What are the health benefits of steeping dried tangerine peel (chenpi) with honey in water?

Steeping tangerine peel with honey in water typically offers benefits such as improved sleep quality, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, cough relief, enhanced digestion, and beautifying effects on the skin. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Glucose in honey can prompt the brain to release serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin, helping regulate the sleep cycle and improve sleep quality. The aroma of tangerine peel has a calming effect and can help relax both body and mind. Together, they help relieve insomnia and anxiety and promote deeper sleep.

2. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Both tangerine peel and honey have certain anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammatory responses in the body. Antioxidants in honey and flavonoids in tangerine peel work together to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by inflammation, offering certain adjuvant therapeutic benefits for chronic inflammation such as arthritis.

3. Cough Relief

Tangerine peel has effects of relieving cough and removing phlegm; its volatile oil components can soothe the respiratory tract and reduce coughing. Honey, due to its natural antibacterial and calming properties, can relieve sore throat and dry cough, providing immediate comfort. Together, they effectively alleviate mild respiratory discomfort.

4. Enhanced Digestion

Tangerine peel, rich in volatile oils and hesperidin, can stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids and accelerate gastrointestinal motility, thus aiding digestion and reducing symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. Enzymes present in honey also assist in the breakdown and absorption of food. Combined, they effectively promote digestive system health.

5. Skin Beautification and Nourishment

Honey is rich in various antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and multiple phenolic compounds, which help eliminate free radicals in the body, delay skin aging, and maintain skin elasticity and luster. Flavonoids in tangerine peel also have certain antioxidant properties. Together, they can promote bodily metabolism and make the skin smoother and finer.

However, excessive consumption of tangerine peel and honey water may affect normal blood sugar levels and calorie intake; therefore, moderate consumption is recommended.