I remember how curiously hungry I got the first time I saw the bright glowing color of a Seville Orange! But looks can be deceiving: it’s no wonder that it got the moniker “Bitter Orange”. Yet, it is full of benefits for us.
But good for us, turns out that the real benefit of Seville Oranges (bitter orange) lies within the unique properties of the oranges. And what a surprising amount of health benefits it has for us.
Did you know that Seville Oranges are a citrus fruit typically grown in regions with a subtropical or Mediterranean climate? And they are sent around the world for use in cooking, nutrition, and natural remedies.
At Pharmaspa, bitter orange is the main ingredient in our Sunset Mist fragrance because of the unique benefits it provides. Let’s check out the 7 different ways that bitter orange can improve your physical and mental well-being.
1. Improves Digestive Health
While we focus specifically on spa and body products, it’s worth noting the digestive benefits of bitter oranges. Seville Oranges are a good source of dietary fiber and have flavonoids that stimulate the production of digestive juices. These bitter flavors may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and enhance overall digestive function.
Research shows that bitter orange can have a natural laxative effect, which may help to alleviate indigestion and mild cases of constipation.
Additionally, aromatic compounds of it within essential oils can potentially be used to soothe and reduce nausea and vomiting, due to its calming effect.
2. Respiratory Health
Bitter orange, including its fruit, peel, and essential oil, contains compounds that have been associated with potential benefits for respiratory health. As already mentioned it contains flavonoids and phenolic acids. These bioactive compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help to reduce inflammation in the airways, easing symptoms and improving respiratory health.
When used as part of a fragrance, bitter orange is believed to help alleviate congestion, reduce coughing, and provide relief. When paired with our Sunset Mist crystal or liquid fragrances within your jetted tub or hot tub, the respiratory effects of the bitter orange are complemented by the soothing effects of soaking in your hot tub or jetted bath provides.
3. Cardiovascular Health
In addition to the possible digestive and respiratory benefits of flavonoids, they also may help to improve blood pressure levels. The flavonoids within bitter orange could widen blood vessels which leads to a reduction in blood pressure.
While research is ongoing, some studies have also indicated that flavonoids and limonoids may have lipid-lowering effects. These compounds may help regulate cholesterol levels by reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and promoting its elimination from the body.
4. Multiple Benefits of Bitter Orange for Skin Health
Where bitter orange really excels is the benefits it can have when paired with products designed for skin health. Here are the different ways it may benefit the skin:
5. Soothe Inflammation
Bitter orange contains compounds that may help kill bacteria and disinfect the skin. This can be particularly helpful for people with skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
This is one of the particular reasons our Sunset Mist fragrance is specifically designed to help soothe swelling and irritations. This key ingredient, when it is paired with hot water, can work in tandem to reduce swelling within your muscles and skin.
6. Protect skin against damage
With flavonoids and vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, bitter oranges may help protect the skin against damage from free radicals. This can help slow the signs of aging and may also reduce the risk of skin cancer.
While further research in this area is needed, initial studies show that flavonoids and limonoids from Citrus reduce oxidative stress. This is the scientific way of saying that flavonoids and limonoids have been shown to help reduce the damage done to the cells and tissues of the skin.
7. Moisturizing effects
Bitter orange contains compounds that help hydrate and moisturize the skin, which can be particularly helpful for people with dry or dehydrated skin.
For example, Vitamin C contributes to collagen production, which is important for skin elasticity and firmness.
Ready to take a Bitter Orange plunge?
The next time you see Seville Oranges remember, don’t buy one to chomp down on one expecting a sweet snack. Instead, take advantage of all the various benefits Bitter Orange has to offer when combined with products created to help improve your health and well-being.
You can see all of our products that feature bitter orange here.
