Orange Peel Herbal Monograph

Orange Peel (Citrus × aurantium) is one of the plants named in my Crooked Crows® products, so here is what I would tell you about it across the counter: what it is, which part is used, how people have traditionally prepared it, and when to leave it alone.

This page is educational, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, managing an illness or taking medication, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you use this plant.

A little botany, so you know what you have

Orange Peel (Citrus × aurantium). Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The plant I mean is Citrus × aurantium, in the plant family Rutaceae (the citrus family). Other common names include bitter orange, citrus peel.

Useful field marks (identification only):

• Glossy evergreen citrus tree.
• Fragrant white blossoms and orange fruit with oil-dotted peel.

Plant parts used

Peel. This is the part traditionally used and the part you will find in my products.

Traditional uses

Dried orange peel is a traditional kitchen and tea flavor across Europe and Asia. In Chinese food and herbal tradition, aged peel is a classic warming, digestive addition to meals and teas.

These are traditional descriptions, not proof that orange peel treats, cures or prevents any disease. A lasting health concern deserves a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Preparations

These are the kitchen methods I use. They are not official doses.

Tea (an infusion)

1. Put 1–2 teaspoons of the dried herb in a mug.
2. Pour about 8 ounces of just-boiled water over it.
3. Cover and steep 5–10 minutes, then strain.

Covering the cup keeps the aromatic oils in your tea.

Tincture or extract

Strength varies by maker. The bottle label is the dose, not a blog. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start drops for a health concern.

Cautions — who should skip it, or ask first

• Bitter orange extracts (often sold for weight loss) contain synephrine and have been linked to heart concerns, according to NCCIH. Culinary peel is different.
• Some citrus can interact with medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you take prescriptions.
• Citrus oils on skin can increase sun sensitivity.
• Stop if you get a rash, itching, stomach upset, or anything that feels off.

From the shop

You will find orange peel in: Assorted Apothecary Bath Soak Salts Healing Herbs, Hibiscus Summer Tea Bags (Night Worms Summer Brew), Sprites Slipper PleasanTeas®, Fallen Angel PleasanTeas®, Motion Potion Oxymel Herbal Honey and Vinegar Extracts, Respiratory Relief Oxymel Herbal Honey and Vinegar Extracts, One Bath Soak Salts Herbs Trial Size Sample in Velvet Bag, Royal Pain® Tonic Tea Blend Subscription.

If you are not sure whether a product is right for you, write me before you order.

References

1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Citrus × aurantium L. (scientific name and family).
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH): Orange Peel (safety and research summary).
3. Gao L et al. Citrus aurantium 'Changshan-huyou'-An ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PubMed 36133822.
4. Maksoud S et al. Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents, Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review. Molecules. 2021. PubMed 34641373.
5. Dosoky NS et al. Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018. PubMed 29976894.

This page is for education and traditional-use context, not medical advice.