Orange peel extract is the essential oils from an orange that are attained through one of many extraction processes. These processes include expression, cold press, maceration, absorption and distillation. After the essential oil has been extracted from the orange peel, it has many beneficial health properties. Orange peel extract is known to help with gastrointestinal ailments, depression, insomnia, weight loss and skin problems. Orange peel extract typically comes in two forms: a vitamin-like pill supplement or essential oil form.

The main component in an orange peel is d-limonene. This ingredient is known to help food pass through the stomach quickly, which lessens the production of stomach acid. This property of orange peel extract makes it a common treatment for the symptoms associated with heartburn and acid reflux. It works to prevent the backing up of stomach acid into a person’s esophagus, which is one of the main causes of heartburn. The extract also is used to soothe stomachaches, including those caused by nervousness, as well as indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.

The citrus scent of orange peel extract essential oil is also known to help with emotional issues and their physical symptoms. In many homeopathic cultures, this extract is used to treat poor appetite, sadness and anxiety. The scent is soothing and is believed to lift a person’s spirits. Some holistic practitioners even use bitter orange peel extract for chest pain, high blood pressure and as a sedative for insomnia.

Other chemicals found in the orange peel include N-methyltyramine, flavones, synephrine, carotenoids and octaopamine. It has not been proven in clinical studies, but some alternative health practitioners believe that some of these chemicals can contribute to weight loss. The theory behind it is that some of the chemical compounds can stimulate a person’s metabolism, which might increase the rate of calorie burning.

Orange peel extract is found in many facial and skin cleansing products. The extract oil works to dry out oily skin, which might prevent acne breakouts and problems. Orange extract typically blends well with other cleanser ingredients and oils such as lavender, clary sage and clove.

Although orange peel extract can soothe many painful symptoms, it does not treat the root of a person’s health problem. People considering incorporating this type of extract into their daily diet or health regimens should discuss it with their doctor first. In some tests on pregnant animals, the extract caused birth defects in infants, but the same clinical trials were not conducted on humans.