Derived from aged tangerine peel (橘皮), Chenpi is a treasured traditional Chinese ingredient celebrated for its ability to regulate qi and dry dampness. As noted in the classic medical text Compendium of Materia Medica (本草纲目):
"Tangerine peel is bitter, enabling it to purge and dry; pungent, enabling it to disperse; and warm, enabling it to harmonize. In treating all manner of illnesses, its utility invariably lies in its capacity to regulate qi and dry dampness. When paired with supplementing herbs, it assists supplementation; when paired with purging herbs, it assists purging; when paired with ascending herbs, it assists ascension; and when paired with descending herbs, it assists descension."
Beyond its versatile role in herbal formulations—such as easing digestion, relieving coughs, and neutralizing toxins—Chenpi brings a deep, aromatic warmth to daily tea blends and culinary therapy.