Bitter Orange Hydrosol
Getting to Know Orange
Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) is a hardy, flowering tree belonging to the Rutaceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast and Southeast Asia. Its white flowers generally appear in January and February. Its ripe orange fruit is popularly known as bitter orange or Seville orange.
Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant since ancient times, bitter orange also holds an important place in cosmetics due to its flowers and fruit. Its bitter and sour taste makes it an alternative to lemon in various local dishes, particularly in Adana, Tarsus, Mersin, and Hatay. Bitter orange jam is a popular dessert in Turkey's Mediterranean region; in Greece, it is used in spoon desserts called "nerántzi," and in Malta, it is a staple ingredient in traditional jams.
Traditional Uses and Medicinal Value
Citrus aurantium is known in herbal medicine for its stimulant and appetite-suppressing properties. Following the ban on ephedra, it began to be used in many countries as a natural alternative in weight-loss products. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has a wide range of uses, from digestive issues such as nausea, indigestion, and constipation to cardiovascular effects and sedative applications.
Historical Background
The spread of the bitter orange tree throughout the Mediterranean occurred in the Middle Ages thanks to the contributions of Arab physicians and horticulturists. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Caliphs of Cordoba planted bitter orange trees in streets, courtyards, and places of worship, popularizing their aesthetic use. This tradition persists today in historical sites such as the Patio de los Naranjos in Seville Cathedral and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. The famous bitter orange groves of the Alcázar of Seville are among the oldest examples, dating back over 600 years.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Valued as a medicinal plant, bitter orange originated in China and was a favorite of Arab physicians during the Middle Ages. Cultivated primarily for ornamental purposes in ancient times, this species has since gained a significant place in cosmetics, gastronomy, and herbal medicine.
Bitter Orange Hydrosol
Toroslardan Bitter Orange Hydrosol
Ingredients and Production
Toroslardan Bitter Orange Hydrosol is obtained by carefully distilling only bitter orange peels using steam distillation. The product is free of additives, preservatives, and alcohol. Its pure, natural, and gentle formula makes it safe to use in daily care routines.
Benefits
Skin Care
Purifies and balances combination and oily skin, helping to tighten pores.
Its invigorating and refreshing aroma gives skin a radiant appearance.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue with its mood-enhancing effects.
Soothes the nervous system, providing relaxation and serenity in the busy pace of daily life.
Respiratory and Digestive Support (External Use)
May help relieve bloating and nausea when inhaled.
Supports breathing through diffusion or gentle inhalation.
Hair and Scalp Care
It refreshes the scalp and helps balance excess oil production.
Recommended Use
With its light, fresh, and naturally bitter scent, bitter orange hydrosol easily integrates into your daily care routine. Rich in linalool, linalyl acetate, and monoterpenes, it exhibits purifying, balancing, and soothing properties.
Cosmetic Use
Toning Lotion:
Spray onto clean skin morning and evening to promote a clear, balanced, and vibrant complexion.
Revitalizing Care:
Mix with plant oils and massage into your face or scalp for a soothing sensation.
Health and Environmental Use
Light Inhalation:
Add one tablespoon of bitter orange hydrosol to a bowl of hot water; inhale the steam to help open the airways.
Air Freshener:
Refreshes the air with its natural, fresh, and greenish scent, promoting emotional and respiratory well-being.
Emotional Well-Being
Diffuser Use:
Adds a fresh, slightly bitter lemon note to the environment; Helps reduce tension.
Relaxing Bath:
You can create a relaxing experience by adding a few spoonfuls to bathwater.
Food Use
Thanks to its safe ingredient structure, you can add it to your food and beverages and enjoy the subtle aromatic healing properties of bitter orange hydrosol.
Warnings and Storage Conditions
Hydrosols are fragile products with a limited shelf life. Proper storage is essential to maintain their effectiveness.
Store the product in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Always store upright and tightly closed.
Shelf Life: Unopened products can last up to 1 year. Refrigerating is recommended to prolong freshness.
Do not use the product if you notice a change in aroma; this indicates that the hydrosol has reached its end of life.
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice.