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Zhi Shi (枳實), the immature fruit of bitter orange, strongly breaks up qi stagnation and reduces accumulation and fullness of the middle and lower burners, and transforms phlegm to unblock the chest.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Citrus aurantium (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus)
Common English Name
Immature bitter orange
Taste
Bitter, acrid
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Actions & Functions
- Breaks up qi stagnation and reduces accumulation and fullness
- Transforms phlegm and unblocks the chest and diaphragm
- Directs qi downward (constipation, prolapse with stagnation)
Indications
Food or qi stagnation with epigastric and abdominal fullness, distension and constipation; and phlegm with a stifling, painful chest.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Da Huang and Hou Po (Cheng Qi Tang) for constipation with fullness; with Bai Zhu (Zhi Zhu Wan) for food stagnation with Spleen deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Strongly moving; contraindicated or used with care in pregnancy and in qi deficiency.
