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What can tangerine peel (chenpi) be steeped with?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Generally, dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and it is suitable to steep with ingredients such as ginger, hawthorn, licorice, lemon, and chrysanthemum. Different combinations offer various health-regulating effects. When preparing these infusions, attention should be paid to contraindications and precautions, ingredient quantities should be controlled, and excessive consumption should be avoided. It is important to select appropriate combinations according to individual taste preferences and body constitution to ensure both safety and effectiveness of consumption.

Generally, tangerine peel (Chenpi) is warm in nature and pungent in taste, making it suitable for brewing with ingredients such as ginger, hawthorn, licorice, lemon, chrysanthemum, and others. Different combinations offer various health benefits. The details are as follows:

1. Ginger: Both ginger and Chenpi are warm in nature. When brewed together, they enhance the effect of warming the middle jiao and dispelling cold. This combination is suitable for abdominal distension and nausea caused by spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, and can also relieve mild coughing due to catching a chill. Drinking this blend during winter helps resist cold pathogens.

2. Hawthorn: Hawthorn aids digestion and eliminates food stagnation, while Chenpi regulates qi and strengthens the spleen. When combined, they are ideal for individuals suffering from indigestion or food accumulation. This pairing promotes gastrointestinal motility and alleviates symptoms such as bloating and poor appetite. Its sweet-and-sour flavor also makes it more palatable.

3. Licorice: Licorice tonifies qi and strengthens the middle jiao, while also balancing and smoothing the taste. When brewed with Chenpi, it reduces the spiciness of Chenpi and enhances its spleen-strengthening and qi-tonifying effects. It is suitable for daily consumption by people with weak digestive function or those prone to fatigue.

4. Lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, while Chenpi helps regulate qi and stimulate the appetite. When combined, they refresh breath, improve appetite, and provide nutritional support to the body. This blend is particularly suitable for summer or when appetite is low, offering a refreshing, grease-cutting taste.

5. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum is slightly cold in nature and clears heat while improving vision. When paired with Chenpi, its cold property is moderated, making it suitable for individuals with eye strain or mild internal heat. This combination helps relieve eye fatigue without harming the spleen and stomach.

When preparing these blends, attention should be paid to contraindications and precautions. Ingredient amounts should be controlled appropriately to avoid excessive consumption. Individuals should select suitable combinations based on their personal taste preferences and body constitution to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

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