CITRUS AURANTIUM is widely used for stimulating the breakdown of fat, by causing the release of noradrenaline (a stress hormone) at beta-3 receptor sites creating chemical reactions that increase fat breakdown. Beta-3 receptors in the body increase the rate at which fat is released from the body stores (lipolysis) and increase resting metabolic rate (thermogenesis). Physical activity will increase this thermogenic effect and further enhance the thermogenic effect of Citrus aurantium towards healthy and permanent weight loss.
A species of multiple uses, the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium, L.) has a rough, fairly thick, aromatic, bitter skin and very sour juice. The tree ranges in height from 3-9 m and is more erect and has a more compact crown than the sweet orange. It also has highly fragrant flowers.
The centre becomes hollow when the fruit is full-grown. This is the fruit used to make marmalade. The essential oil derived from the dried peel of immature fruit, particularly from selected types -'Jacmel' in Jamaica and the much more aromatic 'Curacao orange' (var. curassaviensis) gives a distinctive flavour to certain liqueurs.
C. aurantium has many medical properties/actions: expectorant, laxative, carminative, stomachic, digestive stimulant, hypertensive, diuretic, energy tonic, increases blood pressure. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat chest congestion and indigestion, stimulate gastrointestinal function and improve circulation and liver function. In traditional western medicine, C. aurantium has been used to treat digestive and circulatory problems.
As member of the citrus family, it contains generous amounts of vitamin C; therefore, used to treat scurvy. The fresh young leaves contain as much as 300 mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g.
It also helps to clean the blood and has been reported to dissolve kidney stones. Drink one-half cup of Orange Bitter leaf tea for stomach pains.
Other digestive disorders that are treated with Orange Bitters include epigastric or abdominal pains, distention, indigestion, gas and constipation. It has laxative properties.
As a digestive tonic to help relieve nausea and soothe stomach disturbances such as indigestion, gas and bloating. Research has shown that it is effective in shrinking a distended stomach and lifting a prolapsed womb or rectum. It is an expectorant and laxative. Helps to relieve nausea and soothe stomach disturbance.
In China, both the ripe and unripe fruit are used medicinally, although the unripe bitter orange is more potent than ripe. The fruit stimulates digestion, so can help constipation, and makes a cooling expectorant for coughs, especially where the phlegm is thick and yellow.
It also calms the nerves and so is useful for insomnia and shock.
In Belize the leaves, flowers, peel, and juice of the fruit are used in numerous home remedies. Boil nine leaves in three cups of water for two minutes; steep for 10 minutes and drink one cup before each meal for colds, flu, fever, blood clots, diarrhoea, infant colic or vomiting (only one cup daily), and indigestion.
Throughout the Pacific Island, the crushed fruit and the macerated leaves, both of which make lather in water, are used as soap for washing clothes and shampooing the hair.
Bitter orange juice is antiseptic, anti-bilious and hemostatic.
Africans apply the cut-open orange on ulcers and yaws and areas of the body afflicted with rheumatism.
The flowers, prepared as syrup, act as a sedative in nervous disorders and induce sleep.
An infusion of the bitter bark is taken as a tonic, stimulant, febrifuge and vermifuge.
Caution: Use bitter orange with caution in pregnancy; it can cause contractions.
Source: http://www.rain-tree.com/orange.htm
Dr. Sylvia Mitchell, research fellow (Graduate School), Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona; email: smitchel@uwimona.edu.jm.
