Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong)

Red Tangerine Peel (ju hong, 橘红), also known as Exocarpium Citri Rubrum, refers to the dried ripe pericarp, which means the most external peel, of the mandarin orange. 

Not to be confused with the similar Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Ju Hong has stronger drying and aromatic properties than Chen Pi. To use Ju Hong medicinally, the exocarp is first extracted from the fruit before being cleansed, chopped and dried under the sun.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ju Hong falls under the category of ‘Herbs that regulate qi’. Such herbs typically treat Qi Stagnation, which is often manifested as symptoms such as depression, irritability, mood swings, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings and various digestive disorders.

Warm in nature, Ju Hong can help individuals with too much Cold in their body, such as those experiencing Yin Excess or Yang Deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance. Bitter and pungent in taste, Ju Hong can cleanse the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. Also, Ju Hong can promote circulations of qi and body fluids in the body. In particular, Ju Hong targets the Spleen and the Lungs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) has the following health benefits.

Ju Hong can dispel Cold, dry Dampness, regulate qi, harmonise the Middle Jiao and strengthen the stomach. Thus, Ju Hong is often used to treat symptoms including but not limited to nausea, vomit, cough caused by Wind-Cold, chronic cough with sticky phlegm, dyspepsia, distention and fullness in chest. In addition, Ju Hong can help to treat belching too.

As mentioned, Ju Hong is used to address Phlegm-related conditions. Containing expectorant properties, Ju Hong may help to thin and expel phlegm from the respiratory system, and is thus used to relieve coughs, chest congestion and respiratory conditions characterised by excessive phlegm.

Believed to stimulate one’s appetite, Ju Hong may aid the breakdown and absorption of food to alleviate indigestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Often used to regulate the flow of qi in the body, Ju Hong may promote the smooth circulation of qi, alleviate Qi Stagnation and address symptoms associated with Stagnant Qi. In addition, Ju Hong possesses a pleasant aroma, and is valued for its aromatic properties. These properties may have a calming effect on the mind.

The recommended daily dosage of Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) is 3 – 9g, when consumed in the form of decoction, pills or powder.

Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) and its supplements may be found in many herbal stores, Asian markets and specialty markets.

Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) should not be used by individuals experiencing Yin Deficiency with dry cough and Qi Deficiency.

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Ju Hong to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong):

• Herb name (Chinese): 橘红
• Herb name (Pin Yin): jú hóng
• Herb name (English): Red Tangerine Peel
• Herb name (Botanical): Exocarpium Citri Rubrum
• Origin of species: Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivars
• Part(s) of herb used: Exocarp (fruit peel)
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Guangdong, Fujian, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi
• Taste(s) & Properties: Pungent, bitter; Warm; Administrates the Lung and Spleen Meridians
• Actions: Relieves coughs with excess discharge; Eases indigestion and hangover related symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting

Yang, W., Liu, M., Chen, B., Ning, J., Wang, K., Cai, Y., … & Zheng, G. (2022). Comparative analysis of chemical constituents in Citri Exocarpium Rubrum, Citri Reticulatae Endocarpium Alba, and Citri Fructus Retinervus. Food Science & Nutrition, 10(9), 3009-3023. [Accessed on 25th May 2023]

Zhao, Y., Kao, C. P., Liao, C. R., Wu, K. C., Zhou, X., Ho, Y. L., & Chang, Y. S. (2017). Chemical compositions, chromatographic fingerprints and antioxidant activities of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum (Juhong). Chinese Medicine, 12, 1-15.[Accessed on 25th May 2023]