Witnessed by: Western
Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), of the Rutaceae family. Small evergreen tree with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers; native range: southern China; cultivated across warm regions worldwide. Globally recognized as sweet orange, China orange in English. The part used is outer rind (peel), recently dried; and the expressed oil. Bright aromatic peel, sweet-scented with a warm bitterish under-taste; the oil intensely orange-fragrant.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
SWEET ORANGE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- sweet orange
- Scientific name
- Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck
- Family
- Rutaceae
Form
- Part used
- outer rind (peel), recently dried; and the expressed oil
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- aromatic · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- stomach · digestion
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- aromatic stomachic, carminative and mild bitter tonic; the oil a flavouring and carminative
Cautions
- Contraindications
- none of note at customary dose
- Toxicity
- low toxicity; the oil may irritate in quantity
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