Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium
Aliases：Tangerine Peel、Gui Lao (Venerable Tangerine Peel)、Yellow Tangerine Peel、Red Peel、Orange Peel、Guangdong Tangerine Peel
Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb. It consists of the dried ripe peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Regulate Qi and fortify the Spleen; dry Dampness and transform Phlegm.
Indications
It is indicated for Spleen and Stomach Qi stagnation pattern, vomiting, hiccup, damp-phlegm, cold-phlegm cough, chest impediment (Bi of the chest), among others.
Modern Pharmacology
Chenpi has the effects of regulating gastrointestinal function, lowering blood lipids, protecting the liver, improving cardiovascular function, as well as anti-allergic, anti-pulmonary fibrosis, antidepressant, and hypoglycemic effects, among others.
Ingredients
Chenpi contains nobiletin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, hesperetin, dihydronobiletin, synephrine, flavonoid compounds, among others. The volatile oil content of Chenpi is 1.5%–2.0%, while that of Guangchenpi (Guangdong tangerine peel) is 1.2%–3.2%. Its components include α-thujene, limonene, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders.
Contraindications
Precautions and Contraindications for Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 1. Chenpi is bitter, drying and warm in nature, which may easily damage body fluids and generate heat. It should be used with caution in cases of red tongue with little fluid, interior heat excess, yin deficiency with dry cough, hemoptysis, or hematemesis. 2. Should not be used concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as furazolidone, as this may cause “amine poisoning reaction” (hypertensive crisis). 3. Should not be used concurrently with alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers such as phentolamine, tolazoline, and phenoxybenzamine, as these drugs may block the pressor effect of Chenpi. 4. Should not be used concurrently with cardiac glycosides such as digitalis, as this may enhance both the effects and toxicity of cardiac glycosides. 5. Should not be used concurrently with certain Western pharmaceutical preparations such as calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, and bismuth subcarbonate. The flavonoid components in Chenpi may form complexes with these drugs, thereby affecting drug absorption. 6. During medication, avoid raw or cold foods, sticky or greasy foods, and foods that easily generate phlegm.
Selected Formulas
1.For middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) cold-dampness with Qi stagnation, manifesting as epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: Often combined with Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu) and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo), as in Pingwei San (Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescriptions). 2.For food accumulation with Qi stagnation, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain: May be combined with Crataegi Fructus (Shanzha) and Massa Medicata Fermentata (Shenqu), as in Baohe Wan (Danxi’s Experiential Therapy). 3.For external contraction of wind-cold with internal injury from dampness, manifested as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea: Combined with Pogostemonis Herba (Huoxiang) and Perillae Folium (Suye), as in Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescriptions). 4.For Spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation, presenting as abdominal pain that improves with pressure, poor appetite, postprandial distension, loose stools, and pale tongue: Combined with Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and Poria (Fuling), as in Yigong San (Key to Therapeutics of Children’s Diseases). 5.For more severe Spleen and Stomach Qi stagnation with marked epigastric and abdominal distension and pain: Often combined with Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi) to enhance the effects of moving Qi and relieving pain. 6.For vomiting and hiccup: Often combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam (Zhuru), and Jujubae Fructus (Dazao), as in Jupi Zhuru Tang (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber). 7.For incessant vomiting due to cold in the Spleen and Stomach: May be combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), as in Jiangju Tang (Huo You Xin Shu). 8.For damp-phlegm cough: Often combined with Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) and Poria (Fuling), as in Erchen Tang (Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescriptions). For cold-phlegm cough: Often combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang), Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin), and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (Wuweizi), as in Linggan Wuwei Jiangxin Tang (Treatise on Cold Damage). For phlegm-dampness invading the Lung due to Spleen deficiency with loss of transport: May be combined with Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), as in Liujunzi Tang (Orthodox Manual of Medicine). 9.For chest impediment (Bi of the chest) with chest stuffiness and shortness of breath: May be combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi) and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), as in Jupi Zhishi Shengjiang Tang (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber).
Daily Consumption
Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) is not only a Chinese medicinal herb but also a common edible ingredient. Proper daily consumption may help regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and stimulate the appetite. Below are several simple methods: 1. Chenpi Infusion (as a tea substitute) Take 3–5 g of Chenpi (about one small piece). Rinse briefly, then steep in boiling water for 5–10 minutes with the lid on. Drink the infusion; the same piece can be steeped multiple times. Suitable for post-meal bloating, phlegmatic cough, or poor appetite. A small amount of honey or brown sugar may be added for taste. 2. Chenpi Congee (rice porridge) Wash and shred 3–5 g of Chenpi. Cook it together with 50–100 g of white rice in an adequate amount of water until the porridge is done. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar or brown sugar before serving. Helps strengthen the spleen and warm the stomach, beneficial for weak digestion and poor appetite. 3. Chenpi in Soup Add 5–8 g of Chenpi to meat-based soups (e.g., pork rib soup, chicken soup, duck soup). It removes gamey flavors, cuts grease, aids digestion, and regulates qi. Especially suitable for rich, fatty soups. 4. Chenpi in Dishes (e.g., Chenpi Duck, Chenpi Beef) Soften the Chenpi in water, then mince or shred it. Braise or stir-fry it with meat. Chenpi adds an aromatic, appetite-stimulating flavor and reduces greasiness. Precautions: Chenpi is warm and drying in nature. Contraindicated in dry cough due to yin deficiency, patterns of excess heat, or hematemesis. Pregnant women and individuals with excessive stomach acid should not consume large amounts over a long period. Chenpi aged for at least three years is generally preferred for better effect, but extreme aging is not necessary. Store in a dry place.
Medicinal Parts
Ripe Peel
Selection & Storage
Store in dry containers. For bran-fried Chenpi, soil-fried Chenpi, salt-fried Chenpi, honey-fried Chenpi, processed Chenpi (Fazhi Chenpi), and prepared Chenpi (Zhi Chenpi), keep in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. For Chenpi Charcoal, spread out to cool and dissipate heat to prevent re-ignition.