Zhi Ke (Citrus aurantium): Natural Digestive Support, Qi Regulation, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefits
Zhi Ke, the mature dried peel of Citrus aurantium (commonly known as bitter orange), is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prized for its ability to regulate Qi, relieve digestive stagnation, and ease abdominal distention and bloating. Unlike its younger counterpart Zhi Shi, which is stronger and more dispersing, Zhi Ke is gentler and better suited for those with deficient or weakened systems, including the elderly or those recovering from illness.
| Health Benefit | Why It Works (Scientific & TCM Perspective) | PubMed Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Relieves Bloating and Gas | Scientific: Contains volatile oils and flavonoids that stimulate gastric motility. TCM: Regulates Qi and promotes movement in the middle Jiao to relieve abdominal distention. |
PMC31069145 |
| Improves Digestion | Scientific: Mild laxative and prokinetic properties support smoother bowel movements. TCM: Strengthens the Spleen and supports Qi transformation to enhance digestive efficiency. |
PMC19075699 |
| Alleviates Mild Constipation | Scientific: Increases peristalsis and intestinal transit time in studies. TCM: Moves Qi and relieves stagnation that contributes to sluggish bowels. |
PMC21039047 |
| Supports Appetite and Nutrient Absorption | Scientific: Synephrine and essential oils stimulate digestive enzyme activity. TCM: Awakens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach to improve food processing and assimilation. |
PMC24288259 |
| Balances Qi After Illness or Weakness | Scientific: Mild and safe for weakened digestive systems. TCM: Gently regulates Qi without depleting vital energy, making it suitable for recovery. |
PMC20645830 |
Herbal Information on Bitter Orange Fruit in Bulk Cut Form
Note: Bag may say Zhi Qiao
Common Name: Bitter Orange Fruit, Bitter Orange Mature Fruit, Bitter Orange Ripened Fruit, Fructus Citri Aurantii
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium fructus
Channels/Meridians: Spleen, Stomach
Pin Yin Name: Zhi Ke, Zhi Qiao
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Cut / Sliced - sizes vary
Dosage: Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Naturally Occurring Components: Hesperidin, Neohesperidin, Quinoline
Product Properties: Bitter, Cold
Zhi Ke (Citrus aurantium) is a traditional Chinese herb used to regulate Qi, relieve bloating, and support healthy digestion. Milder than Zhi Shi, it gently promotes gastrointestinal movement, eases abdominal distention, and is ideal for those with weak or deficient digestion. Backed by modern research, Zhi Ke contains natural compounds like flavonoids and synephrine that enhance gut motility and support metabolic health.
What Herbs Combine with Bitter Orange?
- Shi Chang Pu and Bitter Orange
- Balloon Flower and Bitter Orange
- Bamboo Shavings and Bitter Orange
- Bupleurum and Bitter Orange
- Cinnamon and Bitter Orange
- White Peony and Bitter Orange
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Cut Bulk Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are an authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
alternativehealing.org
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ZhiKe(Qiao).html
https://f1000research.com/articles/11-861
https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/chinese-herbs/substance/zhi-ke-bitter-orange-peel
https://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=320
