What are the benefits of boiling orange peels and cinnamon?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

In traditional medicine, orange peels have long been valued for their high concentration of vitamin C, which is even greater than that found in the fruit itself. This ancient knowledge is at the heart of the benefits of boiling orange peels and cinnamon, a practice celebrated for both its health-promoting and aromatic qualities.

Quick Summary

Boiling orange peels and cinnamon offers benefits for both your home and body, including creating a natural air freshener, boosting antioxidants, and supporting immune and digestive health.

Key Points

Natural Air Freshener: Boiling orange peels and cinnamon creates a chemical-free, spicy-citrusy aroma for your home.
Immune System Support: The concoction is rich in vitamin C from the peels and contains antibacterial properties from cinnamon.
Digestive Comfort: The combination can help soothe digestive issues, reduce bloating, and aid in overall digestion.
Antioxidant Boost: Both ingredients are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and oxidative stress in the body.
Mood Elevator: The aromatic qualities offer a form of aromatherapy that can help reduce stress and boost your mood.
Respiratory Relief: In Chinese traditional medicine, dried orange peel is boiled with cinnamon to clear phlegm and warm the lungs.
Hydration: Consuming it as a tea provides a flavorful and healthy way to stay hydrated.

Boiling orange peels and cinnamon is a practice that offers a delightful mix of therapeutic and atmospheric benefits. From creating a warm, inviting scent in your home to concocting a soothing, health-boosting tea, this simple ritual harnesses the natural properties of two potent ingredients. The combination is a testament to how accessible, natural remedies can support overall wellness.

A Natural, Non-Toxic Home Fragrance

One of the most popular uses for boiling orange peels and cinnamon is as a natural air freshener. Unlike synthetic air fresheners that release chemicals, a simmer pot creates a welcoming scent using only natural ingredients.

How a Simmer Pot Works

Volatile Oils: As the mixture of water, orange peels, and cinnamon simmers, it releases aromatic volatile compounds. Orange peels contain limonene, a fragrant compound, while cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which gives it its signature spicy aroma.
Humidity Boost: The boiling process also adds moisture to the air, which can be particularly beneficial in dry climates or during winter months when indoor air can feel stale and dry.
Odor Neutralization: The natural anti-microbial properties of the essential oils can help neutralize and eliminate unpleasant odors in the air, not just mask them.

Creating Your Own Simmer Pot

To make a natural simmer pot, you can use these basic ingredients, with optional additions for a more complex aroma:

Peels from 1-2 organic oranges
1-2 cinnamon sticks
4 cups of water
Optional: a few whole cloves or a splash of vanilla extract.
Optional: slices of ginger for added warmth.

Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to bubble gently, periodically adding water as it evaporates to prevent burning.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Beyond its uses for home fragrance, boiling orange peels and cinnamon is frequently turned into a warm herbal tea, offering a range of wellness benefits.

Immune System Support

Orange peels are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are crucial for a strong immune system. Cinnamon adds its own anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to the mix, providing a protective boost against infections.

Digestive Aid

This warm, soothing beverage is often used to promote digestive health. Cinnamon is known to aid digestion and help reduce discomfort and bloating, while the fiber content in orange peel also plays a role in supporting a healthy gut.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Both oranges and cinnamon are loaded with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, both ingredients possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce overall inflammation and provide relief from related conditions.

Mood and Stress Reduction

For many, the act of preparing and smelling the warm citrus-spice blend is a form of aromatherapy. The scent of citrus is known to be a mood elevator, and combined with the calming warmth of cinnamon, it can help reduce stress and create a relaxed atmosphere.

Simmer Pot vs. Herbal Tea


Feature	Simmer Pot (for Fragrance)	Herbal Tea (for Wellness)
Primary Goal	To scent and humidify the air naturally.	To ingest for health benefits.
Key Outcome	Fills the home with a pleasant, warm aroma.	Delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Ingredients	Typically includes peels and cinnamon sticks. Can add cloves, vanilla, etc.	Use organic, thoroughly washed peels and high-quality cinnamon sticks or powder.
Process	Simmer on low heat, adding water as needed.	Boil briefly and then steep, like a traditional tea.
Reusability	The potpourri mixture can be reused for a couple of days.	Best consumed fresh to maximize potency.

A Simple Method for Making Orange Peel and Cinnamon Tea

Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and healthy herbal tea from these two ingredients:

Prepare the Orange Peels: Use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides. Use a peeler to remove just the outer, orange part of the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
Gather Ingredients: You'll need about one tablespoon of fresh or dried orange peel and one cinnamon stick per cup of tea.
Boil the Water: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
Infuse the Tea: Add the orange peels and cinnamon stick to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors and compounds to fully infuse.
Strain and Serve: Pour the liquid through a strainer into a mug. Add a touch of honey or another sweetener if desired.

For more specific preparation tips and a wider array of recipes, you can reference resources like TuaSaude.com.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for a simple, natural way to freshen your home or a soothing, nutrient-rich beverage to boost your wellness, the benefits of boiling orange peels and cinnamon are clear. This time-honored practice is a testament to the power of natural ingredients to provide comfort, health, and a pleasant atmosphere. It's a simple, accessible ritual that offers a significant return on a small investment of time and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally safe to boil orange peels for tea, especially if you use organic oranges to minimize exposure to pesticides. Always wash the peels thoroughly before use.

For tea, it is best to use true Ceylon cinnamon sticks, as they are often preferred for internal consumption over cassia cinnamon. For fragrance, either type of cinnamon stick is suitable.

Using organic oranges is recommended to avoid any chemicals or pesticide residue on the peels. The peels from any variety, such as navel, Valencia, or mandarins, will work well.

The aroma can last for several hours, as long as the mixture is simmering. You can also store and reheat the mixture for a couple of days by refrigerating it.

No, it is not recommended to give this tea to pets, especially cats. Many citrus and spice compounds can be toxic to animals, both if ingested and inhaled.

Yes, the warmth and steam from the mixture can help with nasal and chest congestion. The high vitamin C content from the orange peels is also beneficial for fighting colds.

For a simmer pot, you can reuse the ingredients for a couple of days by storing the pot in the fridge overnight. For tea, it is best to use fresh ingredients each time to get the maximum health benefits.