Essential Oils-Bitter Orange Known as a Chinese Tonic

By Linda Lee Smith

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is in the citrus family (Rutaceae). It is native to the Far East especially India and China but is well adapted to the Mediterranean area. It is also grown abundantly in California, Israel and South America. The leaves of the bitter orange tree are used for the production of petitgrain oil and the blossoms for neroli oil. This evergreen tree is about 30 feet high, has dark green, glossy, oval leaves, has a smooth grayish trunk and branches and very fragrant white flowers. The fruit is smaller and darker than the sweet orange. Since this tree has a higher resistance to disease it is often used as root stock for other citrus trees, including the sweet orange.

Traditionally in Chinese medicine the dried bitter orange and occasionally its peel are used in treating prolapsed of the uterus and of the anus, diarrhea, and blood in the feces.

How Can Bitter Orange Help Us Today?

The dried bitter orange peel is used as a tonic and for relief of gas and indigestion. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal properties. Actually we rarely use this oil by itself. It is usually blended with other oils. It is mentioned here because so many people confuse sweet orange and bitter orange essential oils and because we get both petitgrain and neroli oils from this species. As for safety, bitter orange is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing but it is very phototoxic.

Want to learn more about the healing properties of bitter orange and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.

Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and bitter orange essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You will also find a 3-ebook series on "Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils" in which over 100 essential oils are discussed. Find these books and ebooks as well as much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx