Edible Parts: Fruit  Oil  Oil
Edible Uses: Condiment  Oil  Oil

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 3]. Very bitter[46]. It is used in making marmalade and other preserves[3, 46, 61, 183]. The fruit is about 5 - 7cm in diameter[200]. The rind of the fruit is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc[1, 4]. Used in 'bouquet garni'[183]. An oil obtained from the seeds contains linolenic acid and is becoming more widely used as a food because of its ability to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood[7]. The flowers are used for scenting tea[183]. An essential oil from the dried peel of immature fruits is used as a food flavouring[183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antianxiety  Antibacterial  Antiemetic  Antifungal  Antispasmodic  Antitussive  Appetizer  Aromatherapy  
Carminative  Contraceptive  Diaphoretic  Digestive  Miscellany  Sedative  Stimulant  
Stomachic  Tonic  Vitamin C

Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some people[238]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[238]. The plants also contain umbelliferone, which is antifungal, as well as essential oils that are antifungal and antibacterial[218]. They also contain the pyrone citrantin, which shows antifertility activity and was once used as a component of contraceptives[218]. Both the leaves and the flowers are antispasmodic, digestive and sedative[7, 9]. An infusion is used in the treatment of stomach problems, sluggish digestion etc[9]. The fruit is antiemetic, antitussive, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive and expectorant[218].The immature fruit can be used (called Zhi Shi in China) or the mature fruit with seeds and endocarp removed (called Zhi Ke). The immature fruit has a stronger action. They are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal distension, stuffy sensation in the chest, prolapse of the uterus, rectum and stomach[176]. The fruit peel is bitter, digestive and stomachic[7]. The seed and the pericarp are used in the treatment of anorexia, chest pains, colds, coughs etc[218]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Radiance'[210]. It is used in treating depression, tension and skin problems[238].

Essential  Hedge  Hedge  Miscellany  Oil  Oil  Repellent  Rootstock

This species is much used as a rootstock for the sweet orange, C. sinensis, because of its disease resistance and greater hardiness[3, 46, 61]. Grown as a hedging plant in N. America[260]. A semi-drying oil obtained from the seed is used in soap making[46, 61]. Essential oils obtained from the peel, petals and leaves are used as a food flavouring and also in perfumery and medicines[1, 4, 46, 61, 171]. The oil from the flowers is called 'Neroli oil' - yields are very low from this species and so it is often adulterated with inferior oils[7]. The oil from the leaves and young shoots is called 'petit-grain' - 400 kilos of plant material yield about 1 kilo of oil[7]. This is also often adulterated with inferior products[7]. Neroli oil, mixed with vaseline, is used in India as a preventative against leeches[268].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Hedge  Hedge  Scented Plants