A plant record

Sour orange (zoranj si)

Citrus aurantium

EnglishSour orange

Kreyòlzoranj si

FrançaisOrange sure

BotanicalCitrus aurantium

Sour orange (zoranj si) — Citrus aurantium, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, appetite stimulant, heart palpitations, hypertension, nervousness, stomach cramps

Prepared as

The leaves and flowers are prepared as a hot tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried material in boiling water (212°F) for 10-15 minutes, traditionally consumed 2-3 times daily for nervousness and digestive issues. The bitter peel is often prepared as a cold infusion by soaking fresh or dried zest in room temperature water overnight, then strained and taken in small doses of 1-2 tablespoons before meals to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Fresh leaves may also be crushed and applied directly as a poultice for headaches and skin conditions.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Kè k ap bat twò fò, ensomni, pwoblèm vant, pou ouvri apeti, tansyon wo, kè k ap kouri, krent ak tèt chaje, doulè vant ak kòlèt

Français — Anxiété, troubles du sommeil, problèmes digestifs, stimulant de l'appétit, palpitations cardiaques, hypertension artérielle, nervosité, crampes d'estomac

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine

Encounter this plant on The Crossing → Dubrovnik