Can patients with psoriasis drink aged tangerine peel (chen pi) water?

Patients with psoriasis may drink aged tangerine peel (chen pi) decoction.

Etiology and Pathogenesis: Psoriasis, commonly known as “psoriatic dermatitis” or “ox-hide eczema” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is believed to be triggered by internal emotional disturbances and external wind pathogen invasion. Its underlying pathogenesis involves disharmony of nutrient-blood, impaired circulation through the meridians, and stagnation of qi and blood.

Therapeutic Effects: Chen pi decoction is warm in nature and pungent- and bitter-tasting, entering the Spleen and Lung meridians. It functions to regulate qi flow, strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the middle burner, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as abdominal distension or pain due to Spleen-Stomach qi stagnation, indigestion; chest tightness, abdominal distension, poor appetite, and loose stools caused by damp-turbidity obstructing the middle jiao; and coughing and wheezing due to phlegm-damp accumulation in the Lungs.

Psoriasis arises from either blood-heat with wind-dryness or damp-heat accumulation. Chen pi decoction regulates qi, fortifies the Spleen, dries dampness, and resolves phlegm—actions that do not contradict the treatment principles for psoriasis. In fact, chen pi may even help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, patients with psoriasis may safely consume chen pi decoction.