Jú Hóng (橘红) — Red tangerine peel
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Jú Hóng (橘红) — Citrus reticulata — is known in English as Red tangerine peel. It belongs to the category of herbs that regulate Qi and transform Phlegm 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 Hóng 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 Hóng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 橘红 |
| Latin name | Citrus reticulata |
| English name | Red tangerine peel |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Spleen |
| Category | Regulate qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Regulates Qi and dries Dampness
- Transforms Phlegm and stops cough
- Harmonises the middle burner
Indications
- Cough with copious white or watery phlegm
- Chest and epigastric fullness and oppression
- Nausea and poor appetite from Damp obstructing the Spleen
4. Key formulas containing Jú Hóng
Jú Hóng 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
Red tangerine peel is the outer layer of the same fruit as Chen Pi, with a stronger drying and Phlegm-transforming action and less Qi-tonifying effect. It contains volatile oils and flavonoids such as hesperidin.
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 Hóng in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Being warm and drying it is used with caution in Yin deficiency with dry cough, and in patients with a red, peeled tongue.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for dry, Yin-deficient cough, where moistening herbs are indicated instead.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Jú Hóng 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 Hóng within tailored formulas for Damp-Phlegm patterns affecting the Lungs and digestion.
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.
