Slice the peels thinly, make them dry and keep them in a secure place. They are put in to sweetened rice in order to infuse a slightly refreshing aroma and enhance its flavor and tastefulness.
Citrus fruits are quite prominent amongst other fruits as they are abundant in Vitamin C and have a distinguished juicy flavor. Their juice and pulp is widely liked and used in households but people tend to throw away the leftover peels in the garbage thinking that it is not useful because the majority of our population does not understand the uncountable benefits and unique characteristics of different types of oranges. The little that is commonly known about the usefulness of orange peels is limited to preserving them after thinly slicing and drying them. The skin or peels are kept securely and then added to sweetened rice in order to infuse a slightly refreshing aroma and enhance its flavor. This definitely gives an exclusive tastefulness to a simple rice dessert. Herbalists, who have an extensive knowledge of medicine in the light of Islam, have made considerable efforts in bringing out the hidden advantages of such wasteful items. In the same way, they have researched extensively on the lesser known benefits of orange peels and have now brought into light for the world. The Islamic herbalists have discovered that the peels hold a distinctive ‘nontoxic’ characteristic. Ibne Rashd writes in detail about these characteristics. Such a medicine clarifies the body and the bloodstream which in turn makes the skin brighter. Owing to this unique quality, it has been widely used in Ubtans (mixture of essential oils and turmeric) which has four main advantages:
It brightens the complexion of the skin.
It radiates the face with its delicately aromatic smell even after it has been washed.
It eliminates pimples and boils from the face due to its antibacterial and deodorizing qualities.
Ubtan also treats freckles and other prominent scars and spots.
Modern science has also approved the antibacterial and odor minimizing characteristics of all kinds of oranges. Hence, a substance called ‘dalmonian’ has been discovered from orange peels that is said to help in the eradication of moths, mosquitoes, crickets, termite, ants and other crawling insects. Other than that, this substance is also extremely favourable in killing small insects and pests that harm crops and fields. A five percent mixture of this substance is strong enough to destroy the immune system of many types of pests which consequently die due to no or less movement. For houseflies and other bigger insects a higher percentage of this substance is required in order to eradicate them effectively. This research was initiated when people belonging to different countries started observing that the refreshing appearance and pungent odor of blood oranges repels creepy crawlies and moths. To provide a scientifically satisfying answer, this observation was taken under proper researches which were proven authentic and correct. These were the many uses of the physical characteristics of blood oranges but scientists were amazed when researches were undertaken to find the advantages that could be enjoyed out of its inner characteristics. In the opinion of Islamic medical practitioners, blood oranges are notable in the treatment of heart related issue. Its regular usage helps in relieving palpitation and thirstiness. It is very effective in curing nervous disorders which is why it is an important ingredient used in herbal medicines. Its juice and extract is available on all big or small herbal medicine shops. An energetic and effectual syrup is made out of the extract of blood oranges. Its ingredients are as follows:
ھو الشافی: blood oranges 200 grams, rose petals 50 grams, lotus flowers 50 grams, gaozabaan (herbal brain tonic) 50 grams and rosewood herb 100 grams. Soak all these ingredients overnight and in the morning mix four bottles of arq qara abeeq in order to educe it. Mix 25 to 50 milliliters of this syrup into extract of white loaf-sugar for usage. The following advantages can be reaped out of its usage. Weakness caused by jaundice, fever, dysentery, loose motions and cholera can be treated to restore lost energy. Apprehensiveness, extreme thirst and palpitation instantly reduce due to the constant use of this syrup. If someone complains about the inflammation of palms and heals, then he or she should take 6 peeled blood oranges, put salt and pepper on them and place it outside at night so that they can absorb dew. This has to be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning for desired results.
