Add It Again, Monday (Orange Peel)

I'm getting kind of a late start today, so I apologize. My stepdaughter flew in from Florida this past weekend and we were out having family time. But, I am here now, and ready to tell you about the benefits of orange peel (yes, the stuff that you usually throw away).

Believe it or not, the rind of an orange has many health benefits when consumed. Antioxidants found the in the peel can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. For those of you who are looking for more fiber in your diet, the peel of an orange in high in fiber (fiber = weight loss). Additionally, it can reduce bad breath and has anti-inflammatory properties that when consumed can reduce swelling in your limbs, etc. If peel is seeped in hot water and used as a tea, it can help cure bronchitis. Also, for you partiers out there, orange peel makes a great hangover cure (boil in hot water for 20 minutes, add salt, and drink). Sounds delicious!

For bath and body purposes, I put orange peel in my soaps. It makes for a great exfoliant that is not harsh enough to tear your pores. Here are some soaps from the Black Willow Soap shop that contain orange peel:

Monkey Farts Olive Oil Soap

Jamaican Me Crazy Shea Butter Soap

For those of you who are in it for the DIY recipe, here it is.

Natural Orange Peel Toothpaste

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Glycerin or 1 1/2 Tablespoons Peroxide
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Orange Peel

Directions:
Blend it all up in a blender (or Magic Bullet) and store if not using.