Herbs Guide

Neroli

Family Name: Rutaceae

Botanical Name(s): Citrus Aurantium

Popular Name(s): Bitter Orange, Citrus Vulgaris, Citrus Bigaradia, Bigaradier, Seville Orange, China Orange, Citrus Dulcis.

Parts Used: Fruits, Flowers and Peel.

Habitat: Native of India and China.

Description: It is a small tree with a smooth, grayish brown bark and branches that spread into a fairly regular hemisphere. The leaves are oval, alternate, evergreen and are 3 to 4 inches long, have sometimes a spine in the axle. They are glossy, dark green on the upper side, paler beneath. The petals are five in number, are intensely white and curl back.

Uses: Bitter orange is used internally to treat heartburn as well as flatulent indigestion and diarrhea. The peel can be used to boost the appetite and for dyspeptic complaints. In cosmetics, bitter orange extract is included in many cellulite treatments, where it acts by regularizing the situation in the affected area and stimulating cutaneous tone.