Orange (Naranga (Nagaranga))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Anxiolytic activity, Inhibition of elastin and collagen breakdown

Dosage

Orange Juice: 1-2 cups of fresh orange juice with water, can be taken with breakfast. Standardized extract (Citrus aurantium, 6% synephrine): 10–20 mg taken 1–3 times daily, ideally before meals for appetite control. Dried peel powder (Citrus aurantium): 1–3 grams in hot water as tea, 1–2 times per day.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Rochana (Improves taste)

Traditional uses

• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Vata disorders

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Fresh Juice: Consume 1-2 cups of fresh orange juice.
• Infusion: Add orange peel to herbal teas.
• Powder: The peels can be dried and powdered for use in various preparations.
• Oil: Orange peel can be processed into essential oils.
• Candy: Wash oranges thoroughly. Peel and remove most of the pith. Blanch peels in boiling water and then move them instantly to cold water. Slice into pieces. Squeeze fresh orange juice, add sugar, and heat the syrup briefly. Add peels and simmer. Separate and let them air dry and coat with powdered sugar.
• Topical: Orange peel powder can be mixed with rose water or honey and applied as a face mask.

Contraindications

• Avoid excessive consumption if you have Pitta imbalance, hyperacidity, acid reflux, or heartburn.
• Those with indigestion problems should avoid oranges or orange juice.
• Individuals with sensitive digestion should consume oranges in moderation.
• If your skin is hypersensitive to sour substances, use orange fruit paste, juice, or peel powder with milk or honey.
• Be mindful of personal sensitivities.

Side effects

• Excessive consumption of oranges may cause abdominal discomfort and heartburn.
• Due to their sour taste, oranges can increase internal acidity and heat, potentially worsening symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn.
• Overconsumption of fiber from oranges may lead to upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.
• Excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to heartburn, vomiting, insomnia, and heart attack.
• Citrus can worsen symptoms in individuals with reflux if consumed on an empty stomach.
• High doses of synephrine (from Citrus aurantium) can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, palpitations, or headache, especially if combined with stimulants like caffeine.

Interactions

• Orange may increase the absorption of anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic medicines.
• Orange may decrease the absorption of antibiotics.
• Orange may have an additive effect with anti-cancer medicines.
• Consult a doctor while taking oranges during breastfeeding or pregnancy.
• Individuals with a known allergy to citrus fruits should avoid oranges.
• Oranges can interact with certain medications, such as certain types of antibiotics and high blood pressure medications.
• Bitter orange supplements may interact with prescriptions.
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with Citrus aurantium is contraindicated due to potential hypertensive crisis.

Clinical evidence

Clinical studies and trials indicate that Citrus sinensis, or orange, possesses anti-anxiety, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies also suggest potential cardiovascular benefits, improvements in weight management, and positive impacts on skin health.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Rochana (Improves taste)

Classical clinical indications

• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Vata disorders