After eating oranges, don't discard the peels—they offer numerous benefits for bathing. Citrus peels emit a fragrant aroma and possess antibacterial, wind-dispelling, moisturizing, sleep-promoting, and odor-eliminating properties. Using them in hair washes or baths not only cleanses skin impurities but also nourishes the skin and alleviates fatigue.
Never consume fresh orange peel
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners caution against using fresh orange peel. While orange peel and the medicinal dried peel (Chenpi) share the same origin and offer significant therapeutic value, many mistakenly collect fresh peel for brewing tea. Experts emphasize that fresh orange peel is not suitable for consumption.
Experts explain that fresh orange peel must be dried and processed to become dried tangerine peel (Chenpi). The longer it ages, the better—ideally stored for at least a year before use. As a common Chinese herb that regulates qi, strengthens the stomach, and dissolves phlegm, brewing it into tea effectively clears heat and reduces phlegm.However, brewing fresh orange peel is different. Due to its high volatile oil content, fresh peel can irritate the digestive tract, potentially disrupting digestive function.
Additionally, fresh orange peel may irritate the stomach and intestines because its surface often carries pesticides or preservatives. Ordinary washing and sun-drying may not fully remove these harmful substances.Therefore, it's best to avoid brewing fresh orange peel into tea or liquor. When sun-drying orange peel yourself, be sure to discard any pieces showing surface mold.
Thus, fresh orange peel should be thoroughly dried and stored, ideally for use the following year.
Important considerations when consuming oranges:
1. Avoid oranges while taking certain medications
Oranges are rich in fruit acids and vitamin C. Consumption should be avoided when taking vitamin K, sulfonamide drugs, spironolactone, amiloride, or potassium supplements.
2. Avoid brewing tea with fresh orange peel
Most harvested oranges are treated with preservatives before sale. While these chemical agents do not affect the fruit flesh, residues on the peel are difficult to remove with water alone. Brewing such peel as tea poses health risks.
3. Avoid excessive orange consumption
Studies indicate that consuming three oranges daily meets an individual's vitamin C requirements. Overconsumption leads to increased oxalic acid metabolism, potentially causing urinary or kidney stones. Additionally, excessive intake harms oral health and teeth. For children, overconsumption can damage oral tissues, teeth, and gastric mucosa.
When children consume too many oranges, the excess calories cannot be converted into fat for storage nor burned off quickly. This accumulation causes internal heat, manifesting as stomatitis, periodontitis, pharyngitis, and constipation.
4. Those with weak digestive systems should consume sparingly
Individuals with poor gastrointestinal function risk developing gastric fecal stones from excessive orange intake. Overconsumption of citrus fruits can cause citrus disease, characterized by symptoms like yellowing of the skin.
5. Avoid consuming oranges with milk
The protein in milk readily reacts with the fruit acids and vitamin C in oranges, coagulating into lumps. This not only impairs digestion and absorption but may also cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Wait at least one hour after drinking milk before eating oranges. Additionally, individuals with cold-type deficiencies in the stomach, intestines, kidneys, or lungs should limit consumption to prevent triggering abdominal pain, soreness in the lower back and knees, and similar symptoms.
6. Avoid consuming with radishes
When radishes enter the body, they rapidly produce a substance called sulfates, which are quickly metabolized into a substance that inhibits thyroid function—thiocyanate.If oranges are consumed at this time, the flavonoids in oranges break down in the intestines into hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid. These compounds enhance thiocyanate's inhibitory effect on the thyroid, potentially inducing or exacerbating goiter.
From the above, we understand that fresh orange peel should not be consumed directly or steeped in water. Additionally, oranges should be eaten in moderation, as winter already tends to cause internal heat, and excessive orange consumption can exacerbate this condition.