A gentle plant to soothe the body and mind

Used in Mediterranean traditions, bitter orange leaf is an ingredient in many end-of-day herbal teas. It helps relieve tension, aid digestion after a heavy meal, and promote restful sleep. It is often combined with verbena, linden, or lemon balm in relaxing infusions.

Description

Dried, cut leaf, gray-green to dark green in color, sweet vegetal odor, slightly bitter and aromatic taste.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Bitter orange tree, Bitter orange tree
• Latin name: Citrus aurantium var. amara
• Family: Rutaceae
• Part used: Leaf
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Mediterranean (Morocco, Tunisia, Spain)
• English name: Bitter orange leaf
• Name in German: Bitterorangenblatt
• Name in Spanish: Bitter Orange Leaf
• Name in Italian: Foglia di arancio amaro
• Name in Arabic: ورق النارنج

Main virtues

Calming, antispasmodic, digestive, slightly sedative, mild nerve tonic.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, linalool, geraniol, nerol, essential oils (traces), tannins.

Traditional use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of simmering water, infuse for 10 minutes. Up to 2 times a day, in the evening or after meals.
• Gentle decoction: for soothing baths or relaxing compresses.
• Common association: verbena, lemon balm, orange blossom, chamomile.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Well tolerated at usual doses.
• Not recommended for people allergic to citrus fruits (Rutaceae).
• To be consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet.

History and use

Since ancient times, the bitter orange tree has been cultivated for its medicinal and aromatic properties. The leaf, although less well-known than the flower (neroli), is used in folk traditions for its relaxing and digestive properties. It is a gentle alternative to synthetic sedatives, as part of soothing or digestive herbal teas.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or airtight opaque box.
• Storage: away from light, heat and humidity.
• Shelf life: 12 to 18 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional Mediterranean Pharmacopoeias
• European herbal medicine books

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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