Oranges are mainly grown in the Pearl River Delta, with the largest cultivation in Xinhui and Sihui. They are mainly used for relieving thirst, moisturizing, aiding digestion, diuresis, and sobering up. They are used to treat symptoms such as chest heat and fullness, dry and thirsty mouth or alcohol-induced heat, reduced appetite, and difficulty urinating.
【Plant Morphology】
Oranges are small deciduous trees, 2-3m tall. The branches are dense and the thorns are very few.
The leaves are alternate, usually elliptic in shape, gradually pointed at the tip, and wedge-shaped at the base. The leaf margins are not distinctly serrated, and the leaf wings are small and inconspicuous.
The flowers are small and white, with yellow-green sepals and 5 petals.
The fruits are flattened round or bun-shaped, with a longitudinal diameter of 4.5-6 cm and a transverse diameter of 6.5-7 cm. The base is flat or raised, with 4-8 shallow radial grooves on the top, and a slightly concave top. The fruit peel is easy to peel off, with a loose and crisp texture, white cotton-like inner layer, and fragrant aroma. The pulp is divided into 11-12 segments, with an empty central column, and has a sweet and sour taste.
There are more than 20 oval-shaped, pale yellow-brown seeds. The fruit ripens in mid-December.
The chemical components of oranges include hesperidin, citrus aurantium, and volatile oil. The roots contain stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and magnolol.
【Efficacy and Function of Oranges】
They have a sweet and sour taste and a cooling nature. They can relieve thirst, sober up, and promote diuresis.
①Cui Yuxi's "Shi Jing": "Consuming oranges can relieve chest heat and fullness."
②"Kai Bao Ben Cao": "It can eliminate intestinal heat and toxins, relieve extreme thirst, and promote urination."
③"Yi Lin Zuan Yao": "It can relieve restlessness and sober up."
【Suitability and Contraindication of Oranges】
It should be avoided by those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold.
①"Ben Cao Yan Yi": "Eating oranges can cause cold storage or diarrhea in people with spleen and kidney cold."
②"Yi Lin Zuan Yao": "Eating too many can cause cold phlegm."
③"Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu": "Avoid it if you have wind-cold diseases."
