Orange – Citrus aurantium: A Botanical and Spiritual Monograph

The Orange tree (Citrus aurantium, Citrus sinensis, and related species) offers a remarkable array of therapeutic properties, both medicinal and emotional. Distinct parts of the plant — peel, juice, pulp, flower, and essential oil — serve different functions and have been used in both traditional systems of medicine and modern herbalism.

This article explores the pharmacology, traditional applications, and folklore of Orange, concluding with seasonal recipes and a free shamanic gong journey to connect with the spirit of this luminous tree.

Botanical Profile

Botanical name: Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)
Family: Rutaceae
Parts used: Peel, juice, pulp, flower, essential oil
Harvest time: Ripe fruits are typically collected in summer. Peel is dried for medicinal teas or processed for essential oil extraction via cold pressing. Orange blossoms are harvested in late spring and distilled to produce aromatic waters or essential oil (neroli).

Cultivation: Originating in the Mediterranean, particularly Spain and North Africa, Orange is now cultivated globally across temperate and subtropical regions. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Phytochemistry & Pharmacological Actions

The primary active component of Orange peel is limonene (up to 95%), a volatile monoterpene with carminative, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial properties. Other key constituents include:

• Linalool & linalyl acetate – sedative, anxiolytic

• Flavonoids – antioxidant, vascular-protective

• Nootkatone, α-selinenone (in ripe bitter oranges) – contribute to its aromatic and digestive actions

Actions by part:

• Peel: Carminative, digestive tonic, anti-emetic, mildly drying (reduces phlegm and dampness)

  Pulp & juice: Nutrient-rich, especially in vitamin C; cooling and hydrating

• Flower (Neroli): Nervine relaxant, sedative, aphrodisiac

• Essential oil: Uplifting, antidepressant, supports emotional regulation

Therapeutic Uses

Digestive System

Orange peel is traditionally used to ease bloating, nausea, sluggish digestion, and loss of appetite.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as Chen Pi, prescribed for phlegm, Qi stagnation, and digestive dampness.

Respiratory System

Dried peel supports the resolution of phlegmy coughs and damp congestion, particularly in chronic conditions.

Nervous System

Orange blossom (neroli) is indicated in cases of anxiety, insomnia, and emotional shock. It acts as a mild sedative and harmoniser of the heart and mind.

Preparations & Dosage

• Cold infusion (digestive): 1 tsp dried peel per 250ml water, steeped for 3 hours

• Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): 2–4ml daily in water

• Essential oil: 5–6 drops per 10ml carrier oil for topical use

• Orange flower water: 1 tsp diluted in water for internal use or as a mild daily tonic

Caution: Bitter orange may interfere with certain medications, particularly statins, in a similar way to grapefruit. Always consult a medical professional if unsure.

---

Seasonal Recipes

🍊 Cold-Infused Orange Peel Tea

This gentle tonic supports digestion and brings a subtle lift to the mood.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried organic orange peel

• 250ml cold water

Method:

1. Place the peel in a jar with cold water.

2. Infuse for 2–3 hours.

3. Strain and drink as needed.

Optional: Add chamomile or ginger for a more complex flavour profile.

---

🍹 Citrus Summer Cocktail (Alcohol-Free)

A refreshing mood-lifter with digestive benefits.

Ingredients:

• 100ml fresh orange juice

• 25ml lime juice

• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup

• Sparkling water

• Ice

• Optional: ½ tsp orange flower water

Method:

1. Shake juices and sweetener with ice.

2. Pour into a tall glass, top with sparkling water.

3. Garnish with mint, citrus peel, or edible flowers.

---

🍨 Orange Flower Water Ice Cream

A calming dessert that soothes the heart and senses.

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream

• 200ml whole milk

• 100g sugar or honey

• 1 tbsp orange flower water

• Optional: Pinch of saffron for added depth

Method:

1. Gently heat cream, milk, and sugar until dissolved.

2. Remove from heat and stir in orange flower water (and saffron).

3. Chill, then churn or freeze until set.

---

Folk Traditions & Magical Uses

As we shift from the clinical to the cultural, Orange reveals a deeper layer of meaning — a plant long revered not just as medicine, but as a symbol of abundance, love, and divine joy.

Mediterranean Lore

In southern Europe, orange blossoms have been woven into bridal wreaths and wedding bouquets for centuries. They symbolise purity, fruitfulness, and the sweetness of love. Their intoxicating scent was believed to attract not just a romantic partner, but the blessings of helpful spirits.

Middle Eastern Tradition

In Persia and North Africa, bitter orange flower water (maward al-naarandj) is more than a remedy — it is a spiritual elixir. Used to gladden the heart, calm the mind, and clear the atmosphere, it is often sprinkled in homes or served to guests in rituals of hospitality and peace.

Chinese Symbolism

Oranges, especially mandarins, are exchanged during Lunar New Year as gifts of good luck. Their golden colour and round shape are seen as tokens of abundance and renewal — a solar fruit that embodies joy, warmth, and wealth.

European Folk Use

In colder months, dried orange peel was burned as incense to bring light and cheer into dark homes. It was thought to call back the sun and lift melancholia — a bright medicine for the spirit as well as the body.

Spiritual and Energetic Essence

On a subtle level, Orange is a plant of light. Its bright peel brings clarity, movement, and emotional digestion. The flower, by contrast, is soft, sensual, and luminous — a balm for hearts in grief, minds in overdrive, and spirits that have forgotten joy.

• The peel uplifts serious or heavy moods, easing internal “rigidity.”

• The flower sedates gently, invoking trust, playfulness, and inner tenderness.

In this way, Orange supports not just physical health, but our emotional and spiritual capacity to receive life with openness, curiosity, and delight.

A personal favourite preparation is 1 tsp of orange flower water in 500ml of still water, chilled in summer. It offers the relaxation of chamomile with the elegance of perfume — a truly exquisite nervous system tonic that softens and cools the whole being.

Free Online Shamanic Gong Journey

🌿 Connect with the Spirit of the Orange Tree

I’ll be offering a FREE online gong healing ceremony on the first Sunday evening in August to connect with the energy of the Orange tree through a guided shamanic journey. This journey will explore the spiritual aspects of Orange — joy, sensuality, emotional cleansing — through a shamanic framework. 

🎧 Watch on YouTube: My Channel
📅 Book the live event: Reserve Your Place

Summary

Orange is more than a fruit — it is a healing presence. It’s peel tones the digestion, its flower calms the nerves, and its fragrance awakens joy, sweetness, and a lightness of spirit within us. Whether used as medicine, food, or spiritual ally, Orange remains a generous and luminous teacher, offering brightness in every season.