Bitter Orange
Profile
| Latin Name | Citrus aurantium var. amara |
| Chinese Name | Ju Pi Family: Rutaceae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Citrus |
| Color | Clear |
| Parts Distilled | Peel |
| Regions | California, Florida, Mediterranean, Spain, Central & South America |
| Taste | Bitter Nature: Cold |
| Affinity | LR/ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Monoterpenes (Limonene ~90%) |
| Skin Type | Oily; will irritate skin |
| Dosage | 10% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Harmonize Spleen and Stomach for prolapse, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, plum-pit throat
- Regulate Stomach Qi via descension and resolve acute food stagnation
- Regulate Liver Qi
Indications
- Stagnant Liver Qi Overacting on the Stomach (affecting its descension) with diaphragmatic and epigastric constriction, nausea, reflux, irritability, constipation (LR-13, LR-14, CV-13, ST-21, LR-2, ST-44) treat nervous stomach (gastric symptoms when under stress)
Topical Applications
- Apply 10% dilution with cold-pressed Sesame Seed Oil to mouth ulcers and swollen gums (due to Stomach Fire).
Specific Protocols
- Apply direct to the above points for acute Liver Overacting on the Stomach.
Actions
- Sedative
- Carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Photosensitive
- Deficient Qi
- Cold Stomach
Additional Comments
- Because it is sedating, long-term use of Bitter Orange can cause lethargy