Title: The Dried Tangerine Peel in the Kitchen: A TCM Interpretation of Abdominal Distension and Discomfort
Author: Li Mingjiu, a practicing TCM physician (Practice License Number: 141330522000349). This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu, based on classical TCM theories and clinical experience, and is intended for general knowledge only. The qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
On the spice shelf in the kitchen, dried tangerine peel is often used as a sidekick for removing fishiness and enhancing flavor. Don't underestimate these withered pieces of tangerine skin; in clinical practice, they are a commonly used ingredient to address abdominal distension and discomfort. Tangerine peel is warm in nature, with a pungent and bitter taste, entering the spleen and lung meridians. Its pungent aroma can promote Qi flow, its bitter taste can dry dampness, and its warm nature can dispel coldness. When abdominal distension and discomfort occur, they are often associated with Qi stagnation and dampness accumulation.
Title: The Properties and Functions of Tangerine Peel
Tangerine peel is known for its warm nature, which can help to dispel coldness and invigorate the Qi. Its pungent taste is effective in promoting the flow of Qi and resolving phlegm. The bitter taste has the function of drying dampness and clearing heat. In TCM, it is often used to treat symptoms such as abdominal distension, bloating, and indigestion.
Title: Tangerine Peel in Clinical Practice
In clinical practice, tangerine peel is often used in combination with other herbs to treat various diseases. For example, when combined with cinnamon and ginger, it can be used to treat cold and dampness in the spleen and stomach, which can lead to abdominal distension and discomfort. When combined with menthol and fennel, it can be used to treat Qi stagnation and dampness accumulation, which can cause abdominal distension and bloating.
Title: How to Use Tangerine Peel
Tangerine peel can be used in various forms, such as decocting, grinding into powder, or using it as a spice. When decocting, it is recommended to use fresh tangerine peel, as it is more potent. When grinding into powder, it is best to use dried tangerine peel, as it is more convenient. When using it as a spice, it is important to use it in moderation, as excessive use can lead to heat and dryness.