Orange (Citrus sinensis)

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Table of Contents

Other names for orange

Sweet Orange
Orange Peel
Orange Juice
Orange Extract
Bitter orange
mandarin orange
Orange (unspecified)
Orange essential oil
Orange fiber
orange fiber
orange pigment
Sweet Orange
Sweet Orange alcohol

Synopsis of orange

Orange (Citrus sinensis), particularly the sweet orange, is one of the most widely consumed fruits globally and offers both nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids (such as hesperidin and naringenin), limonoids, essential oils, and pectin. Oranges are primarily valued for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties.

Medicinally, oranges and their derivatives—juice, peel, and essential oil—have been used to enhance immunity, promote digestion, improve cardiovascular health, and support skin vitality. Vitamin C content boosts immune defense, helps reduce the duration of respiratory infections, and supports collagen synthesis. Flavonoids like hesperidin improve capillary strength and have been shown to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Orange peel, often used in traditional herbal formulas, has mild bitter and aromatic qualities that stimulate digestion, relieve bloating, and improve appetite. The essential oil, derived from the zest, contains limonene, a compound with mood-lifting, anti-anxiety, and antimicrobial properties. Orange blossom (from the bitter orange variety) is also used as a calming nervine in herbal medicine and perfumery.

Modern research supports many of these uses, showing that citrus flavonoids help reduce systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and even support blood sugar control in metabolic disorders.

Historical Use in Medicine
Oranges have a rich medicinal legacy across many cultures. Though sweet oranges originated from ancient hybrids in Southeast Asia, they became central to medicine and diet in the Mediterranean and Europe during the medieval period. By the 15th century, oranges were prized not only as exotic fruits but also for their role in preventing scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency that plagued sailors during long sea voyages. The British Navy famously carried citrus fruit to keep crews healthy—giving rise to the term "limey," though oranges were often the preferred choice.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chen pi (aged tangerine peel, from related citrus species) has been used for centuries to regulate qi, transform phlegm, and improve digestive function. It is a common ingredient in formulas addressing poor appetite, cough with mucus, or damp stagnation.

In Ayurveda, oranges are seen as cooling and hydrating, used to reduce pitta imbalance and promote skin clarity. Orange peel is also employed in traditional scrubs and facial treatments.

Orange flower water and bitter orange extract became staples in Unani and Middle Eastern medicine for treating heart palpitations, restlessness, and digestive discomfort. Orange oil’s aroma has been used traditionally to elevate mood and calm the nervous system, a practice now supported by aromatherapy studies.

Orange is used for these health conditions

Anemia (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Scientific)
Colds (prevention) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Dehydration (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Hangover (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Night Blindness (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)

orange is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Gums (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Teeth (Scientific)