloomy thoughts, emotional tangles, obsessions and a fear of the unknown, creating a positive outlook. It dispels depression and sadness.

Typical Dose:

A typical daily dose of sweet orange is approximately 750 ml of juice or 10 to 15 gm of dry peel.

Blends:

DIGESTIVE	CIRCULATORY	EMOTION
Orange 7	Orange 7	Orange 7
Black Pepper 3	Ylang-Ylang 3	Neroli 3
Peppermint 2	Lavender 2	Cinnamon 2

Possible Side Effects:

Sweet orange's side effects include colic when the peel is taken in large amounts.

Drug Interactions:

Taking sweet orange in the form of juice with these drugs may reduce or prevent absorption of the drug:
Celiprolol, (Celicard)	Fexofenadine, (Allegra)	Ivermectin, (Stromectol)

Bibliography:

Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 142-143
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox, PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD pg.448