A small fruit with great tonic power

Thanks to its natural concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids, the small bitter orange fruit stimulates gastric functions, promotes bile secretion and supports transit in cases of digestive slowness. It is used in the composition of many liquid extracts (medicinal wine, alcoholature, cold maceration). Its traditional use is in so-called "aperitif" formulas, intended to strengthen the weakened body or those lacking appetite.

Description

Small, spherical, dried fruit, 1 to 3 cm, brown-green to dark brown, hard and fibrous texture, powerful odor, very bitter and aromatic taste.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Orangette, small bitter orange fruit
• Latin name: Citrus aurantium
• Family: Rutaceae
• Part used: Immature fruit
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: Mediterranean (Morocco, Spain, Italy)
• English name: Bitter orange immature fruit
• Name in German: Bitterorangenfrüchte
• Name in Spanish: Fruto inmaduro de naranjo amargo
• Name in Italian: Frutti acerbi di arancio amaro
• Name in Arabic: البرتقال المر الصغير المجفف

Main virtues

Aperitif, digestive, choleretic, bitter tonic, slightly stimulating, carminative.

Main constituents

Flavonoids (hesperidin, naringin), synephrine (alkaloid), essential oils (limonene, linalool), coumarins, organic acids.

Traditional use and dosage

• Decoction: 2 to 3 crushed fruits for 500 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes, infuse for 15 minutes. Consume before meals.
• Alcoholic maceration: 50 g/L in 40–70° alcohol, 2 to 3 weeks, filter then sweeten to prepare a medicinal aperitif.
• Culinary use: flavoring of liqueurs (such as bitter, Chinese wine), traditional bitter confectionery.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Naturally contains synephrine (alkaloid close to ephedrine).
• Not recommended for people with hypertension, in case of MAOI treatment or cardiovascular stimulant.
• Avoid during pregnancy or in case of neurological disorders without medical advice.

History and use

Widely used in medieval medicine and Mediterranean pharmacopoeia, the small bitter orange fruit has long been considered a digestive fortifier, natural stimulant, and bitter tonic. It was used in the composition of "aperitif elixirs," medicinal liqueur preparations, and the famous digestive "bitters." It is still valued today in herbalism and traditional aromatherapy.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or airtight opaque box.
• Storage: away from humidity, light and heat.
• Shelf life: 18 to 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 0813.40.95.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Ancient and modern pharmacopoeias
• Digestive and tonic phytotherapy works

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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