Bitter Orange is Useful for More than Just Weight-loss

Bitter orange, also known as chih-shih in Chinese medicine, is the unripened fruit of the mandarine orange. The peel of the fruit, called chen-pi, is also used in Chinese medicine. Extracts of this fruit have gained in popularity in recent years as a weight-loss supplement. Many supplement companies have replaced ephedra with this bitter fruit in their products because it contains similar compounds.

The Many Health Benefits of Bitter Orange

Although this fruit is most popular for its benefits to weight-loss, it has a wide variety of health benefits. It contains a natural decongestant called synepherine. It also shows benefits for low blood pressure, circulation, abdominal distention, gastritis, and constipation. The fruit has a history of several thousand years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many of these conditions.

This herb is known to stimulate nerves that regulate blood circulation. It also has beneficial effects on the nose and sinuses, which can help fight against seasonal allergies.

Let's take look at some of the specific illnesses and conditions bitter orange has been found to be useful for.

Anemia - This fruit is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C can be beneficial for people who suffer from anemia under certain conditions.

Weight-loss - This herb's most popular use is for weight-loss. It causes fat stores in the body to be used more readily for energy. It accomplishes this by binding to specific receptor cells. It also increase resting metabolic rate, which helps you burn more calories. How well these effects translate to weight-loss is a matter of debate. This herb's effect on weight-loss is somewhat controversial and further testing in this area is needed.

Indigestion - This herb has been used effectively to relieve various stomach conditions like excess gas and bloating, indigestion, and nausea.

Heart attack, low blood pressure - Compounds in this herb have the effect of increasing blood flow to the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys from the legs. This redirecting of blood flow has the effect of raising blood pressure. Another benefit this herb has for those who suffer from low blood pressure is that it promotes a healthy electrolyte balance in the blood stream. This action not only helps maintain a healthy blood pressure, it also helps prevent dehydration and heat stress.

Other compounds in this herb are beneficial to the heart. It contains a compound called natsudaidain. This substance helps to regulate heart rate. What's interesting about this substance is that in small amounts it increases heart rate, and in high amounts it actually slows the heart down. Not surprisingly, this herb is currently being looked into as a congestive heart failure remedy.

Considerations and Uses

Bitter Orange can be used in extract form, but it is most effective if it's made into a tea. Use of this herb in combination with prescription pain-killers should be avoided, because the combination has been known to cause irregular heart beat and high blood pressure. It should also be avoided if you currently have high blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing.

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