Fullness and distention in chest treated with TCM citrus peel

What is citrus peel(Chen Pi)?
Also known as the Pericarpium citri reticulatae, it refers to the dried peels of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivars, one type of rutaceous plants. In China, it mainly grows in Guangdong, Fujian, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and other provinces. The best timing for harvest is when autumn changes into winter. At that time the fruits are ripe enough. Next, dry them in the sun or beside a fire. As far as the quality concerned, the older the better. That is also the reason why it is being called Chen Pi, which translates literally as "the old peels". And because the product from Xinhui is the best in quality, it is often called Xinhui Pi or Guang Chen Pi. Normally it is cut into shreds before the serving, in the raw form usually.

What is tangerine peel used for?
This herb is deemed as acrid, aromatic, bitter, and warm in nature by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It covers at least three meridians – lung, stomach, and spleen. Its principal functions are to regulate qi-flowing for strengthening spleen and remove dampness to reduce phlegm. Its basic indications and uses include fullness and distention in chest and stomach duct, reduced appetite due to vomiting and diarrhea, and excessive phlegm induced cough. Normal dosage is from 3 to 9 grams, in decoction usually.

Chemical composition
Modern medicine studies have revealed that citrus reticulata peel contains 1.9% to 3.5% volatile oil. The main components include Limonene, α-Thujene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, β-Myrcene, Sabine-ne, Octanal, α-Phellandrene, α-Terpinene, p-Cymene, Linalool, Thymol, Citronellal, Hesperidin, Neohesperidin, Tangeretin, β-Sitosterol, Synephrine, and so on.