Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

zhǐ ké (qiào) / 枳壳 / 枳殼 / bitter orange

Latin pharmacognostic name: Aurantii Fructus

Alternate English names:

Alternate Chinese names:

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Qì-rectifying agents

Properties: Acrid and bitter; cool; nontoxic*.

Channel entry: lung, spleen, and large intestine channels.

Indications:

Breaks qì, moves phlegm, disperses accumulation. Similar to 枳实 but milder in action, and hence more suitable for weaker patients.

phlegm stagnation in the chest and diaphragm; glomus in the chest; rib-side distension; food accumulation; belching; retching counterflow; diarrhea with heaviness in the rectum; prolapse of the rectum or uterus.

Dosage & Method:

Oral: Decoct (3–9g, 15–60g for large doses), or makes as powders or powder. Topical: Decoct as a wash or apply as a hot pack.

Warning:

Use with care in pregnancy and spleen-stomach vacuity.

Product Description:

Similar to unripe bitter orange (zhǐ shí), but supplied with the flesh removed, squashed flat, and cut into slices.

Quality:

Fruits with blackish green skins are the best.

See also:

zhǐ shí (枳实 Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, unripe bitter orange)