Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel) is a warm, bitter, and acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for strongly moving Liver Qi, breaking up stagnant Qi, and dissipating clumps. It is derived from the unripe peel of Citrus reticulata and is more forceful in action than its mature counterpart, Chen Pi. Qing Pi is particularly valued for treating chest and flank pain, breast distension, digestive discomfort, and masses caused by Qi stagnation. It also supports digestion in cases of food stagnation and helps regulate the Liver’s role in ensuring smooth Qi flow throughout the body.
Functions & Benefits
Spreads Liver Qi and Breaks Up Stagnation
Relieves chest, rib-side, or abdominal pain caused by constrained Liver Qi.
Dissipates Clumps and Reduces Masses
Used for abdominal lumps, breast nodules, or hypochondriac masses from Qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation.
Aids Digestion and Relieves Food Stagnation
Improves poor appetite, bloating, and discomfort caused by sluggish digestive Qi.
Supports Emotional Balance
Helps alleviate irritability, mood swings, and depression linked to Liver Qi stagnation.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with chest or flank distension and pain from Qi stagnation.
✔ People with breast tenderness, nodules, or abdominal masses.
✔ Those with bloating, poor appetite, or digestive sluggishness.
✔ Patients with mood changes and irritability from constrained Liver Qi.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Slightly red with thin yellow coating, indicating Qi stagnation with mild heat.
Pulse: Wiry and strong, reflecting constrained Liver Qi.
Related TCM Patterns
Liver Qi Stagnation – Causes pain, distension, and emotional tension.
Qi Stagnation with Phlegm – Leads to nodules, masses, and digestive discomfort.
Food Stagnation – Produces bloating, poor appetite, and abdominal fullness.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Breast and Rib-Side Distension – Moves Liver Qi to relieve pain.
Abdominal Masses – Breaks up stagnation and dissipates clumps.
Digestive Weakness with Stagnation – Improves appetite and reduces bloating.
Emotional Stress – Relieves irritability and tension caused by constrained Qi.
Common Herbal Formulas with Qing Pi
Often combined with Xiang Fu and Chai Hu for Liver Qi stagnation, or with Ban Xia and Chen Pi for digestive stagnation with phlegm.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of Qi deficiency without stagnation.
Not suitable during pregnancy, especially in large doses, due to strong Qi-moving properties.
Use with caution in Yin deficiency with dryness.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat light, easily digestible meals to support Qi flow.
✔ Avoid excessive greasy or heavy foods that contribute to stagnation.
✔ Engage in gentle exercise, stretching, or breathing practices to promote circulation of Qi.
✔ Manage stress to prevent Liver Qi constraint.
Conclusion
Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel) is a strong Qi-moving herb in TCM that spreads Liver Qi, dissipates clumps, and supports digestion. It is particularly useful for chest or flank pain, breast tenderness, abdominal masses, and emotional tension caused by stagnation.
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