What are the health benefits of pear and aged tangerine peel (chenpi) water?
Sep 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main functions of pear and aged tangerine peel water include moistening the lungs and relieving cough, regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, promoting saliva secretion and relieving thirst, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, as well as alleviating abdominal distension. When preparing this beverage, the aged tangerine peel should be soaked and softened in advance. The pear should be cored, cut into pieces, and then cooked together with the tangerine peel. A small amount of rock sugar may be added according to taste; however, individuals with elevated blood sugar levels should control the quantity used.
Under normal circumstances, the main functions of pear and aged tangerine peel water include moistening the lungs and relieving cough, regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, promoting saliva production to quench thirst, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, and alleviating abdominal distension. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Moisturizing the Lungs and Relieving Cough
Pears, with their sweet and cooling properties, can nourish lung yin, while aged tangerine peel, which is warm in nature, helps regulate qi and resolve phlegm. When used together, they balance each other's medicinal properties. For coughing and phlegm caused by lung dryness or phlegm-dampness, moderate consumption can help soothe the lungs, reduce cough symptoms, and assist in expelling phlegm, keeping the lungs comfortable.
2. Regulating Qi and Strengthening the Spleen
Aged tangerine peel contains volatile oils that can promote the circulation of qi in the spleen and stomach, while pears are moist and easily absorbed by the digestive system. For conditions such as poor appetite and indigestion caused by qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, drinking this water can help regulate the flow of qi in the spleen and stomach, enhance digestive function, and alleviate discomfort such as reduced appetite and abdominal distension.
3. Promoting Saliva Production and Relieving Thirst
Pears are rich in water content, which can quickly replenish body fluids, while the fragrant aroma of aged tangerine peel can stimulate saliva secretion. For dry mouth and thirst caused by dry weather or internal heat, drinking this water can help generate saliva and relieve dryness in the mouth and body.
4. Drying Dampness and Resolving Phlegm
Aged tangerine peel has properties that dry dampness and resolve phlegm, helping to eliminate phlegm-dampness from the body, while pears assist in thinning phlegm. For symptoms such as thick phlegm and chest tightness caused by phlegm-dampness blockage, drinking this water can help reduce phlegm production, promote phlegm expulsion, and alleviate discomfort caused by phlegm-dampness.
5. Alleviating Abdominal Distension
Ingredients in aged tangerine peel can promote gastrointestinal motility and improve gas accumulation, while the dietary fiber in pears also aids digestion. For bloating and belching caused by food stagnation or insufficient gastrointestinal motility, drinking this water can help expel excess gas from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the sensation of bloating.
When drinking pear and aged tangerine peel water, the tangerine peel should be soaked and softened beforehand, and the pear should be cored and cut into pieces before being boiled together with the tangerine peel. A small amount of rock sugar may be added according to taste preferences. People with high blood sugar levels should control their intake. Those with yin deficiency and dry cough without phlegm-dampness should consume it sparingly to avoid aggravating internal dryness due to the drying nature of tangerine peel.
