$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Zhi Shi – Immature Bitter Orange – Fructus Aurantii Immaturus

Zhi Shi – Immature Bitter Orange – Fructus Aurantii Immaturus

Showing all 2 results

Zhi Shi

English Name: immature bitter orange, immature sweet orange, aurantium immaturus

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus

Medica Category: Qi-Regulating Herbs

Properties: Zhi Shi enters the Large Intestine, Spleen and Stomach channels; it is bitter and acrid in nature and cool in temperature.

What is Zhi Shi?:

The Chinese Herb Zhi Shi is the dried fruit of the immature bitter orange (Citrus Aurantium L.; and 2 others). Bitter oranges (grown throughout Asia) are smaller than “regular” oranges and are highly acidic—hence their bitter flavor. The fruits are picked before they fully mature, sliced, and dried for use as medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Zhi Shi:

Food stagnation can be a result of accumulated dampness and phlegm in the middle jiao. Over time this accumulated phlegm can beget qi stagnation which can manifest clinically with such symptoms as: abdominal distention, pain, and hardness, indigestion, belching with a foul odor, constipation, and rectal tenesmus.  Zhi Shi resolves the accumulation of dampness and phlegm and breaks up the stagnated qi in the middle that can underlie food stagnation.

Persons experiencing abdominal distention and fullness and fatigue (specifically) right after meals may have a Spleen qi deficiency as the root cause of their phlegm accumulation/qi stagnation/food stagnation, in which case Zhi Shi is combined with herbs that tonify Spleen qi in order to restore balance.

Zhi Shi also dissolves phlegm and breaks up qi stagnation in the chest when the person is experiencing tightness and stifling sensations in this region accompanied by such symptoms as poor appetite, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Zhi Shi relieves distention and hardness of the abdominal region caused by cholecystitis (inflammation of the Gall Bladder—as in the formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang).

**safety notes:

Zhi Shi should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Zhi Shi is highly acidic and so should be used with caution in persons with pre-existing gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Zhi Shi should be used with caution (i.e in formula with qi tonic herbs) in patients with Spleen and Stomach qi deficiencies.

Zhi Shi has a diuretic effect and should be used with caution/under supervision of a trained TCM practitioner when combined with pharmaceutical medications that have diuretic effects (such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex)) to avoid potentially excessive loss of fluids and/or electrolytes.

Articles Related To Tag: Zhi Shi – Immature Bitter Orange – Fructus Aurantii Immaturus

  • 10 Natural Topical Treatments for Joint Pain

    If you’ve ever struggled with joint pain, you know how it can turn even the simplest daily tasks into aggravating challenges. Reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever is a common first step for many arthritis and joint pain sufferers, but if you’re reading this, you might be curious about natural alternatives. The good news is…

  • Chinese Herbs for Stroke Recovery and Prevention

    A stroke is a serious medical event with some potentially serious consequences. But did you know that taking quick, restorative action after a stroke can help reduce the lingering effects of stroke? Or that there are ways you can reduce your risk of stroke – including taking Chinese herbal medicine? While modern medicine has made…

  • Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
    Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue

    These days, trying to stay on top of a successful career, a clean home, a vibrant social life, and healthy habits can feel impossible. We burn the candle at both ends to try to have it all, which leaves many of us feeling burned out. As a result, conditions like adrenal fatigue are skyrocketing. Feeling…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout
    The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout

    Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In fact, over 8.3 million Americans suffer from this burning toe pain every year. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for gout offer a safe and natural way to ease the pain. The usual treatments for gout often involve medications, which can have side effects and don’t…

  • Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It
    Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It

    If you have read our blogs or visited an acupuncturist, you may have heard the term “dampness.” But what is dampness in Chinese Medicine, and what does it mean for your health? Dampness may sound like a strange concept, but it’s pretty simple. Read on to learn what dampness really is and how you can…