The warm, sun-kissed landscapes of Florida stand out vividly in my childhood memories, a striking contrast to the cold Ohio winters we left behind as we drove south during school break. The highlight wasn’t the bustling tourist attractions or even the endless stretches of beach—it was the moment we'd stop at a roadside stand for fresh-squeezed orange juice.

 I can still vividly recall the sweet, vibrant taste and the intoxicating scent of a freshly peeled orange, which always felt like pure sunshine. That simple, sensory joy, the feeling of Florida warmth on my skin, is what I desperately wanted to capture when I set out to create my "crappy to happy" tea.

As I began blending herbs for our beloved Feeling Groovy tea, I knew I had to include orange peel. My initial thought was simple: Vitamin C! I believed it would be the key ingredient to a perfect orange peel tea, infusing the blend with that familiar, sweet orange taste I loved so much.

I thought I knew everything there was to know about it. But little did I know, I was in for a surprise.

The Unexpected Taste: Bitterness and a Deeper Discovery

When I brewed those first batches of Feeling Groovy, the taste of the orange peel wasn't what I expected. It wasn't sweet at all. It wasn't enjoyable. My initial reaction was, "What did I do wrong?"

 The bright, juicy flavor I anticipated didn't translate. I worried I had misjudged the ingredient. However, in the world of herbalism, a bitter taste is often a secret language, signaling a profound medicinal presence. It’s a sign that the herb is brimming with potent compounds designed to help your body.

And as I delved deeper, what I discovered about the power of orange peel tea completely revolutionized my understanding and appreciation for this seemingly humble ingredient.

 Beyond Vitamin C: The True Medicinal Power of Orange Peel Tea

While oranges contain an abundance of Vitamin C—an excellent immune booster and antioxidant—the dried peel itself offers a whole spectrum of benefits I hadn't initially considered. It turns out that the bitterness I encountered is actually a badge of honor, indicating the presence of potent compounds like:

• D-Limonene:  Anti-inflammatory [1} 
• Hesperidin: A major flavonoid and potent antioxidant that can help fight inflammation. [2] [3]
• Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs): Unique compounds almost exclusively found in citrus peels that support healthy cholesterol levels. [4]
• Dietary Fiber and Pectin: To aid digestion and promote gut health. [5]
• Essential Oils: For an uplifting and stress-reducing aroma. [6] [7}

A Symphony of Herbs for a "Crappy to Happy" Day

 I coined Feeling Groovy's tag line as "crappy to happy" because, simply put, this tea makes you happy regardless of the circumstances.

Interestingly, Feeling Groovy is not a one-note song; it's a whole symphony designed to lift you. While the ginger and orange peel are the stars of the show, I included a carefully selected cast of supporting herbs, each playing a crucial role in creating a truly holistic wellness experience.

• Marshmallow: This gentle giant is known for its soothing properties. It helps to calm and coat mucous membranes, which is essential for respiratory comfort. [8}
• Blackberry Leaves & Alfalfa: These are your behind-the-scenes powerhouses. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, helping to nourish and revitalize your body on a cellular level. [9] [10]
• Lemon Verbena: With its uplifting citrus scent and mild flavor, lemon verbena is a natural mood booster. It's a calming herb that can help ease anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. [11]
• Hyssop & Anise Hyssop: These herbs add a subtle, complex herbal note and are traditionally used to support respiratory health and clear the mind. [12] [13]
• Spearmint: A refreshing burst of flavor that soothes the stomach and aids digestion, ensuring every sip feels clean and invigorating. (For more information about the benefits of spearmint, read our blog post here.)

The Kick of Wellness: A Go-To for All Seasons

I've found that this tea has become my go-to for more than just a bad mood. It's my daily ritual in the winter and my secret weapon during allergy season. My nose tends to run a lot in the spring and fall—I think it’s from the pine needle mulch on my farm—and this tea has been a lifesaver.

The combination of herbs is specifically blended to help with that annoying post-nasal drip, soothing my throat and calming my sinuses. What's more, the incredible spiciness from the ginger provides a nice little jolt for my day, and the tea is just as delicious cold as it is hot.

A tall glass over ice transforms it into a refreshing, spicy summer drink, perfect for those days when you need a revitalizing lift.

Delivering "Sunshine" in a Profound Way 

When you're feeling sluggish, under the weather, or generally "off," the potent compounds in the orange peel, along with the entire symphony of herbs, are precisely what your body needs to rebalance and regain a sense of vitality.

The wellness of an authentic orange peel tea is far more than just a flavor—it's a feeling. It’s not just a tea; it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to turn your day around genuinely.

 It might not taste like a sweet glass of Florida orange juice, but it delivers a far deeper, more sustaining kind of sunshine. Ready to experience the actual, holistic "sunshine" that lives in every cup of our Feeling Groovy tea?

Taste the difference that a truly medicinal and intentionally blended tea can make. You'll discover a unique path from "crappy to happy," crafted with love and a little bit of unexpected Florida magic.

Sources:

1.Mizrahi B, Shapira L, Domb AJ, Houri-Haddad Y. Citrus oil and MgCl2 as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. J Periodontol. 2006 Jun;77(6):963-8. doi: 10.1902/jop.2006.050278. PMID: 16734569.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16734569/

2. Rodrigues CV, Pintado M. Hesperidin from Orange Peel as a Promising Skincare Bioactive: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Feb 4;25(3):1890. doi: 10.3390/ijms25031890. PMID: 38339165; PMCID: PMC10856249.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38339165/

3. Imperatrice M, Cuijpers I, Troost FJ, Sthijns MMJPE. Hesperidin Functions as an Ergogenic Aid by Increasing Endothelial Function and Decreasing Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, Thereby Contributing to Improved Exercise Performance. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 19;14(14):2955. doi: 10.3390/nu14142955. PMID: 35889917; PMCID: PMC9316530.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9316530/#abstract1

4. Rasheed H, Altemimi AB, Rabail R, Muntaha ST, Rakha A, Haider U, Rasheed F, Shehzad M, Mousavi Khaneghah A, Abdi G, Aadil RM. Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Citrus Peel Pectin Against Cholesterol and Cholic Acid Induced Hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley Rats. Food Sci Nutr. 2025 May 28;13(6):e70274. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70274. PMID: 40444134; PMCID: PMC12121527.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12121527/#fsn370274-sec-0001

5. Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun, Olufunke Florence Ajeigbe, Mary Tosin Ademosun, Omodesola Oluwafisayo Ogunruku, Ganiyu Oboh,
Improving gut microbiome through diet rich in dietary fibre and polyphenols: The case for orange peels, Human Nutrition & Metabolism, Volume 39, 2025, 200295, ISSN 2666-1497,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hnm.2024.200295.accessed via https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149724000574

6. Rasheed H, Altemimi AB, Rabail R, Muntaha ST, Rakha A, Haider U, Rasheed F, Shehzad M, Mousavi Khaneghah A, Abdi G, Aadil RM. Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Citrus Peel Pectin Against Cholesterol and Cholic Acid Induced Hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley Rats. Food Sci Nutr. 2025 May 28;13(6):e70274. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70274. PMID: 40444134; PMCID: PMC12121527.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12121527/#fsn370274-sec-0001

7. What is Orange Oil Good For? Essential Oil Profile: Benefits & Uses. (2025). Aromahead.com. https://aromahead.com/blog/sweet-orange-oil-a-full-profile

8. Marshmallow: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (2019). Webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-774/marshmallow

9. Strik, B. (2015). Seasonal Variation in Mineral Nutrient Content of Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Leaves. HORTSCIENCE, 50(4), 540–545. https://oregon-berries.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Strik_primo_black-tissue-nutrients.pdf

10.  Alfalfa: Benefits, Nutrition Facts & Side Effects. (2021, August 20). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alfalfa#nutrient-content

11. 8 Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena: Uses, Side Effects, Tea. (n.d.). MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/8_health_benefits_of_lemon_verbena/article.htm

12. Contributors, W. E. (n.d.). Health Benefits of Hyssop. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hyssop

13.  Anise Hyssop facts and health benefits. (2022, March 9). https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/anise-hyssop/

14 5 Surprising Spearmint Tea Benefits | From Our Farm to Your Cup. (2025, August 29). The Naked Botanical. https://thenakedbotanical.com/blogs/our-blogs/5-surprising-spearmint-tea-benefits-from-our-farm-to-your-cup

FAQ: Orange Peel Tea – Childhood Florida Memories to Your “Crappy to Happy” Fix

What makes orange peel tea special compared to regular orange juice?
Orange peel contains potent compounds like D-limonene, hesperidin, polymethoxylated flavones, dietary fiber, and essential oils that go beyond vitamin C, offering digestive support, anti-inflammatory effects, and stress-reducing aroma.

Why does orange peel tea taste bitter?
The bitterness signals the presence of these beneficial compounds. In herbalism, bitter flavors often indicate potent medicinal properties that support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.

Which herbs are blended with orange peel in Feeling Groovy tea?
Feeling Groovy includes ginger, marshmallow, blackberry leaves, alfalfa, lemon verbena, hyssop, anise hyssop, and spearmint. Each herb contributes to digestion, mood, respiratory comfort, and holistic wellness.

Can orange peel tea help with mood and energy?
Yes! The combination of orange peel, ginger, and lemon verbena provides a natural, uplifting effect, helping transform sluggish or “crappy” moments into a revitalized, happy state.

How can I enjoy orange peel tea year-round?
It’s versatile—enjoy hot in winter for warmth and respiratory comfort, or brew cold in summer as a refreshing, spicy drink. Pair it with honey, ginger ale, or simple syrup for a flavorful twist.