Orange

Citrus sinensis L.

Mention of the “sun berry” can be found in Chinese manuscripts dating back to 2200 BC. e. The fruits of wild orange were used only for the production of valuable medical raw materials. The aromatic oil obtained from the peel was the main component of enchanting oriental incense. The sweet edible orange, so popular now, is the result of selection by Chinese tree scientists.

Europeans first became acquainted with this exotic berry only in the second half of the 15th century. For many years, an orange was presented as a very expensive gift, and not everyone could afford such a luxury. Charles III, Catherine de Medici, Louis XIV, Peter I and many other crowned heads were very supportive of this plant, since a wide variety of properties were attributed to the orange. Ninon de Lenclos claimed that she prolongs her youth by regularly eating oranges. The Uzbek physician and scientist Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) recommended the juice of this berry for a weak stomach, poor digestion and included it in many medicines.

Medicinal properties

1. Improves intestinal motility, helps reduce putrefactive processes in it. Recommended for chronic constipation, hypocidal gastritis, lack of appetite. Reduces the absorption of harmful substances, soothes the stomach.
2. Has a choleretic effect.
3. Cleanses the blood and lowers blood pressure.
4. It has a high content of provitamin A.
5. It has an antiseptic and hemostatic effect for stomatitis and gum diseases.
6. It weakens or completely eliminates spasms of the smooth muscles of internal organs, therefore it is used for chronic obstructive bronchitis and muscle cramps.
7. Activates the processes of excretion of toxins from the body.
8. Stimulates the immune system.
9. Improves visual acuity.
10. Used for insomnia, depression, stress, nervous tension, states of fear, as it has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Helps create a good mood.
11. Recommended for the care of dry, chapped and cracked skin. Increases skin turgor, stimulates local blood circulation. Used for cellulite.

Dosage

Externally: 7-10 k. per 10 ml of vegetable oil.

Internally: 2-3 k. per 1 tsp. honey one hour before meals.

Baths: 5 k.

Rinsing: 1 k. for one glass of water.

Enrichment of cosmetics: 5-6 k. per 10 g of base.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis with increased acidity of gastric juice.

Note. Do not use as part of massage oil before sunbathing, as exposure to direct sunlight dries out the skin and is phototoxic.