Bitter Orange (mature fruit)

지각 (枳殼) · Citrus aurantium L.

Qi-regulating herb Cold (some sources: slightly cold) Bitter, sour (some sources: bitter, pungent) Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine

NatureCold (some sources: slightly cold)

TasteBitter, sour (some sources: bitter, pungent)

MeridiansLung, Spleen, Large Intestine

Part usedMature fruit

FamilyRutaceae

CategoryQi-regulating herb

Find by concern: Chest tightness Cough Itching

Overview

Bitter orange is harvested young as jishi (枳實) and mature as jigak (枳殼) — the Donguibogam explains the classical distinction plainly: the mature fruit (殼) acts higher, on the chest and skin, while the young fruit (實) acts lower, on the heart and stomach. Both share the same plant but different traditional targets.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒一云微寒, 味苦酸一云苦辛, 無毒. 主肺氣咳嗽. 散胸中痰滯, 利大小腸, 消脹滿, 除關格壅塞, 消痰逐水, 破癥癖結氣, 除風痒, 麻痺, 去腸風痔腫.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold (some say slightly cold), its taste bitter and sour (some say bitter and pungent), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats lung-qi cough. It disperses phlegm stagnation in the chest, benefits the large and small intestines, resolves distension and fullness, clears blockage and obstruction, resolves phlegm and expels water, breaks up hardened masses and knotted qi, removes wind-itch and numbness, and clears intestinal wind and hemorrhoids.

Traditional functions

Moves qi in the chest
Resolves phlegm stagnation
Relieves distension and fullness
Unblocks the bowels

Traditional applications

Chest oppression with cough
Abdominal or intestinal fullness
Wind-itch and numbness
Hemorrhoid-related bowel discomfort

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–12g, traditionally soaked to remove the pith and bran-fried before use.

Cautions

Caution: Cold and qi-moving; not suited to qi deficiency or during pregnancy without professional guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between jigak (枳殼) and jisil (枳實)?

They come from the same tree at different ripeness: jisil is the young, unripe fruit, jigak the mature one. The Donguibogam records that the mature fruit acts higher, on the chest and skin, while the young fruit acts lower, on the heart and stomach.

What was bitter orange's main traditional use?

Relieving chest oppression and phlegm — the Donguibogam highlights lung-qi cough and phlegm stagnation in the chest as its primary use, alongside easing abdominal fullness.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.