Citrus aurantium refers to the bitter orange fruit. The juice, peel, and pulp can be taken orally. They have been used to ease anxiety, digestion, and sleeplessness. Citrus aurantium has also been used to promote weight loss. It can be applied to the skin or diffused as an oil. Citrus aurantium can also be made into a tea or taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
DosagesThere are no advised doses for Citrus aurantium.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
It is likely safe for most adults to use citrus aurantium on the skin or to take it orally in small doses for a short time, but it may increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause other problems in some people.E1 Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take citrus aurantium orally. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:
A. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
A1. Pimenta FC, Alves MF, et al. Anxiolytic Effect of Citrus aurantium L. on Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Phytother Res. 2016 Apr;30(4):613-617.
B. Menopause
B1. Farshbaf-Khalili A, Kamalifard M, et al. Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:132-138.
B2. Kamalifard M, Farshbaf-Khalili A, et al. Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Women Health. 2018 Sep;58(8):851-865.
C. Premenstrual Syndrome
C1. Heydari N, Abootalebi M, et al. Investigation of the effect of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil on premenstrual syndrome in university students: A clinical trial study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;32:1-5.
D. Preoperative Anxiety
D1. Akhlaghi M, Shabanian G, et al. Citrus aurantium blossom and preoperative anxiety. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2011 Nov-Dec;61(6):702-712.
E. Safety
E1. Penzak SR, Jann MW, et al. Seville (sour) orange juice: synephrine content and cardiovascular effects in normotensive adults. J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;41(10):1059-1063.
Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board
Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 6/17/2020