Bitter Orange Peel Tea Benefits

Bitter orange peel tea benefits are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial features.

Bitter orange refers to the fruit of the citrus tree that grows in the Mediterranean region, Africa, Arabia, Syria and parts of Asia . It is an evergreen tree with lots of spines and fragrant flowers.

Known by its scientific name of citrus aurantium and known commonly as Seville orange or bigarade, the fruit possesses a thick, dimpled skin, and a highly tart taste. Due to this, bitter orange is particularly prized for making marmalade.

The oil from bitter orange is commonly used in flavoring of food, as well as in the manufacture of cosmetics and aromatherapy products. Oil can likewise be extracted from its flowers and is called neroli.

Bitter orange peel is believed to be high in a volatile oil composed of limonene, flavonoids, coumarins, and triterpenes, as well as several useful biological molecules like vitamin C, beta carotene, and pectin.

An infusion of bitter orange peel tea can be made by placing one teaspoonful of the coarsely cut peel in a pot of 150 ml newly-boiled water. Let the mix stand for about 10 to 15 minutes.

The following are believed to be the bitter orange peel tea benefits :

Bitter orange peel tea may be helpful against loss of appetite.

Bitter orange peel tea may help against dyspeptic ailments.

Bitter orange peel tea may help fight against stomach complaints and indigestion.

Bitter orange peel tea is believed to help against heartburn.

Bitter orange peel tea has been used in parts of Asia against coughs, colds and sore throat.

Bitter orange peel tea, applied topically, may help fight fungal infections such as ringworm and           athlete's foot.


Bitter orange peel tea may help in weight loss. However, there seems to be a bit of controversy on the safety of its inclusion in many herbal weight loss products as it contains the substances synephrine and octopamine which have been linked with increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.