Jú Hé (橘核) — Tangerine seed
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Jú Hé (橘核) — Citrus reticulata — is known in English as Tangerine seed. It belongs to the category of herbs that regulate Qi and disperse nodules in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Jú Hé as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Jú Hé |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 橘核 |
| Latin name | Citrus reticulata |
| English name | Tangerine seed |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Category | Regulate qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Regulates Qi and disperses stagnation in the Liver channel
- Softens and disperses nodules
- Alleviates pain and reduces swelling
Indications
- Testicular pain and swelling, and hernial disorders
- Lower abdominal and groin pain from Qi stagnation
- Breast nodules and distension with Liver Qi constraint
4. Key formulas containing Jú Hé
Jú Hé is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Tangerine seed contains limonoids and flavonoids. Research is limited and largely preclinical; classically it is the key herb for Qi stagnation in the Liver channel affecting the groin.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Jú Hé in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Sudden, severe testicular pain is a surgical emergency (possible torsion) and requires immediate medical assessment, not herbal treatment. Any new testicular or breast lump must be investigated.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate where swelling arises from acute infection or trauma requiring urgent care.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Jú Hé at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Jú Hé within tailored formulas for Liver-channel Qi stagnation patterns, alongside appropriate medical assessment.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
