Family Name: Rutaceae
Botanical Name(s): Citrus Aurantium
Popular Name(s): Bitter Orange, Citrus Vulgaris, Citrus
Bigaradia, Bigaradier, Seville Orange, China Orange, Citrus Dulcis.
Parts Used: Fruits, Flowers and Peel.
Habitat: Native of India and China.
Description: It is a small tree with a smooth, grayish brown
bark and branches that spread into a fairly regular hemisphere. The
leaves are oval, alternate, evergreen and are 3 to 4 inches long, have
sometimes a spine in the axle. They are glossy, dark green on the upper
side, paler beneath. The petals are five in number, are intensely white
and curl back.
Uses: Bitter orange is used internally to treat heartburn as
well as flatulent indigestion and diarrhea. The peel can be used to
boost the appetite and for dyspeptic complaints. In cosmetics, bitter
orange extract is included in many cellulite treatments, where it acts
by regularizing the situation in the affected area and stimulating
cutaneous tone.
