Tangerine Peel

Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel): A Timeless Remedy for Health and Harmony

Unlock the centuries-old benefits of Chen Pi, or tangerine peel, a treasured ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Revered for its aromatic zest and powerful therapeutic properties, Chen Pi is more than just a kitchen staple—it's a natural remedy for digestion, respiratory health, and overall well-being.

From soothing an upset stomach to promoting better energy flow (Qi), this humble citrus peel has been carefully aged and crafted to enhance its potency. Whether you're brewing it into tea, adding it to herbal formulas, or savoring its unique flavor in recipes, Chen Pi is your gateway to balance and vitality.

Discover how this small but mighty ingredient can transform your health—one peel at a time.

How to Use Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)

Tangerine peel, or Chen Pi, is a versatile ingredient used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), culinary recipes, and home remedies. Here's a guide on how to use it effectively:

1. Tangerine Peel Tea

• Purpose: Relieves bloating, supports digestion, and soothes coughs.
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse the dried tangerine peel to remove any dust.
  2. Steep 1–2 pieces of Chen Pi in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Add honey or ginger for added benefits and flavor.
• When to Use: After meals or when experiencing indigestion, nausea, or a mild cold.

2. Cooking with Tangerine Peel

• Purpose: Enhances flavor and improves digestion.
• Common Dishes:
  • Add Chen Pi to soups, stews, or braised dishes for a citrusy aroma.
  • Use in desserts like sweet rice pudding or cakes.
  • Grind into a powder and use as a seasoning for meats or stir-fries.
• Tip: Always soak the dried peel in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to soften it.

3. Tangerine Peel Herbal Formulas

• Purpose: Balances Qi, relieves phlegm, and supports overall health.
• Usage:
  • Chen Pi is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas like Er Chen Tang (for coughs and dampness) or digestive remedies.
  • Consult a licensed herbalist for specific formulas tailored to your needs.

4. Aromatherapy and Home Use

• Purpose: Reduces stress and freshens the air.
• Instructions:
  • Boil Chen Pi in water to release its natural oils, filling the room with a calming citrus aroma.
  • Dry and grind the peel into a powder to use in potpourri or natural cleaning solutions.

5. Tangerine Peel for Skin Care

• Purpose: Brightens skin and reduces inflammation.
• Instructions:
  • Grind dried Chen Pi into a fine powder.
  • Mix with honey or yogurt to create a DIY face mask.
  • Apply for 10–15 minutes to cleanse and nourish the skin.

6. Making Tangerine Peel Congee

• Purpose: Boosts digestion and warms the stomach.
• Instructions:
  1. Add a small piece of Chen Pi to a pot of rice porridge while cooking.
  2. Remove the peel before serving.
• When to Use: Ideal for mornings or as a light, nourishing meal during illness.

Tips for Using Tangerine Peel

• Storage: Keep dried Chen Pi in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve its potency.
• Dosage: Typically, 3–9 grams of dried tangerine peel is used in TCM formulations. For teas or cooking, a small piece (about 1–2 grams) is sufficient.
• Precautions: Avoid excessive use if you have a dry cough, heat conditions, or stomach ulcers. Consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist for personalized guidance.

Tangerine peel is a simple yet powerful natural remedy with a wide range of applications. Whether brewed in tea, added to recipes, or used in skincare, it’s a valuable tool for maintaining balance and well-being.

Review Tangerine Peel Forms and Sizes Below

Common Name: Tangerine Peel
Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata; Pericarpium
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Chen Pi
Tangerine Peel Dosage: Follow doctor or healthcare professional's instructions for use.
Tangerine Peel Precautions: Do not use if nursing or pregnant. Do not use in cases with cough due to Yin or Qi Deficiency.

Tangerine Peel Benefits & Information

Tangerine Peel is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to support respiratory health and benefit digestion. It can be added to soups and other recipes quite easily.
Tangerine Peel Properties: Pungent, Slightly Bitter, Acrid, Bitter, Warm
Tangerine Peel Channels: Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Naturally Occurring Components: Evaporating oils, flavonoids, Limonene, α-Thujene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, β-Myrcene, Sabine-ne, Octanal, α-Phellandrene, α-Terpinene, p-Cymene, Linalool, Thymol, Citronellal, Hesperidin, Neohesperidin, Tangeretin, β-Sitosterol, Synephrine

Herbs that Combine With 

Gou Teng   Gua Lou Pi  

References:
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Chen-Pi-Cid8080
https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/tangerine-peel
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11241192/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402403768X
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378936476_Validating_the_protective_role_of_orange_and_tangerine_peel_extracts_foramending_food_safety_against_microorganisms'_contamination_using_molecular_docking