Oranges - Medicinal and Health Benefits

Orange (Citrus Aurantium) is the most popular of the citrus fruits. There are many varieties of oranges. Typically the tree grows up to 12 meters in height, with fruits upto 12cm in diameter, and has flowers with a sweet fragrance. The fruit of the orange is sweet and nourishing. Most oranges have a tight skin around the fruit, although some have loose skin and are called ‘loose jacket’ varieties.

The orange has its origin in southern china from where it spread to Europe via South India through the trade route. It is extensively cultivated in the USA, India, Brazil, China, Japan, Palestine, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Egypt and Mexico.

The orange is eaten as a dessert, made into juice, and processed into marmalade and jams.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties
The orange is rich in vitamins C, A, and B and Calcium. The large quantity of Vitamin C helps in tissue building, ideal when recovering from illnesses. Regular consumption of oranges is reputed to keep away illnesses like influenza, common cold and bleeding from the gums. The large quantity of potassium in oranges helps to rejuvenate the body after vigorous physical activity such as a long walk or hard physical labor when one has lost fluids through perspiration. The orange also contains other minerals including sodium, magnesium, copper, sulphur and chlorine.  

Orange juice is suitable for all ages in all kinds of illnesses. It is ideal in diseases where a solid diet is restricted. It is considered excellent food for children who are not fed on breast milk. The quantity to be given to the child depends on its age. In dyspepsia, it gives rest to the digestive organs and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. The orange is recommended to be consumed whole in the treatment of constipation, since the fibers promote healthy stool formation. But even in conditions where a fibrous diet is not recommended, orange juice can be used to treat constipation.  

Orange juice with honey is considered a safe energy giving drink for very weak patients. The starch in the orange is in the form of a readily assimilable sugar. Therefore it is easily absorbed in the blood and provides energy immediately after consumption. The use of orange juice with honey mixed with a pinch of salt is used in cases of cough with tough tenacious sputum where expectoration is difficult.

In large quantities, orange juice is reputed to be effective in the treatment of gum and tooth diseases.

Orange peel ground with water and applied pimples is a safe, natural and effective treatment for acne.