Description:
Bitter orange is native to Southeast Asia and has been spread by humans to many parts of the world. Today, bitter orange trees are cultivated for the production of essential oil in several countries including Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Spain, Taiwan, the West Indies, and North Africa.

Bitter orange is a tree up to 6-meter height, having leathery leaves and white aromatic flowers.

Its essential oil is obtained from the peel of Citrus aurantium fruits. The essential oil yield varies from 1 to 2% with a fresh, bitter fruity citrus aroma similar to that of sweet orange.

Odor profile:
Bitter fruity citrus

Major Constituents:
limonene, linalool, Linalyl acetate, camphene, myrcene, pinene, cymene, ocimene

Application:
~ Bitter Orange peel oil is extensively used by the fragrance and flavor industries.
~ Essential oils of bitter orange peel have antimicrobial activities because of the presence of a high amount of oxygenated monoterpenes such as linalool, alpha terpineol, and linalyl acetate.
~ Bitter Orange peel essential oil is beneficial for the digestive system.
~ It is also useful in winter for colds and flu.

Aromatherapy:
Orange oil has a soothing, uplifting effect on the emotions and a mild sedative action. It is Useful in stress, anxiety-related disorders, and insomnia.