Bitter Orange: A Versatile Supplement With Potential Side Effects

What is Bitter Orange?

Bitter orange is a plant native to China which has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of medicinal purposes, most notably stomach and intestinal disorders, insomnia, and head aches. As well, it was used for treatment of some skin fungal infections. It should be noted that almost all parts are used in some fashion, to include the peel, the flower, the fruit and the leaf. Obviously with all of these plant parts being used, there is a wide variety of forms in which this natural supplement is delivered.

Of particular usefulness has been bitter orange oil, which comes from the peel. This oil has been used and continues to be used for all sorts of gastrointestinal difficulties, as well as for calming nerves and sleeplessness. Other cultures, however, use the flower and leave for the same things and claim the same benefits.

In ancient and contemporary China, the flower of bitter orange is used for poor appetite, chest pain, and vomiting.

Latin-Americans seem to use every bit of this plant as well. The leaf is used as a laxative or as a mild sedative for sleep ease. The peel treats stomach disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as diarrhea.

Important Benefits Based Upon Studies

Some recent studies indicate that bitter orange may have beneficial impact on chest congestion and can be used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory in the cases of bacterial or viral respiratory infections.

Other studies seem to validate the ancient use of bitter orange for all varieties of gastrointestinal functions, to include digestion, elimination, constipation, and diarrhea. Thus in more rural areas of developing countries, bitter orange continues to be a valuable natural supplement in the medicine chest.

Bitter Orange and Weight Loss

More recently, bitter orange has become popular as a weight loss product, particularly in the United States. There have been a number of studies conducted on the efficacy of this supplement, as well as potential side effects that may result with the increased metabolism which naturally occurs by its use.

The most important ingredient in bitter orange which appears to affect appetite and weight loss is a compound called synephrine. Like ephedra, it stimulates the central nervous system and increases the body’s metabolism, or its burning of calories. If an appetite suppressant effect is also present, then the increased metabolism burns off stored fat in the body and thus weight loss is obtained. This seems like a relatively safe procedure at first; however, one of the purposes of recent studies has been to determine additional side effects of a bitter orange for weight loss program. As a result of these studies, a number of warnings must be posted for individuals considering such a program.

1. High doses of bitter orange can increase heart rate as it increases metabolism. For individuals who have heart health issues, this is not a good side effect, and, if these individuals insist upon using bitter orange, they should do so under the direction of a physician, so that the heart can be continually monitored and so that dosage is kept at a level so as not to cause damage.
2. High doses of bitter orange increase body temperature. For this reason, anyone taking bitter orange must monitor temperature and, as well, be certain to drink significantly more amounts of water during the regimen
3. High doses definitely raise blood pressure. Anyone with a hypertension disorder needs to discuss the use of bitter orange with his or her physician. Blood pressure will have to continually monitored and the dosage of bitter orange strictly limited

It appears that the side effects of bitter orange as used for weight loss may be more severe than some individuals should risk. At best, if a regimen of bitter orange is begun for weight loss, it will be important to take no more than absolutely necessary to achieve a regular moderate weight loss, and, as well, to take frequent breaks from its use, as much as a week at a time.

At not time should bitter orange be given to children. It can cause convulsions and even death. Clearly, this is not a substance that should be taken lightly. In addition, bitter orange may negate the benefits of other drugs a person is using.