Does steeping dried tangerine peel in water cause internal heat?

Apr 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, drinking tangerine peel (Chenpi) infused water does not cause excessive internal heat ("fire"). As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Chenpi has a pungent and bitter taste and is warm in nature, affecting the spleen and lung meridians. Drinking moderate amounts of Chenpi water, such as on a daily basis but not continuously over a prolonged period, generally does not lead to excessive internal heat. Its primary function is to regulate and improve脾胃 (spleen and stomach) function, promote digestion, and help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. However, excessive consumption should be avoided.

Generally, drinking aged tangerine peel (chenpi) infused water does not cause heatiness (excessive internal heat according to traditional Chinese medicine), but excessive consumption should be avoided. Detailed explanation is as follows:

As a traditional Chinese herb, chenpi has a pungent and bitter taste and is warm in nature, entering the spleen and lung meridians. Drinking a moderate amount of chenpi-infused water, especially when consumed in moderation and not over a prolonged period, generally does not cause heatiness. Its primary effects include regulating spleen and stomach functions, promoting digestion, and helping to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, chenpi can help regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, transform phlegm, and assist in treating conditions such as qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, vomiting, and hiccups.

However, excessive consumption of chenpi water, or long-term intake of highly concentrated chenpi infusion, may lead to symptoms resembling heatiness such as dry mouth and sore throat, particularly in individuals with a naturally heat-prone constitution. It may also cause dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, potentially leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to consume chenpi water in moderation as part of a regular diet.

When drinking chenpi water, it is important to choose high-quality chenpi and avoid using moldy or spoiled peel, to prevent any adverse effects on health.

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What are the health benefits of drinking water infused with Xinhui aged tangerine peel (Chenpi)?

Under normal circumstances, drinking tea made from Xinhui aged tangerine peel (chenpi) offers various health benefits, including lowering blood lipids, weight management, regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, regulating blood circulation, and beautifying the complexion. Although drinking Xinhui aged tangerine peel tea has multiple benefits, excessive consumption may cause physical discomfort; therefore, moderate intake is recommended. Specific populations, such as pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals with excessive internal heat in the lungs or stomach fire, should use it cautiously under the guidance of a physician.

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Can children drink tangerine peel steeped in water?

In general, children can drink tangerine peel (chenpi) steeped in water. As a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, tangerine peel helps regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, and transform phlegm. When children experience symptoms such as indigestion, poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting, drinking an appropriate amount of tangerine peel water may help regulate the spleen and stomach, improve digestion, and enhance gastrointestinal function. However, its use is recommended under the guidance of a pediatrician or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.