Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel)

Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata), commonly known as Aged Tangerine Peel, is a fundamental Qi-regulating and dampness-transforming herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For centuries, it has been valued for its ability to regulate Qi, improve digestion, dry dampness, and transform phlegm.

In classical Chinese herbal medicine, Chen Pi is frequently included in formulas designed to support digestive function, relieve stagnation, and harmonize the middle burner.

Because of its balanced ability to move Qi without being overly harsh, Chen Pi is considered one of the most versatile herbs for addressing digestive Qi stagnation and dampness.

TCM Classification

Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi
Flavor: Acrid, Bitter
Temperature: Warm

Channels Entered

Lung
Spleen

Traditional Actions of Chen Pi

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chen Pi is traditionally used to:

Regulate Qi
Improve digestion
Dry dampness
Transform phlegm
Harmonize the middle burner

Because of these actions, Chen Pi is commonly included in formulas addressing bloating, poor digestion, dampness, and phlegm accumulation.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata
Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)

Chen Pi is derived from the aged peel of the tangerine or mandarin fruit, which is dried and stored over time to enhance its medicinal properties.

The aging process is considered important in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it deepens the herb’s effectiveness in regulating Qi and transforming dampness.

Chen Pi has been used for centuries and remains a cornerstone herb in digestive and respiratory formulas.

Historical Use in Chinese Medicine

Chen Pi has been recorded in Chinese medical texts for over two thousand years and appears in many classical formulas such as Er Chen Tang, traditionally used to address phlegm and dampness patterns.

Historically, it has been valued for its ability to regulate Qi and support digestion while resolving dampness, making it a foundational herb in TCM.

Herbs Often Used With Chen Pi

Chen Pi is frequently combined with other herbs to enhance its ability to regulate Qi and resolve dampness.

Common companion herbs include:

Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) – transforms phlegm and harmonizes the stomach
Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom) – drains dampness and supports the spleen
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) – moves Qi and relieves fullness and distention
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) – breaks up Qi stagnation and reduces accumulation

These herbs are often combined in classical formulas to regulate Qi, resolve dampness, and support digestive and respiratory function.

Chen Pi in Traditional Herbal Formulas

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chen Pi is rarely used alone and is instead included in multi-herb formulas.

It plays an important role in formulas designed to:

Regulate Qi and support digestion
Transform phlegm and resolve dampness
Harmonize the middle burner

This makes Chen Pi especially valuable for practitioners creating custom herbal formulas.

Where to Buy Chen Pi

If you are looking for premium Chen Pi bulk herb, Plum Dragon Herbs offers carefully sourced Aged Tangerine Peel selected for quality, potency, and traditional authenticity.

Our herbs are ideal for: