Citrus Peel, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the peel of various citrus species, primarily Citruschachiensis Hort. (a plant of the Rutaceae family). It is mainly distributed in the Pearl River Delta region, with the most extensive cultivation in Xinhui and Sihui. It is also cultivated in the suburbs of Guangzhou. It has the effects of regulating qi, harmonizing the middle burner, resolving phlegm, and alleviating alcohol intoxication. It is used to treat dietary imbalances, upper qi stagnation with fullness and irritability, and alcohol-induced thirst.
Citrus Peel
Citrus Peel, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the peel of various citrus species, primarily Citruschachiensis Hort. (a plant of the Rutaceae family). It is mainly distributed in the Pearl River Delta region, with the most extensive cultivation in Xinhui and Sihui. It is also cultivated in the suburbs of Guangzhou. It has the effects of regulating qi, harmonizing the middle burner, resolving phlegm, and alleviating alcohol intoxication. It is used to treat dietary imbalances, upper qi stagnation with fullness and irritability, and alcohol-induced thirst.
Chinese Name : 柑皮
Aliases : Guang Chenpi, Xinhui Peel, Aged Tangerine Peel
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Pungent, sweet, and cold in nature. Enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians.
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Descends qi, harmonizes the middle burner, resolves phlegm, and alleviates alcohol intoxication.
Indications
Used for dietary imbalances, upper abdominal distension and fullness, and thirst caused by alcohol consumption.
Usage and Dosage
Internal use: Decocted as a soup, 3–9 g; or incorporated into pills or powders.
Precautions
Use with caution in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency-cold.
Relevant Discussions
*Supplement to the Materia Medica*: “Dispels stagnant qi, harmonizes the middle burner, and treats postpartum muscle swelling; take as a powder with wine.”
Applications
Related Compatibility
To treat alcohol poisoning or symptoms of intoxication such as drowsiness, oppression, restlessness, and thirst: Take two liang of citrus peel, roast it until dry, and grind into a powder. Use three qian of the powder, add one medium-sized bowl of water, and decoct for three to five boils. Add salt and drink as you would tea; this is highly effective. (*Formulas for Emergency Use*)
Notes
Since the Song Dynasty, this product has been used as Chenpi (dried tangerine peel), and today it has become one of the varieties of Chenpi.
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Peel the rind from ripe fruit and sun-dry it.
Crude Drug Identification
Properties of Crude Drugs
It is usually peeled into several segments connected at the base; some pieces are irregularly shaped or thread-like, with a thickness of 1–4 mm. The outer surface is orange-red, reddish-brown, or brownish-black, with fine wrinkles and sunken, dot-like oil glands; the inner surface is pale yellowish-white or pale yellow, rough, and bears yellowish-white or yellowish-brown, vein-like vascular bundles. The texture is slightly hard and brittle.It has a fragrant aroma and a pungent, bitter taste.
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
Tea-branch citrus (a plant of the Rutaceae family).
Morphological Characteristics
Citrus reticulata, also known as Xinhui mandarin, is a small tree reaching 2–3 m in height. It has numerous branches and dense foliage, with very few thorns. The leaves are alternate, typically elliptical, with a gradually tapering apex, a wedge-shaped base, inconspicuous serrations along the margin, and small, inconspicuous winglets.The flowers are small and white, with yellowish-green sepals and five petals. The fruit is flattened-round or bun-shaped, measuring 4.5–6 cm in length and 6.5–7 cm in width; the base is flat or raised, bearing 4–8 shallow radial grooves, and the apex is slightly concave; the peel peels off easily, is loose and crisp, and has a white, cotton-like inner layer with a fragrant aroma;the pulp consists of 11–12 segments; the central column is hollow, and the taste is sweet and sour; there are over 20 seeds, which are ovoid and pale yellowish-brown. The fruit ripens in mid-December.
Distribution Area
It is primarily distributed in the Pearl River Delta region, with the largest cultivated areas in Xinhui and Sihui. It is also cultivated in the suburbs of Guangzhou.