Over the years of my medical career, I have often encountered patients seeking treatment for indigestion, cough or the common cold. Among the many natural remedies, tangerine peel is an option that I often recommend. Today, I would like to share some knowledge and experience about tangerine peel, a traditional medicinal herb that seems ordinary but has amazing effects.
Last winter, a middle-aged lady came to my clinic with a chronic cough. She has tried various medications, but her symptoms have been erratic and she has never fully recovered. After detailed questioning, I suggested that she try using soaked tangerine peel to relieve cough. At first she was a little skeptical, but after a few weeks of using it, she was pleasantly surprised to find that her cough had significantly lessened. This is not just an isolated case, many patients have had similar positive feedback after using tangerine peel at my suggestion.
Health benefits of tangerine peel
Tangerine peel is not only a frequent visitor in the kitchen, but also a treasure in the Chinese medicine box. The value of aged orange peel is far greater than that of fresh peel, mainly due to its unique composition and ripening process. Next, we'll explore how these ingredients can benefit our health.
Key ingredients and benefits
Tangerine peel is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, vitamin C and dietary fiber. These ingredients make tangerine peel a rare and healthy ingredient. Key benefits include:
Improves digestion:
Tangerine peel can promote the secretion of gastric juice, help break down food, and relieve stomach bloating and discomfort. For people who often feel discomfort after meals, eating tangerine peel in moderation can be of great benefit.
Relieves cough and phlegm:
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that tangerine peel has the effect of dispelling wind and relieving the surface, and can be used to treat cough caused by external wind and cold. The flavonoids in tangerine peel help reduce bronchial inflammation and relieve cough symptoms.
Boosts immunity:
Vitamin C is one of the important components of tangerine peel, which helps to strengthen the function of the immune system and fight infection. Especially during the change of seasons, when there is a high incidence of flu and colds, adding tangerine peel to the daily diet in an appropriate amount can effectively improve physical fitness.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects:
The flavonoids in tangerine peel are powerful natural antioxidants that can resist free radical damage, delay cell aging, and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them suitable for the daily health care of patients with chronic inflammation.
People who are suitable and unsuitable to use tangerine peel
Tangerine peel, as a traditional Chinese medicinal material, is widely used for its unique health benefits. However, tangerine peel is not suitable for everyone. In this section, we'll explore which groups of people are best suited to use tangerine peel and who should avoid it to ensure health and safety.
It is suitable for people who use tangerine peel
People with indigestion: tangerine peel can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, help digestion, reduce stomach flatulence and discomfort, and is very suitable for people who often feel indigestion.
Cough with a lot of phlegm: Tangerine peel has the effect of dispelling wind and relieving the surface, which can help relieve the symptoms of cough and phlegm caused by colds, especially suitable for patients with a tendency to chronic bronchitis.
People who need to beautify their skin: Tangerine peel is rich in antioxidants, and long-term moderate use can help remove free radicals in the body, which has a certain beauty effect.
People who are not suitable for using tangerine peel
People with hyperacidity: tangerine peel is warm and can promote gastric acid secretion, so for people with excessive gastric acid, excessive consumption of tangerine peel may aggravate stomach discomfort.
Pregnant women: Due to the strong effect of tangerine peel on blood circulation and blood stasis, the use of tangerine peel by pregnant women may have adverse effects on pregnancy, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, and should be avoided.
Infants: The digestive system of infants and young children is not yet fully developed, and the warm nature and complex chemical composition of tangerine peel may irritate the fragile gastrointestinal tract of infants and young children, so it is not recommended to use tangerine peel for infants and young children.
Specific drug users: People who are taking certain medications, such as anticoagulant drugs, the use of tangerine peel may affect the effect of the drug, and it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor.
Before using tangerine peel, especially if you belong to the above special population, it is best to consult a professional doctor or pharmacist first. This not only ensures safety, but also maximizes the health benefits of tangerine peel. By knowing this information, you can make a more informed choice about whether or not to use tangerine peel based on your health condition.
How to use tangerine peel correctly and precautions
Tangerine peel, a ubiquitous ingredient in Chinese medicine shops and many home kitchens, is not only a great culinary product, but also a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine. When using tangerine peel, knowing the correct way to use it and the corresponding precautions can help maximize its benefits while avoiding unnecessary health risks.
Usage
Tea
Brew the dried tangerine peel tablets, about 5 to 10 grams, with boiling water.
Steep for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking.
Brown sugar or honey can be added according to personal taste, which can ease the bitterness and astringency of tangerine peel and increase the flavor of the tea.
Boil the soup
When making the soup, add an appropriate amount of tangerine peel, usually one or two slices.
Tangerine peel can be cooked with pork ribs, chicken, or seafood to add flavor to the soup.
When cooking the soup, pay attention to controlling the heat and keep the soup simmering over low heat to fully release the aroma and medicinal effect of tangerine peel.
Make a medicinal diet
Tangerine peel can be used to make a variety of medicinal foods, such as stewed duck with tangerine peel, beef with tangerine peel, etc.
Before preparing the medicinal meal, soak the tangerine peel in cold water, soften it and cut it into thin strips or small pieces for better combination with other ingredients.
Precautions
Dose control
While tangerine peel has several health benefits, excessive use may cause gastrointestinal upset.
It is generally recommended to use no more than 10 grams per day, especially for first-time users, who should start with a small dose.
Quality selection
Choose tangerine peel with yellow-brown color, strong aroma, and no mildew and foreign matter.
Avoid tangerine peels that have a lot of hoarfrost on the surface (too much crystalline material can be the result of chemical treatments).
Storage
Tangerine peel should be stored in a dry, ventilated and dark environment to prevent moisture and mildew.
It is recommended to store in an airtight container to preserve its aroma and medicinal potency.