zhi ke

枳壳·Fructus Aurantii

Bitter Orange

About zhi ke

Zhi Ke (枳壳) is the ripe fruit of the bitter orange, recorded as Fructus Aurantii. It is bitter and acrid in flavour, slightly cold, and enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that regulate Qi. The unripe fruit is entered separately as Zhi Shi.

Names

Pinyinzhi ke
Chinese枳壳
Latin NameFructus Aurantii
English NameBitter Orange
Japanesekikoku
Koreanjigak

Classification

Category
Regulate Qi
Channels
Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen
Flavour
Acrid, Bitter
Temperature
Slightly Cold
Part used
Fruit
Family
Rutaceae
Species
citrus aurantium
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Moves Qi, relieves distension and pressure and resolves hardness

  • Qi stagnation with accumulation, particularly in weak or deficient patients
  • Fullness and distension of the chest, epigastrium or abdomen, focal distension after meals, and belching

Clears food stagnation

  • Food stagnation

Directs rebellious Qi downward and disperses Phlegm

  • Cough with a stifling chest and plentiful phlegm

Assists bowel movement

  • Constipation from Qi stagnation or deficiency, including in older people, combined with herbs that tonify Qi or Yang

Moves Qi to help the Blood circulate

  • Blood stasis, in a supporting role

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 3-10g; Tincture: 1-3ml3-10 g1-3 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions