Can drinking tangerine peel cause diarrhea?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing some symptoms of stomach bloating and indigestion, and I would like to try drinking aged tangerine peel (chenpi) water to relieve these symptoms. However, I heard that it might cause diarrhea. May I ask, can drinking aged tangerine peel water lead to diarrhea?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Tangerine peel (Chenpi) has the effect of regulating qi and relieving constipation. Drinking it in moderation can promote gastrointestinal motility and aid digestion. However, excessive or long-term consumption of any food or herbal ingredient, including tangerine peel, may cause indigestion, such as diarrhea. Tangerine peel contains volatile oils and cellulose; excessive intake may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea.
Each individual's constitution and intestinal condition vary. People with sensitive intestines or existing intestinal inflammation are more prone to experience discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea after consuming tangerine peel water.
In addition, if tangerine peel becomes contaminated during processing or storage—for example, by mold contamination—it may cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms after consumption.
Therefore, whether drinking tangerine peel water will cause diarrhea is not absolute; it must be evaluated based on factors such as individual constitution, quantity consumed, and the quality of the tangerine peel water. To avoid discomfort such as diarrhea, it is recommended to consume tangerine peel water in moderation. If adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is advised.
