Does tangerine peel (Chenpi) remove cold-dampness or damp-heat?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Tangerine peel (Chenpi) is warm in nature, with a pungent and bitter taste. It promotes the flow of qi, strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, and resolves phlegm. Its warming property helps transform cold-dampness in the body, alleviating symptoms such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, and excessive phlegm caused by cold-dampness. It is especially suitable for individuals with deficient-cold in the spleen and stomach accompanied by heavy dampness. However, individuals with a damp-heat constitution already have an internal combination of heat and dampness; the warming nature of Chenpi may exacerbate internal heat, worsening discomforts such as dry and bitter mouth and sticky bowel movements.

Generally, dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) is primarily used to eliminate cold-dampness and may exacerbate discomfort in individuals with a damp-heat constitution. If in doubt, it is advisable to carefully select its use according to your individual condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Chenpi is warm in nature and has a pungent, bitter taste. It helps regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm. Its warming property can dispel internal cold-dampness, alleviating symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and excessive phlegm caused by cold-dampness. It is particularly suitable for individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold accompanied by heavy dampness.

Individuals with a damp-heat constitution already experience an interplay of heat and dampness in the body. The warming nature of Chenpi may intensify internal heat, worsening symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, sore throat, and sticky stools. In such cases, large doses or standalone use should be avoided.

Before using Chenpi, one should first identify their body constitution. Those with cold-dampness may combine it with ginger and red dates to enhance effectiveness; those with damp-heat may use small amounts combined with heat-clearing and dampness-resolving ingredients. Long-term or excessive consumption is not recommended—discontinue use promptly and adjust if any discomfort occurs.

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