Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)Botanical Name: Citrus aurantiumTCM Name: Zhi Shi
Overview:Zhi Shi, the dried unripe fruit of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium), is a traditional herb in Chinese medicine valued for its ability to regulate Qi, support digestion, and resolve accumulations. It is often used in formulas that address gastrointestinal discomfort, food stagnation, and conditions involving chest and abdominal fullness.
Botanical Characteristics:The bitter orange tree is a small evergreen with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. Its unripe fruit is harvested while still green, then dried for medicinal use. Zhi Shi has a distinctly bitter flavor and a strong descending energy in TCM theory, making it particularly effective in relieving internal obstruction.
Traditional Uses in TCM:
1. Qi Regulation:Used to move stagnant Qi in the digestive system, particularly in the stomach and intestines, to relieve bloating, gas, and abdominal fullness.
2. Food Stagnation Relief:…