Condition
Treatment Support
digestive tonic
Application
tea
Tangerine Peel
(Citrus reticulata)
Botanical Information
A small, spiny tree with slender branches, narrow leaflets, fragrant white flowers, and clustered yellow to orange fruits from the Citrus family.
Working with Tangerine Peel
Part(s) Used
Peel
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“Tangerine works to strengthen digestion, increase the appetite, and alleviate vomiting. It also acts as an expectorant and antitussive and is beneficial to the lungs. Tangerine peel is one of the most important and widely used among Chinese herbs. The herb contains small amounts of the alkaloid synephrine, a nervous system stimulant, bronchodilator, and mucus-drying agent.
Tangerine Peel has a taste of BITTER, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses
Tangerine peel, often used in traditional Chinese medicine (called Chen Pi), has been valued for its ability to regulate digestion, improve circulation, and alleviate respiratory conditions. It was commonly included in herbal teas and tonics to treat bloating, nausea, and phlegm buildup.
Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths
Herbalists and naturopaths use tangerine peel for digestive support (e.g., reducing gas, bloating, and indigestion), as an expectorant for respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis, and to promote appetite in cases of poor digestion. It is also used to improve blood circulation and manage mild inflammatory conditions.
Chemistry
Tangerine peel contains various bioactive compounds, including:
- Flavonoids: Nobiletin, hesperidin, and tangeretin, known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential Oils: Limonene, myrcene, and other terpenes with antimicrobial and anti-spasmodic effects.
- Alkaloids and Carotenoids: Offer potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
Pharmacology
- Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids like nobiletin suppress inflammatory mediators.
- Antioxidant: Protects against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
- Anticancer: Certain flavonoids have shown antiproliferative effects on tumor cells in vitro.
- Metabolic Benefits: Compounds like tangeretin are studied for their potential to improve lipid metabolism and prevent obesity.
- Antimicrobial: Essential oils show activity against various pathogens.
Clinical Trials
Emerging research supports its use, particularly in:
- Metabolic Disorders: A small clinical study found nobiletin beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles.
- Cognitive Health: Preliminary trials suggest potential neuroprotective effects, particularly for aging-related conditions.
- Cancer Research: Laboratory studies show antiproliferative effects on specific cancers, but clinical evidence is limited.
- Respiratory Conditions: Some small trials report benefits in reducing phlegm and cough severity in bronchitis.
Summary
Tangerine peel is a versatile natural remedy with both historical and modern applications, particularly for digestion, respiratory health, and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds show promising pharmacological activities, though large-scale clinical trials are limited. It remains a safe and beneficial herbal supplement when used appropriately.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Tangerine peel is generally considered safe in small to moderate amounts.
However:
Allergic Reactions: Citrus allergies are possible.
Toxicity: High doses of concentrated extracts might cause digestive upset or interact with medications, particularly those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Pesticide Concerns: Non-organic tangerine peels may have pesticide residues.
Conditions treated with Tangerine Peel
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-nauseant
Application
tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
