Tangerine Peel: Do You Really Know How to Use It? Unveiling the "2 Dos and 3 Don'ts" of Tangerine Peel

Tangerine Peel: Do You Really Know How to Use It? Unveiling the "2 Dos and 3 Don'ts" of Tangerine PeelThe scorching summer brings discomfort to Xiamen residents, with high temperatures and humidity leading to prevalent issues like spleen-dampness heat and indigestion. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions and medicinal diets that tonify the spleen and eliminate dampness become popular in summer

Tangerine Peel: Do You Really Know How to Use It? Unveiling the "2 Dos and 3 Don'ts" of Tangerine Peel

The scorching summer brings discomfort to Xiamen residents, with high temperatures and humidity leading to prevalent issues like spleen-dampness heat and indigestion. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions and medicinal diets that tonify the spleen and eliminate dampness become popular in summer. Tangerine peel, a common ingredient in these remedies, is widely favored. But did you know that many people can't tell the difference between orange peel and tangerine peel, and even more don't know how to use tangerine peel safely and effectively? TCM experts advise: Orange peel is not the same as tangerine peel, and it's not advisable to make tangerine peel at home. Tangerine peel should be used under the guidance of TCM doctors and pharmacists based on individual diagnoses. It's not simply a matter of "just soaking it"! Otherwise, your "health-promoting water" could easily become "harmful water".

Tangerine Peel: A Magical Herb for "Regulating Qi and Tonifying the Spleen"

Tangerine peel, also known as tangerine red, is the dried peel of ripe tangerines, boasting a long history of medicinal use. TCM views tangerine peel as having a pungent and bitter taste, a warm nature, and belonging to the spleen and lung meridians. It possesses the functions of "regulating Qi, tonifying the spleen, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm". It is not only a common medicine for digestive and respiratory diseases but also widely used in the treatment of digestive tract disorders such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

For digestive symptoms like abdominal distention, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, tangerine peel can offer some relief. It is particularly beneficial for those with cold-dampness obstructing the middle jiao (middle burner). For treating damp phlegm cough, tangerine peel is often used in combination with other herbs like pinellia and poria cocos, as seen in the classic prescription "Erchen Decoction".

Tangerine Peel Soaked in Water: 2 Dos and 3 Don'ts for Safe Use

Drinking tangerine peel tea seems simple, but there are several things to keep in mind. Li Jinsong, director and chief physician of the Department of Disease Prevention and Treatment at Xiamen Municipal Hospital of TCM, reminds us to remember the "2 Dos and 3 Don'ts" when soaking tangerine peel in water, so that it can exert its efficacy and avoid potential harm.

2 Dos:

1. Wash it thoroughly: Tangerine peel might have accumulated dust or other impurities during sun drying, so it's essential to wash it thoroughly before soaking.

2. Use boiling water: Tangerine peel has been dried, losing a significant amount of moisture, leading to a harder texture. Using boiling water helps to better extract its active ingredients, enhancing its effectiveness.

3 Don'ts:

1. Don't overuse it: Tangerine peel is warm and drying, which can easily generate heat. Overuse or prolonged consumption can burden the liver and stomach, ultimately harming your health.

2. Don't make tangerine peel at home: Homemade tangerine peel cannot ensure quality and safety. The production of tangerine peel involves a strict processing procedure to eliminate pesticide residues and other harmful substances, guaranteeing its safety for consumption. Home production struggles to meet these standards, posing potential safety risks.

3. Don't substitute fresh orange peel for tangerine peel: Fresh orange peel contains a large amount of volatile oils, which are highly stimulating and unsuitable for direct soaking. Moreover, fresh orange peel might contain pesticide residues, posing health hazards.

Contraindications and Precautions for Tangerine Peel

While tangerine peel offers many benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. The following individuals should use it with caution:

• Individuals with red tongue and scanty saliva, dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, dark urine, dry cough without phlegm or scanty phlegm should avoid tangerine peel: Tangerine peel is bitter, drying, and warm, which can easily damage fluids and promote heat. For these individuals, consuming tangerine peel would worsen their symptoms.

• Individuals with spleen-yang deficiency, qi deficiency, and weak constitution should use it cautiously: Tangerine peel is strong in regulating Qi and can easily deplete Qi and damage yin if overused. These individuals should not consume it in large quantities for extended periods.

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should use it cautiously: Tangerine peel is warm and may affect the fetus or newborn.

• Individuals taking other medications: Tangerine peel could interact with certain medications, including digoxin, furazolidone, phentolamine, tolazoline, phenoxybenzamine, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, etc. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking tangerine peel.

Tangerine Peel Dietary Remedies: Combined Strength, Doubled Efficacy

Tangerine peel can be enjoyed not only as a simple tea but also combined with other ingredients to enhance its efficacy. Here are some common tangerine peel dietary remedies:

• Tangerine peel + Pu-erh tea: Tonifies the spleen, aids digestion, and promotes weight loss and fat reduction.

• Tangerine peel + honey: Tonifies the spleen, regulates Qi, and harmonizes the stomach.

• Tangerine peel + rock sugar: Warms the stomach and helps treat stomach coldness.

• Tangerine peel + jujubes: Regulates Qi, descends rebellious Qi, tonifies the spleen and stomach.

• Tangerine peel + ginger shreds: Aids digestion, relieves greasiness, and alleviates spleen-stomach disharmony.

• Tangerine peel + rose + osmanthus: Soothes the liver, regulates Qi, activates blood circulation, and relieves dysmenorrhea.

• Tangerine peel + lotus leaf: Promotes weight loss, reduces fat, and eliminates bloating. Lotus leaf is cold in nature, so individuals with spleen-yang deficiency and weak constitution should use it with caution.

Conclusion:

Tangerine peel, a common TCM herb, offers various benefits, but it's crucial to follow proper usage methods and contraindications, using it appropriately under professional guidance. Avoid blindly relying on folk remedies to prevent unnecessary harm. This article aims to help you better understand tangerine peel, use it safely and effectively, and safeguard your health.

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