What are the benefits and drawbacks of regularly drinking tangerine peel water?

Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried mature fruit peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties, belonging to the Rutaceae family. Regular consumption of Chenpi offers various health benefits, including promoting bowel movement, relieving thirst, strengthening the spleen and stimulating appetite, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, and warming the middle energizer to stop vomiting. Although Chenpi has many advantages, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential adverse effects such as heatiness, spleen and stomach damage, depletion of body fluids, tooth discoloration, and worsening of qi deficiency. Specific details are as follows:

I. Benefits

1. Promotes bowel movement: The dietary fiber and moisture in Chenpi help lubricate the intestines and stimulate intestinal motility, thereby facilitating the elimination of intestinal contents and providing relief for individuals suffering from dry stools or difficulty defecating.

2. Relieves thirst: Chenpi water contains ample moisture; moderate consumption can quickly replenish bodily fluids and alleviate symptoms of thirst.

3. Strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite: Chenpi promotes the flow of qi and relieves pain, while harmonizing and strengthening the spleen. It stimulates the secretion of digestive glands, increases gastric acid levels and digestive enzyme activity, thus enhancing food digestion and absorption. It is beneficial for treating symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, and poor appetite.

4. Dries dampness and resolves phlegm: With its warm nature, Chenpi effectively dries dampness and resolves phlegm. For individuals with excessive phlegm, coughing, or heavy dampness in the body, moderate intake of Chenpi water can help relieve cough by promoting lung function and regulating qi to resolve phlegm.

5. Warms the middle energizer and stops vomiting: Due to its pungent and aromatic properties, Chenpi regulates qi circulation and harmonizes the middle jiao, helping to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and hiccups.

II. Adverse Effects

1. Heatiness: Chenpi has a warm and drying nature. Long-term and excessive consumption may lead to overactivity of internal yang qi, resulting in heat-related symptoms such as mouth or tongue ulcers, dry stools, sore throat, and dry skin.

2. Spleen and stomach damage: Chenpi has a bitter and pungent taste. Prolonged and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increase digestive burden, and cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach pain, excess stomach acid, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Depletion of body fluids: Due to its warm and bitter nature, Chenpi tends to injure yin and consume vital energy. Long-term use may lead to yin deficiency, manifesting as flushed complexion, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, insomnia with vivid dreams, dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory, and soreness in the lower back and knees.

4. Tooth discoloration: Chenpi water contains certain pigments. Long-term and excessive consumption without timely rinsing of the mouth may lead to yellowing of teeth.

5. Worsening of qi deficiency symptoms: For individuals who already have qi deficiency—such as fatigue, low energy, dizziness, and tinnitus—consuming Chenpi water may exacerbate these symptoms.

During the period of consuming Chenpi water, maintain a balanced diet and avoid spicy, raw, or cold foods such as hot pot, barbecue, and ice cream.