Native to Asia, the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp.amara (folia)) is a member of the Rutaceae family, with spiny branches and alternate, persistent and coriaceous brilliant green leaves.
It bears fruit called sour oranges, that are unfit for consumption, smaller than sweet oranges, with a thick rough peel and bitter and acidic flesh.
It is used in two forms in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive and cardiac disorders: zhi shi (green fruit) and zhi kiao (zest).
Main aromatic molecules: Terpene esters (linalyl, geranyl and neryl acetates), monoterpenols (linalool, α-terpineol).
Family: Rutaceae.
Productive organs: Leaves and small branches.
Yield: 700g of essential oil per 100kg of plants.
Equivalence: 1ml → 31 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
