Chen-pi

Citrus reticulata

Bitter Orange Peel Chen-Pi Uses Considerations

Chen-pi is the fresh peel of the Mandarin orange, the whole fruit of which is also used in herbal medicine. Chen-pi comes in large pieces, thin-skinned, pliable, red, oily, and aromatic. The first taste of the herb is slightly sweet, but the aftertaste is bitter and then pungent.

USES

Chen-pi quells allergic reactions and digestive upsets. In addition, it contains compounds that increase the heart's output and other compounds that act together as a contraceptive for women.

Benefits of chen-pi for specific health conditions include the following:

• Allergies. Chen-pi is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent and treat allergic reactions. The whole fruit also can be used for this purpose.
• Diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and peptic ulcer. Bitter orange peel teas relax the body's smooth muscles. This may account for the herb's effect on the digestive system, relaxing the muscles that hold food in place in the digestive tract.

CONSIDERATIONS

Bitter orange peel is used as a tea or tincture. TCM urges caution in using this herb when "red" symptoms (such as red tongue, redness in the face with fever and cough, and spitting of blood) are present.

Women who are pregnant or who have menstrual problems should use this herb with caution. In small doses, bitter orange peel inhibits contractions of the uterus and intestines, but in large doses, bitter orange peel stimulates contractions of the uterus and intestines.