Widely appreciated in cuisine and medicine, the orange blossom, also known as the bitter orange blossom, belongs to the Rutaceae family . Scientific name Citrus aurantium L. , the orange blossom is a common plant mainly in southern countries.
For the consumption of flowers for infusion, or essential oil, they must be harvested soon after opening, or shortly before. Then they must be dried and used. Those who prefer can buy the ready-made oil, as well as the dried flowers in physical natural food stores or online.
Index
Benefits and properties
The plant has calming properties and is excellent for those who have difficulty sleeping, nervous tension and digestive problems. It also acts as a sleep aid or mild sedative, anxiolytic, gastrointestinal system reliever.
The tea prepared with this flower helps fight insomnia, acts as an antidepressant, antiseptic, analgesic, hypnotic, tranquilizer, bactericidal, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. It can also be used to combat migraines, anxiety and PMS symptoms.
How to consume?
The orange blossom can be consumed in the form of tea, or even this tea applied to the environment. If you’re having insomnia problems, put a few drops of this tea on your pillow and enjoy a calmer, more restful night’s sleep. When consumes it in form of tea, it is advisable to use supplements such as honey, lemon or cinnamon, as they help to enhance its properties. This mixture can be used to treat sore throats, coughs, and to improve kidney function. Because it contains pectin, the tea made with orange blossom also has anti-diarrheal properties, as well as being able to balance cholesterol levels, as long as it is associated with a balanced diet.
tea
For preparation, put a tablespoon of flowers in a cup of tea. Then add boiling water to complete the cup and cover. Let it sit until warm, then strain and consume. A dose of two or three cups can be taken during the day.
Contraindications and side effects.
The medicine made with orange blossom, as well as any essential oils, should not be consumed by pregnant women, children under six years old and patients who have gastritis or neurological diseases (Parkinson, for example). It is essential that before consuming any type of medicine, even if natural, you visit a health professional, as only your doctor, having in hand your history and continuous remedies, can indicate the best treatments. Even natural medicines have drug interactions. No side effects from the consumption of orange blossoms were found in the consulted literature.