While eating oranges, we usually just peel them and throw the skin away. Although kids squeeze them in each other’s eyes to make one cry as a prank, but that’s wastage too!
Orange peel and apple skin are similar since most of the nutrients and benefits are in the skin of these fruits. According to Rebecca Wood, author of The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, “One medium orange contains over 60 flavonoids and 170 different phytonutrients.” They are good for your skin, your system and your home too. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop helps us find out it’s different uses.
Medicinal Properties of Orange Peels
As per Ayurveda, orange peel is tikta (bitter) and has laghu and ruksha guna. Due to these properties, it effectively pacifies kapha and pitta. It is useful in disease conditions originated from imbalance of these two doshas.
It improves digestion and removes sluggishness in the abdomen. It helps to remove gas, heartburn, vomiting and acidic eructation. It works well in perking up appetite and relieving nausea.
Due to its kapha pacifying properties, orange peel powder helps dissolving phlegam in respiratory systems and alleviate cough, asthama etc.
Beneficiary aspects of orange peels come from its essential oils, which have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil d-limonene has ability to defuse stomach acids and maintain normal intestinal movements. It also promotes normal liver function.
Studies have shown that orange peel can dissolve cholesterol and triglyceride. That means consumption of orange peel can benefit obese persons who have high cholesterol levels. It has a flavonoid known as hesperidine, which is said to be effective against colon cancer and osteoporosis.
Essential oils from orange peels are sedative in nature so can be used to calm nerves and induce sleep. Use orange peels in baths or simmer in a pot for uplifting your mood and drive away insomnia.
Beauty Properties of Orange Peels
Skin with kapha and pitta imbalance (oily skin) responds well to application of orange peels. It balances the skin oils and makes skin smooth and soft.
Dried orange peel beads act as natural exfoliators and remove dead cells and blackheads gently and naturally, bringing a glow to the skin.
Orange peels help in removing dark spots and blemishes.
Due to its cleansing, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it works well against pus filled pimples and acne.
To remove damp or musky odor from house and fill it with beautiful fragrance, it can be boiled in water with clove or cinnamon.
Orange Peels in Cooking
In cooking, orange zest enhances the taste and flavor of many dishes.
Dried orange peels can absorb humidity from brown sugar
Sweet candies made with orange peel can tickle your taste buds and improve your appetite and the vitamin c in them would protect you from the onset of many ailments