Also known as chih-shih, citrus aurantium or bitter orange as its more commonly referred to as, is an unripe fruit of the mandarin orange. In herbal medicine, smaller fruits are preferred. The peel (chen-pi) is also used medicinally.

Bitter orange has been used for thousands of years to treat indigestion, improve circulation and liver function and stimulate gastrointestinal functions.

Synephrine, which has a decongestant effect on the respiratory system and may have beneficial effects on abdominal distention, constipation, blood pressure, digestion and gastritis can be found in bitter orange.

The spread of cancer may also be inhibited through compounds that are released from bitter orange in Chinese formulas. In Korea, studies have shown bitter orange extracts to be effective in killing the organism that causes viral diarrhea in children called rotavirus.

Bitter orange can be useful in the treatment of anemia. Large amounts of vitamin C can be found in bitter orange, which makes it beneficial in treating anemia if vitamin C is needed to provide the acidic environment required for iron absorption.

Aside from being shown through research to be effective in shrinking an expanded stomach, bitter orange has been used for years to relieve nausea and soothe stomach conditions such as bloating, indigestion and gas.

The compound synephrine, which can be found in bitter orange stimulates the nerves that obstruct blood flow to the legs, shifting blood flow to the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys, which is beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart attack. This makes the herb gentle and at the same time effective against low blood pressure caused by arterial failure. By maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the blood, bitter orange can also counteract unusually low blood pressure and heat stress.

Natsudaidan, which is another compound in bitter orange, regulates the heart. In small doses, natsudaidan increases heart rate. In larger doses, it slows it down. The herb is currently undergoing studies to name it a remedy for congestive heart failure.

The monoterpenes such as d-limonene in bitter orange help prevent liver tumors. Animal studies have shown d-limonene to stop the spread of cancer to the liver from the colon and slow the growth of cancerous tumors originating in the liver.

Bitter orange may also have the ability to increase fat loss. Although it's used in weight-loss formulas as a replacement for epinephrine, the role it plays in weight loss is still questionable.

You can find bitter orange in tincture, extract, and tea form. For best results use bitter orange as a tea.

* Important notes: Bitter orange should be used with caution during pregnancy and in cases where energy levels are low. Never use bitter orange with codeine, cocaine or other narcotic pain relievers as these combinations can cause high blood pressure and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using bitter orange or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.