Zhi Shi - 枳实 - Fructus Aurantii Immaturus - Immature Seville Orange / Immature Bitter Orange / Immature Sour Orange

Properties: Pungent, bitter, slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine
Divergent Channels: Stomach, Spleen
Extraordinary Vessels: Ren

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Breaks up Stagnant Qi, reduces accumulation, descends Qi, unblocks the bowels and removes Stagnant Food
Qi Stagnation and accumulation with epigastric or abdominal pain and distention or indigestion with focal distention or gas
Food Stagnation
Transforms Phlegm, reduces distention and resolves hardenings
Turbid Phlegm Obstructing the Qi with focal distention and fullness in the chest and epigastrium
Expels Wind, alleviates itching, breaks up bindings, regenerates flesh and invigorates the Qi
Listed in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a medium class wood which "treats great Wind within the skin giving rise to tormenting itching as if [caused by] flax seeds, eliminates cold and heat and heat binding, stops dysentery, promotes the growth of the muscles and flesh, disinhibits the five viscera, boosts the qi, and makes the body light."

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Cautions: It should be used with cautions for pregnant women.

Notable Constituents:

Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent with functions in fighting bacterial infections, detoxifying reactions, iron absorption and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet.
Apigenin
A trihydroxyflavone that induces autophagy in leukaemia cells and shows promise as a preventative against skin cancer.
Luteolin
A tetrahydroxyflavone that thought to play an important role in the human body as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune system modulator as well as being active against several cancers.
Tangeretin
A pentamethoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
Nobiletin
A methoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
Hesperidin
Glycoside form of hesperetin found in citrus fruits that is most commonly used for blood vessel conditions such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and poor circulation. Hesperetin also functions as an antioxidant and an antineoplastic agent.
Naringin
Disaccharide derivative with an antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory action.
Synephrine
Alkaloid similar to ephedrine that can increase heart rate and blood pressure through sympathomimesis and vasoconstriction. It is not generally a problem in traditional preparations but may be in concentrated extracts.
Rutin
A flavinoid with antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties. It has been used therapeutically to decrease capillary fragility but has low bioavailability due to poor absorption, high metabolism, and rapid excretion.
Feruloylputrescine
Hydroxycinnamic acid and phenolamide found in bitter citrus peel. It inhibits monooxygenase (cntA) and reductase (cntB) and trimethylamine production with possible effects on cardiovascular disease (Lee et al., 2024).

Appears in 61 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Ban Xia Ze Xie Zhi Zhu Wan (Pinellia, Alismatis, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Ban Xia Zhi Zhu Wan (Pinellia Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Bian Zhi Xin Qi Yin (Modified Formulation of Heart Qi Drink)
From: Collection of Treasured Essentials (date unknown)

Chai Qin Cheng Qi Tang (Beuplurum and Scutellaria Decoction to Order the Qi)
From: Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine by Xue et al. (July 2005)

Cheng Qi Yang Rong Tang (Order the Qi and Nourish the Nutritive Decoction)
From: Discussion of Warm-Heat Pathogens (early 18th century)

Da Chai Hu Tang (Greater Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da He Zhong Yin (Major Harmonise the Middle Drink)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Dan Huang Si Ni San (Moutan and Phellodendron Powder for Frigid Extremities)
From: New Explanations of Medical Formulas (1980)

Dao Tan Tang (Guide Out Phlegm Decoction)
From: Transmitted Trustworthy and Suitable Formulas (1180)

Di Tan Tang (Scour Out Phlegm Decoction)
From: Fine Formulas of Wonderful Efficacy (1470)

Feng Xiao Tang (Separate and Reduce Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Fu Fang Da Cheng Qi Tang (Revised Major Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Integrated Chinese and Western Medical Treatment of the Acute Abdomen (1973)

Fu Ling Yin (Poria Drink)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gua Lou Zhi Shi Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit and Unripe Bitter Orange Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Hou Po Qi Wu Tang (Seven Substance Magnolia Bark Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Hou Po San Wu Tang (Magnolia Bark Three Substance Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction with Coptis)
From: Warp and Weft of Warm Diseases by Wang Shi-Xiong / Wang Meng-Ying (1852)

Huang Long Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Jia Wei Da Chai Hu Tang (Modified Greater Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Revised and Expanded Discussion of Warm-Heat Pathogen Diseases (1907)

Jia Wei Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Augmented Minor Decoction [for Pathogens] Stuck in the Chest)
From: Bases of Medicine (1861) by Shi Shou-Tang

Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
From: Medical Formulas Collected and Analysed by Wang Ang (1682)

Ju Ban Zhi Zhu Wan (Orange Peel, Pinellia, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Introduction to Medicine (1575) by Li Chan / Jian-Zhai

Ju He Wan (Tangerine Seed Pill)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)

Ju Pi Zhi Zhu Wan (Orange Peel, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Li Dan Pai Shi Tang (Boost the Gall Bladder to Expel Stones Decoction)
From: Jiang Chunhua's Prescriptions by Jiang Chunhua (20th Century)

Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Mu Xiang Gan Jiang Zhi Zhu Wan (Auklandia, Dried Ginger, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Mu Xiang Ren Shen Gan Jiang Zhi Zhu Wan (Auklandia, Ginseng, Fresh Ginger, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (Lung Clearing and Detoxifying Decotion)
From: Traditional Chinese Medicine: an effective treatment for 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) by Du et al. (2020)

Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)
From: Investigations of Medical Formulas (1584)

Qu Mai Zhi Zhu Wan (Medicated Leaven, Barley Sprout, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Ren Shen Xie Xin Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

San Hua Fu Sui Tang (Three Transformations Successful Recovery Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

San Hua Tang (Three Transformations Decoction)
From: Collection of Writings on the Mechanisms of Disease, Suitability of Qi and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in Basic Questions (1168)

San Huang Zhi Zhu Wan (Three Yellows Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Shi Wei Wen Dan Tang (Ten Ingredient Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Wen Dan Jia Ban Xia Chai Hu Tang (Warm Gallbladder plus Pinellia and Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Xu Ming Yi Lei An by Wei Zhixiu (1863)

Wen Dan Qu Zhu Ru Tang (Warm Gallbladder minus Bamboo Decoction)
From: Gu Jin Yi An An by Yu Zhen (1778)

Wen Dan Tang (Warm Gallbladder Decoction)
From: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Etiologies by Chen Yan (1174)

Wu Mo Yin Zi (Five Milled Drink)
From: Concise Medicine (1587)

Wu Shi Cha (High Noon Tea)
From: Experienced Internal and External Prescriptions for All Diseases by Anonymous (1820)

Xiang Sha Zhi Zhu Wan (Auklandia, Amomum, Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xie Gan Tang (Drain the Liver Decocotion)
From: Selections from the Clinical Experience of Guan You-Bo (2006) by Guan You-Bo

Yan Nian Ban Xia Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Extend Life)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Yin Chen Fu Zi Gan Jiang Tang (Virgate Wormwood, Aconite Accessory Root and Ginger Decoction)
From: Precious Mirror of Health by Luo Tian-Yi (Yuan Dynasty)

Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Guide Out Stagnation)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Zhi Shi Li Zhong Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Regulate the Middle)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Zhi Shi Shao Yao San (Unripe Bitter Orange and Peony Powder)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distention)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhi Shi Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang (Unripe Bitter Orange, Chinese Garlic and Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhi Shi Zhi Zi Chi Tang (Bitter Orange, Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhi Zhu Tang (Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhi Zhu Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Zhi Zi Da Huang Tang (Gardenia and Rhubarb Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang (Gardenia and Magnolia Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang (Bamboo Decoction to Warm the Gallbladder)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang (Warm Gallbladder with Bamboo Shavings Decoction)
From: Xu Ming Yi Lei An by Wei Zhixiu (1863)

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

枳 实  Zhi Shi

Pharmaceutical: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Taxonomy: Citrus aurantium

Other names: Immature Seville Orange / Immature Bitter Orange / Immature Sour Orange

Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi

Research Links:

Reference Notes: