Orange Peels for Immunity & Recipe

I know this might sound crazy, but the best part of the orange may not be the juicy citrusy-sweet inside—it might be the bitter outside. For starters, orange peels contain massive amounts of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and keep illness at bay. Just one tablespoon of an orange peel provides 14% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C (almost three times more than the inner fruit!). That same serving also offers up four times more fiber! (1,2)

In addition to the almighty vitamin C, orange peels are also rich in vitamins A and B, making them a killer antioxidant to add to your immune-boosting routine. 

The peel also contains compounds that combat histamines. This antihistamine effect is helpful for when allergy season rolls around—especially if you want to avoid more congestion and sneezing with the common cold. Even more brilliant, orange peels can remove phlegm from the lungs and body, helping you feel clearer. 

And as far as inflammation goes, citrus peels like orange work in a similar way as an anti-inflammatory drug called indomethacin. So basically, orange peels can act as an all-natural alternative to prescription drugs. And isn’t that why you’re here—to learn about all the easy ways you can make natural living easy? 

One more thing before we get into the best way to reap the benefits of the orange peel (no, I am not going to make you eat it!!): Orange peels are rich in antioxidants and disease-fighting polyphenols, which may help prevent many chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s, type 2diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. (3,4,). 

Now that you’ve had a quick crash course on all the immune-boosting (and overall wellness-boosting) benefits of orange peels let’s dive into the fun stuff. 

Orange Peels for Immunity Recipe 

Eating an orange peel doesn’t sound appeeling—does it? (Sorry, I had to do it) 

So instead of making you munch down the peel in misery, I came up with a better, just as effective way to reap the immunity benefits of orange peels. 

Orange Peel Tea 

Ingredients:

• 1 orange (large and preferably organic) 
• ½ red onion
• 1 knob ginger 
• 1 sprig rosemary 
• 1 cinnamon stick 
• Raw honey or maple syrup (optional) 
• 4 cups of water 

Technically, all the ingredients besides the orange peels are optional, but if you want extra immune support than adding in these other superfoods will do the trick. 

Directions:

1. Peel entire orange, add peels to a small pot. 
2. Slice onion and ginger and add to pot 
3. Add rosemary and cinnamon stick 
4. Bring to boil and then lower to a simmer 
5. Add honey if using, pour a mug, and sip! 
6. When the pot runs out of water, you can just add more water and bring to a boil 

For more easy and delicious ways to boost immunity, check out our Organic Immunity Greens supplement.