The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication

 

 

 


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Detail of the plant with the fruits

 

 Common noun: Orange tree 
Scientific noun:Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck; Citrus aurantium var. sinensis; Citrus bigardia Riss. 
Family. Rue family - rutaceae. 
Habitat: . Native from South east of Asia, it was first cultivated in China and it can be found as an ornamental or alimentary tree in the Mediterranean countries.  

Characteristics : Perennial tree of Rue family -rutaceae- up to 10 m., with a very round cup. Slightly prickly stems. Coriaceous leaves, elliptical or ellipticolanceolate, acute and with a narrow winged stem White flowers, very scented, with 5 petals and numerous stamens. The fruit ( the orange ) is a hesperidium with quite enough smooth rind and a sweet or sour taste, not bitter(See detail of the fruit).

   
 Components 
 

Hesperidine

pectin

Acids: ascorbic acid ( plant ) , citric, ferulic, glutaminic, linoleic, oxalic, serine, etc.(Fruit)

Amino acids: arginine, asparagine, histidine, proline (fruit)

Alkaloids: betaine, (fruit)

Sugars: fructose, galactose, glucose, sucrose (fruit)

Essences: limonene (fruit)

Vitamins : Riboflavine (B2), thiamine (B1) carotene (A), B6, Ascorbic acid (C) (fruit)

Minerals and metals : Aluminium, calcium, barium, cadmium, copper, chrome, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc. (fruit)

Proteins

 
   

Properties:

 



a) medicinal:

Internal use


Tranquilizer : leaves in infusion for nervous disorders ( Infusion for 5 minutes of two leaves per cup) With the flowers of bitter almonds it is prepared the orange blossom water, also known as " Carmen water " which is used as a sedative to sleep better and to revive in case of fainting, palpitations, etc. The infusion studied above would be suitable in this case, too.

Stomachic : Flowers of orange tree should be used to fight stomachic spasms ( 6 flowers for each cup in an infusion of 3 minutes. Drink 3 or 4 cups every day ) The rind can be used for this purpose, although bitter oranges are more suitable in this case. ( Decoction of 60 gr. per litre of water for 1/4 of an hour . Drink a cup after meals.)

Carminative: To expel intestinal flatulence ( The same decoction seen above)

Antifebrifugue: To diminish fever ( Eat the whole orange smashed with the rind and macerated with sugar in a glass of boiling water.)

 

Edible uses

Oranges are a very adequate because of its high value in vitamins ( specially vitamin C with an average of 53 mg. per 100 gr.) which make them in one of the best antiscorbutic aliments. They also have a big quantity in sugars, particularly rich in fructose, easily assimilable by the body , so that it can be eaten by diabetics. Because their high content in mineral salts, , outstanding potassium, they have a great diuretic power. Their caloric content - about 47 per 100 gr.- allow people to eat with no fear to obesity. They provide with a good quantity of calcium - 40 mg per 100 gr..

   


 

Collecting and storing : Oranges should be collected in winter. Flowers and leaves in spring. Flowers should be dried by extending them on a dry surface. Leaves should be collected in spring and , as well as flowers, should be kept in a dry obscure place.