Chen Pi
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Chen Pi in TCM:

Explore the properties of Chen Pi according to Chinese
Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):


Factoids:
English Name: citrus peel, orange peel, tangerine peel
Pharmacuetical Name: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Properties: acrid, bitter, warm


Temperature: warm

Channels: LU, ST, SP

Flavors: bitter, pungent

Special Properties:
circulates qi, clears damp, resolves phlegm


Actions / Indications:
  • Regulates SP and ST qi; Supports the SP (Middle Jiao qi stagnation and/or turbid damp: epigastric or abdominal distension, fullness, boating, belching, nausea and vomit, loss of appetite, fatigue, loose stool, thick, greasy tongue coat, also used to prevent cloying of tonifying herbs)
  • Dries dampness; Dissolves phlegm (damp phlegm cough with stifling sensation of chest and diaphragm; thick copious sputum; mild effect for bi)

    Special Notes:
  • Chen Pi, literally "aged peel" implies that the longer it is aged the stronger its function.
  • Chen pi takes on the properties of the herbs it is combined with (tonify, reduce, ascend, etc)
  • Qing Pi and Chen Pi are both warm and regulate qi and they are commonly used to harmonize LV, SP, and ST. Qing Pi is stronger on breaking qi stagnation and focuses on MJ/LJ while Chen Pi focuses on the UJ (chest and epigastriuim)

Contraindications:
  • (cc: caution with red tongue or w/ hot phlegm or dry heat cough, spitting blood due to yin deficiency)