Qīng Pí (青皮) — Green Tangerine Peel
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Qīng Pí (青皮) is the dried unripe peel of Citrus reticulata, the same fruit that produces Chén Pí (mature peel). It belongs to the category of Herbs that regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is a stronger, more downward and lateral Qi-mover in Chinese herbal medicine, specifically targeting Liver Qi stagnation in the flanks and breasts.
I prescribe Qīng Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Qīng Pí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 青皮 |
| Latin name | Citrus reticulata (unripe peel) |
| English name | Green tangerine peel / Unripe citrus peel |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that regulate Qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Spreads Liver Qi and breaks Qi stagnation
- Disperses accumulation and reduces masses
Indications
- Liver Qi stagnation with distension and pain in the flanks, breasts and lower abdomen
- Premenstrual breast distension and breast lumps from Liver Qi constraint
- Hernia and testicular swelling from Liver Qi stagnation in the lower burner
- Food stagnation with epigastric distension
4. Modern research
Green tangerine peel contains higher levels of synephrine and hesperidin than the mature peel, plus volatile oil rich in limonene. Studies report prokinetic, antispasmodic and choleretic effects, mild positive inotropic action and antitumour activity in cell models. As with Zhǐ Shí, synephrine content warrants caution in cardiovascular conditions.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Use cautiously in patients with marked Qi deficiency — its strong dispersing action can weaken vitality. Avoid in pregnancy. Caution with sympathomimetic or cardiac medications because of synephrine.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Qīng Pí as part of tailored herbal formulas for premenstrual breast tenderness, cyclical breast lumpiness, irritable-bowel patterns dominated by Liver Qi stagnation, and lateral abdominal distension from Liver Qi constraint. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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