Zhǐ Shí (枳实), known in English as Immature bitter orange (Citrus aurantium (immature)), is a cool, bitter and acrid Chinese herb from the Regulate qi category. It enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. Its main action: breaks up stagnant qi, reduces accumulation.
| Pinyin | Zhǐ Shí (Zhi Shi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 枳实 |
| English | Immature bitter orange |
| Botanical name | Citrus aurantium (immature) |
| Category | Regulate qi |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter, Acrid |
| Channels | Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Dosage | 3–9g |
| Cautions | Pregnancy; Spleen deficiency without stagnation |
Actions
- Breaks up stagnant qi, reduces accumulation
- Transforms phlegm, opens chest
- Reduces distension, descends qi
Indications
- Severe qi stagnation with food accumulation
- Constipation
- Chest Bi with phlegm
- Ptosis of organs (with ascending herbs)
How to remember Zhǐ Shí
Regulate qi herbs are mostly warm or hot, acrid and bitter, and most enter the Spleen and Stomach channels.
- You can work these out
- Bitter, Acrid, Spleen and Stomach channels: like most Regulate qi herbs
- Learn by heart
- Cool: unusual for Regulate qi herbs (most are warm or hot)
- Large Intestine channel: nothing in its group or its actions points to it
Formulas containing Zhǐ Shí
Other Regulate qi herbs
- Chén Pí
- Mù Xiāng
- Xiāng Fù
- Chén Xiāng
- Qīng Pí
- Fó Shǒu
- Chuān Liàn Zǐ
- Lì Zhī Hé
- Dà Fù Pí
- Wū Yào
- Zhǐ Ké
- Jú Hóng
- Xiè Bái
- Tán Xiāng
- Méi Guī Huā
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Zhǐ Shí?
Zhǐ Shí is cool and bitter and acrid.
Which channels does Zhǐ Shí enter?
Zhǐ Shí enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels.
What are the actions of Zhǐ Shí?
Breaks up stagnant qi, reduces accumulation; Transforms phlegm, opens chest; Reduces distension, descends qi.
What is Zhǐ Shí used for?
Severe qi stagnation with food accumulation; constipation; chest Bi with phlegm; ptosis of organs (with ascending herbs).
Which formulas contain Zhǐ Shí?
Wēn Dǎn Tāng, Dà Chái Hú Tāng, Sì Nì Sǎn, Má Zǐ Rén Wán and Dí Tán Tāng.
Practise Zhǐ Shí and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.