First, let's examine the specifics of stir-fried zhi shi (Citrus aurantium). This Chinese medicinal ingredient is produced by processing the young fruit of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium) from the Rutaceae family. It undergoes a wheat bran smoking process until its color darkens.
Zhi shi, also known as bitter orange, sour orange, or fragrant orange, is a small evergreen tree primarily cultivated in Jiangxi and Sichuan provinces.Its flowering period occurs around April to May, with fruiting in November. The citrus fruit is spherical or slightly flattened, measuring approximately 7–8 cm in diameter. Upon ripening, it turns orange-yellow with a rough surface. Typically containing 12 segments, it possesses a bitter and sour taste. Young fruits are harvested between May and June, sliced thinly, sun-dried, and then stir-fried.Through roasting and smoking, the medicinal properties of raw Zhi Shi are activated, enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Fried Zhi Shi has a slightly cold nature with a bitter, pungent, and sour taste. Fried Zhi Shi possesses the medicinal effects of resolving phlegm, dispersing fullness, breaking stagnant qi, and eliminating food accumulation. It is commonly used for symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort and chest fullness due to phlegm stagnation.
1: Fried Zhi Shi regulates qi and transforms phlegm.
Zhi Shi both transforms phlegm and regulates qi. For conditions like excessive phlegm and cough, it can be combined with dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), and Gastrodia (Tian Ma) to prepare a decoction.
2: Used for spleen-stomach qi stagnation and indigestion.
The Compendium of Materia Medica records that Zhi Shi: alleviates distension and fullness, and calms stomach qi. Individuals with such conditions may consume a porridge made with stir-fried Zhi Shi and japonica rice. Wash 150 grams of japonica rice and combine with 10 grams of stir-fried Zhi Shi in a pot. Simmer into a porridge. Consume once daily for three consecutive days. This porridge has health benefits of strengthening the spleen and stomach, and aiding digestion.
3: For chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath, combine with dried tangerine peel and ginger.
Chenpi Zhishi Tang (Dried Tangerine Peel and Zhi Shi Decoction), a formula from the Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet, regulates qi and relieves chest constriction.
As a qi-moving and qi-dispersing herb, Zhi Shi is contraindicated for pregnant women and those with qi deficiency.
Zhi Shi is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine for regulating the stomach and intestines, regulating qi, and relieving chest tightness. It also has excellent effects in regulating gastric ptosis and uterine prolapse.
Related Uses:
1: Chen Pi Zhi Shi Tang
This is a traditional Chinese medicine formula primarily used for treating childhood measles and indigestion.
2: Zhi Shi Honey Tea
Take an appropriate amount of stir-fried Zhi Shi, steep it in water, bring to a boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow to cool naturally before adding two spoonfuls of honey.Zhi Shi has a slightly sour and bitter taste that some may find unpleasant, so honey enhances palatability while also promoting intestinal lubrication. Rich in vitamins and carbohydrates that regulate qi and strengthen the stomach, roasted Zhi Shi tea is suitable for those experiencing acid reflux or bloating.
3: Combining Zhi Shi with Shen Qu
Shen Qu (fermented malt) enhances appetite and strengthens digestion. When paired with Zhi Shi, their synergistic effects promote qi circulation and regulate the spleen, significantly boosting appetite and allowing one to eat heartily.
>4: Stewed Pork Ribs with Zhi Shi, Dang Gui, Huang Qi, Goji Berries, and Red Dates (Bak Kut Teh)
In Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore, Bak Kut Teh is a household favorite. This dish involves simmering pork ribs for hours with various medicinal herbs and seasonings, resulting in a rich, aromatic broth with a distinctive flavor.Though named "Meat Bone Tea," it contains no tea leaves. The name "tea" is used to avoid the taboo of calling the medicinal broth by its actual name. Here, we stew Zhi Shi with other herbs, primarily using the sweetness of Goji berries and red dates to balance Zhi Shi's inherent bitterness. This makes the broth less greasy, more fragrant, refreshing, and appetizing.The preparation involves cutting fresh pork ribs into chunks, blanching them in boiling water, draining thoroughly, then stir-frying in oil with ginger, scallions, and garlic until fragrant. These are transferred to a stew pot with a small amount of Zhi Shi, Angelica sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, goji berries, red dates, and other ingredients, simmered until tender.This version of Bak Kut Teh offers a refreshing taste without greasiness, making it an ideal daily rice accompaniment. This herbal dish, enhanced with Zhi Shi, also promotes qi regulation and appetite stimulation.