- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Southeast Asia, southern China) (cultivated hybrid)
Asia · Food · № 220
Citrus sinensis
Food · Asia
Orange
Citrus sinensis
Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Orange oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Preparation
Grated, ground organic peel with water as a paste, 20 min on the scalp.
Use in traditions
Described in Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care, natural skin and hair care and home, kitchen and folk custom. In herbal magic associated with attracts love, drives away negativity, prosperity, luck and joy. The sweet orange arose in southern China and reached Europe through Portuguese traders, which is why it is called 'portokal' in many languages. In Chinese medicine the peel of related species (chen pi) is an important remedy. In Ayurveda the orange (narangi) is eaten as a cooling fruit.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.
Preparation and amount
Grated, ground organic peel with water as a paste, 20 min on the scalp.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
The peel contains essential oil with a fresh, uplifting scent; orange blossom is used in care for dry, sensitive skin.
Preparation and amount
External: peel powder in an exfoliant and dry shampoo, orange blossom in a toner and orange oil in a balm. Internal: dried peel in herbal tea (see the recipes).
Caution: Orange oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts love, drives away negativity, prosperity, luck and joy, joy, health, purification, love, luck, success.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with luck, love and prosperity.
Preparation and amount
Oranges reached Europe from Asia through Portuguese traders; in many languages the fruit is therefore named after China or Portugal, like the Dutch sinaasappel ('apple from China'). At Chinese New Year mandarins and oranges are given as a wish for luck and wealth, and orange blossom was the traditional bridal flower in Europe.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Uplifting oil; prosperity bath salt; peel in summer bath; carrot-coriander-orange soup; fruit bowl; juice; flower water; orange blossom sugar.