Zhǐ Ké (枳壳) — Bitter orange fruit / Mature aurantium fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Zhǐ Ké (枳壳) — Citrus aurantium (mature fruit) — is known in English as Bitter orange fruit / Mature aurantium fruit. It belongs to the category of Herbs that regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Zhǐ Ké as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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 | Zhǐ Ké |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 枳壳 |
| Latin name | Citrus aurantium (mature fruit) |
| English name | Bitter orange fruit / Mature aurantium fruit |
| Nature | slightly cold |
| Flavour | bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that regulate Qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi — particularly in the chest and epigastrium
- Expands the chest and reduces distension
- Descends Qi and transforms Phlegm
- Raises the Spleen Qi — used for prolapse (the paradox of using a Qi-descending herb to raise sunken Qi)
Indications
- Chest tightness and epigastric fullness from Qi stagnation
- Bloating and distension after eating
- Prolapse of the uterus, rectum and stomach from Spleen Qi sinking
- Constipation from Qi stagnation in the Large Intestine
- Phlegm-Qi stagnation in the chest
4. Key formulas containing Zhǐ Ké
Zhǐ Ké appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Citrus aurantium mature fruit (Zhi Ke) is the same species as Zhi Shi (immature bitter orange) but harvested later, giving it a gentler action. Key bioactive constituents include synephrine, flavonoids (hesperidin, naringenin, nobiletin), limonene and essential oils. Synephrine is a sympathomimetic compound similar to ephedrine but milder — it stimulates gastrointestinal motility and has thermogenic effects. Research confirms gastrointestinal motility-stimulating effects (prokinetic activity), bronchodilatory properties, anti-inflammatory effects and cardiovascular activity. Zhi Ke has a gentler, broader action than Zhi Shi — where Zhi Shi strongly breaks Qi stagnation and dissolves masses, Zhi Ke moves Qi and expands without breaking.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in pregnancy as synephrine may stimulate uterine contractions. Avoid in Qi deficiency without stagnation. Use cautiously in patients with cardiac arrhythmias due to synephrine content.
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 Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Zhǐ Ké as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Digestive disorders, Irritable bowel syndrome. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
