Citrus aurantium   枳 实  Zhǐ shí    Bitter orange      

 枳 实  Zhǐ shí  Immature bitter orange       
Nature- cold, cool        FLAVOR: Bitter, sour   CHANNELS: Stomach, Spleen
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Regulating Qi
1. Promote flow of Qi. Expand Zhong Jiao, promote digestion, transform Sputum.[1] Clear blockage due to Qi stagnation.[2]
INDICATIONS
1. Indigestion with Phlegm involvement.[1] Accumulation of food due to deficiency of Stomach and Spleen:[2] Flatulence and distension of stomach area after a rich meal with weak digestive function.
2. Diarrhea due to Damp Heat stasis: chest tight, abdomen pain, gastroenteritis or bacterial dysentery.[2]
2. Visceroptosis/Prolapse- Falling of Stomach, prolapse of anus, prolapse of uterus.[1]
COMPARISONS Zhi shi (immature) with zhi ke (ripe). Both are bitter oranges at different stages of development.
Both break up Qi , disperse clumps and Phlegm and reduce focal distention.
Zhi ke governs the upper trunk, including disorders of the chest, diaphragm, skin and body hair.
Zhi shi governs the lower trunk, including disorders of the Heart, abdomen, Spleen and Stomach. Its nature is violent and excels at thrusting downward, while Zhi ke is gentler and slower in promoting the movement of Qi through the chest, diaphragm, Lungs, Stomach and Large Intestine.[4]
PATENT COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS:Young dry fruits. 3-9 g.[1,2]
- Food stagnation- use with Mu xiang or Sha ren
NOTE- More for stagnant Qi of Spleen and Stomach.[1]
枳 壳 Zhǐ ké  Ripe fruit       
Nature- cool    FLAVOR: Bitter, sour  CHANNEL: Liver
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Regulating Qi
1. Promote flow of Energy, expand middle region, promote digestion, tranform sputum.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Congested chest and chest pain, abdominal pain and swelling, indigestion, sputum. Pain on the left ribs, shortage of milk secretion.[1]
2. Promote Qi flow in the Liver channel.[1]
2. Falling of Stomach, prolapse of anus, prolapse of uterus.[1]
COMPARISON: Zhi ke with Zhi shi - see above
PATENT COMBINATIONS
- Stagnation of Liver Qi: Spreads the Liver Qi and quickens the Blood to alleviate pain Bupleurum & Cyperus- Chai hu shu gan wan.
- Spleen Qi deficiency with retention of Dampness, and Food stagnation: Tonifies the Qi and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, drains Dampness, regulates the Stomach and Intestines, reduces Food stagnation Pseudostellaria Combination- Childrens Formula- Jian wei bao tong chong ji.
- Stagnation of Phlegm Heat in the Lungs and throat: Eliminates Phlegm, Regulates Qi, disperses Stagnation, Drains Dampness, Clears Heat, and relieves cough Platycodon Combination- Jie geng wan.
Exterior Wind Cold in patients with Lung and Spleen Qi deficiency with Phlegm Damp retention: Releases exterior Wind Cold, disperses stagnant Qi and harmonises the Middle Jiao, transforms Phlegm, tonifies Qi- Ginseng & Perilla- Shen su yin.
PREPARATIONS: Dry unripe fruit 3-9 g.[1]
代代花  Dài dài huā  Dried flower in bud     
Often sold as a dieting tea. Contains essential oils.
Nature- neutral     FLAVOR: Sweet, slightly bitter
FUNCTIONS
1. Regulate energy, expand the chest, improve appetite.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Congested chest, nausea, poor appetite.[1]
2. Accumulation of food in the stomach and intestine due to indigestion, phlegm and retained fluid.[3]
PREPARATIONS: Dried flower in the bud  1.5-2.5 g.[1]
Seed      
- Bruised and applied to the face at night for pimples and freckles.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents.
Research.

The safety of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) and its primary protoalkaloid p-synephrine.
Stohs SJ, Preuss HG, Shara M.
Abstract
Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) extract and its principal protoalkaloidal constituent p-synephrine are widely used in weight loss and weight management as well as in sports performance products. However, questions are raised frequently regarding the safety of these ingredients. The potential inherent dangers associated with the use of products containing C. aurantium extract are frequently touted, while conversely, millions of doses of dietary supplements have been consumed by possibly millions of individuals in recent years. Furthermore, millions of people consume on a daily basis various juices and food products from Citrus species that contain p-synephrine. This review summarizes current information regarding the safety of C. aurantium (bitter orange) extract and p-synephrine based on human, animal and in vitro assessments as well as receptor binding and mechanistic studies. The data indicate that based on current knowledge, the use of bitter orange extract and p-synephrine appears to be exceedingly safe with no serious adverse effects being directly attributable to these ingredients.
Phytother Res. 2011 Oct;25(10):1421-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3490. Epub 2011 Apr 8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov