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More Information:
Other
Common Names
Aged Citrus (Tangerine) Peel
Page
Number In Radiant Health
198
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Pinyin
Chen Pi
Treasures
Treasure
Rating
*
Atmospheric
Energy
Warm
Taste
Pungent and Bitter
Organ
Meridian Systems
Spleen, Stomach and Lungs
Part
Used and Form
The peel of the ripe tangerines, sun-dried and aged
naturally
Primary
Functions
Regulates qi and to normalizes the functions of the
Spleen and Stomach.
Qualities
Aged Tangerine Peel is a digestant. It falls into the
classical category of "Qi regulating" herbs,
that is, herbs that help qi to move smoothly and to
prevent blockage, particularly in the digestive and
respiratory systems. It is not a tonic herb, but is
often used in tonic formulations to improve their
function. Sometimes strong qi formulas, in particular,
can result in minor stagnation in the digestive tract if
a qi regulating herb is not included in the formula.
It is most commonly used to help eliminate digestive
stagnation and to help relieve abdominal distention,
belching and bloating. It can be useful even if the
stagnation reaches the extreme by resulting in nausea,
diarrhea and vomiting. Tangerine Peel is used to
eliminate problems of excess moisture in the digestive
tract. It is often used in combination with Qi tonics
such as Ginseng, Codonopsis and Atractylodes to improve
digestion and assimilation.
Because of its ability to eliminate dampness, Aged
Tangerine Peel is often used to help eliminate phlegm,
cough and oppression in the lungs and to help clear the
upper respiratory passages.
Primary
Combinations
Combine with:
1. Ginseng, Astragalus and Atractylodes to move qi and
prevent stagnation
2. Ginseng, Ginger and Jujube to regulate the Stomach
and Spleen
Varieties
and Grading
There are many grades of Chen Pi. Generally, the longer
it has been aged, the better. Very high quality Chen Pi
is brown in color and has a very fine, crisp citrus
aroma when a piece is snapped off and smelled. It is
also much more expensive than lower quality, but more
commonly available low grade Chen Pi. Lower quality Chen
Pi tends to still be orange in color, may still be soft
in texture (high grade Chen Pi will be crisp and will
snap when bent) and will have a pungent aroma.
Contraindications
Chen Pi is not a tonic, so it is included in tonic
programs to assure the smooth flow of qi and to prevent
stagnation
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