Orange Peel

Latin Name: Citrus sinensis
Herb Class/Action: Lymphatic, Bitter Tonic, Lung Tonic, Digestive Bitter
Parts Used: Skin of the fruit
Flavors: Warming, cooling, drying
Energetics: Pungent, sour
Traditional Benefits: Spirit support, mood support, lymphatic support, digestive support, immune support, microbiome support, lung support, qi support

For centuries, orange peels have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their immune-boosting and digestive properties. This often-overlooked part of the fruit is packed with phytochemicals and bitter compounds that promote gut and lung health, offering a wide range of benefits.

While the precise origins of the orange are unclear, it is believed to have been introduced to the Mediterranean region around the late 1400s or early 1500s, spreading to the Americas in the following centuries. Despite the United States now being the world’s leading producer of oranges, the crop only arrived in the country around 1872, with Florida becoming a major hub for orange production.

Oranges, and citrus fruits in general, have long been prized both for their taste and medicinal properties. A single orange contains approximately 170 phytonutrients and over 60 flavonoids, including vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, fiber, and calcium. While the fruit’s flesh is highly beneficial, it is the peel that stands out for its medicinal properties.

Sweet orange peel is rich in immune-supporting vitamins, microbiome support, lung support, Qi support, mood support, and digestive health. As herbalist Jill Blakeway explains, “Orange peel helps your psychic weight drain down, and your spirit lift up.” The peel’s Qi-descending power ensures proper digestion and helps release emotional blockages, offering both physical and emotional benefits.

In traditional use, orange peel is often brewed into teas or its essential oils are extracted. In modern times, orange peel can easily be incorporated into the diet by zesting the peel and adding it to salads, drinks, or marinades for a burst of essential nutrients and citrus flavor.

As Arthur Miller famously said, “You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away—a man is not a piece of fruit.” This metaphor reminds us not to waste the valuable benefits of orange peel, which is just as important as the fruit itself.