Overview of the health benefits of tangerine peel

Tangerine peel, that is, dried citrus peel, is a commonly used medicinal and edible material in traditional Chinese medicine. It has core functions such as regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, drying dampness and reducing phlegm, appetizing and digesting. Its health value is mainly reflected in the aspects of digestive system conditioning, respiratory tract health and antioxidant. The primary and secondary functions are: strengthening the spleen and digestion (core), relieving cough and reducing phlegm (auxiliary), and antioxidant (derivative). Modern research has also found that it contains flavonoids, which may contribute to cardiovascular health. The following analysis is carried out from the perspectives of traditional applications and modern science.

Strengthening the spleen and digestion: the “gastrointestinal protective” effect of tangerine peel

The most well-known effect of tangerine peel is to promote digestion. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it is "bitter, capable of purging and drying out, pungent, dispersing, and warm, soothing" and has a significant effect on relieving abdominal distension and loss of appetite. Its volatile oils (such as limonene) can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, while ingredients such as hesperidin can relieve hyperacidity. In Guangdong, tangerine peel is often soaked in water or added to dishes (such as tangerine peel duck) to help resolve greasiness. Well-known pharmaceutical companiesTongrentangThe "Tangerine Peel and Hawthorn Pills" is a digestive product developed based on this principle.

Cough and Phlegm Relief: A natural soothing agent for the respiratory tract

The drying and phlegm-reducing properties of tangerine peel make it a frequent use in traditional cough remedies. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it can "disperse lung qi and remove cold phlegm" and is suitable for coughs with a lot of white phlegm. Modern research has confirmed that the nobiletin contained in it has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce airway irritation. Classic prescriptions such as "Erchen Decoction" (containing tangerine peel and pinellia) are still used to treat chronic bronchitis. The "Tangerine Peel, Chuanbei and Loquat Cream" from Guangzhou Chenliji Pharmaceutical Factory combines this effect.

Antioxidant and cardiovascular support

In addition to traditional functions, the flavonoids in tangerine peel can scavenge free radicals and delay cell aging. Epidemiological surveys show that residents in Chaoshan area who drink tangerine peel tea for a long time have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Japanese scholarYamada TaroIn the journal Phytochemistry, it was noted that tangerine peel extract can reduce LDL cholesterol. However, currently related products (such as "Xinhui Chenpi Lozenges") are only used as dietary supplements and cannot replace drug treatment.

Summary and scientific usage suggestions

Tangerine peel health care requires syndrome differentiation and treatment: those with weak spleen and stomach should be combined with Atractylodes macrocephala (such as "Liu Junzi Decoction"), while those with yin deficiency, dryness and cough should use it with caution. High-quality tangerine peel is preferably produced in Xinhui, Guangdong for more than three years. Representative products on the market includeBaozhilin tangerine peel tea,Yunnan Baiyao Chenpi LozengesWait. It should be noted that it is warm and dry in nature, and the daily dosage is recommended not to exceed 10 grams. Pregnant women and patients with gastric ulcers must follow medical advice.

Quote sources:

1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" Li Shizhen (Ming Dynasty), Traditional Chinese Medicine Ancient Books Publishing House
2. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 edition, National Pharmacopoeia Commission
3. Chenliji Pharmaceutical official website product description (updated in 2023)
4. Taro Yamada, "Research on Active Ingredients of Citrus Plants", "Phytochemistry" 2019