Citrus Aurantium
Zhi Ke (枳殼) (Hemispherical, greenish-brown, oily dots, everted, mesocarp yellowish-white, 12 segments)
Sichuan Zhi Ke (枳殼)
Zhi Ke (枳殼) slices (Stir-fried with wheat bran)(Arc-shaped, retaining the fruit core)
Phoenix Eye Zhi Ke (枳殼)
【Naming】
【Source】
Classified as Medium Grade in the Classic of Herbal Medicine
【Common Usage Level】
A
【Botanical Origin】
The dried, nearly ripe fruits of Rutaceae plants such as Citrus aurantium L. (Sour Orange), Citrus wilsonii Tanaka, Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. (Dai Dai Hua (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus)), and Ponicirus trifoliata Raf. (Trifoliate Orange).
【Characteristics】
See market product description below for the complete shape. Processed slices: Present as arc-shaped slices, about 1.5mm thick, appearing yellowish-white. The pulp varies in thickness. The outer skin appears greenish or yellowish-green with granular protrusions. The cut surface edge has 1-2 rows of oil dots (oil chambers). The inner side has residual pulp (pulp: refers to the inner pericarp and the sac-like glandular hairs growing on the inner pericarp of citrus fruits. For example, the pulp of Zhi Ke (枳殼) and Xiang Yuan (Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis) is wheel-shaped, while the pulp of Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) is small). It appears purplish-black, is firm and brittle in texture, has a clear fragrance, and tastes bitter and slightly sour. Zhi Ke (枳殼) stir-fried with wheat bran: Similar in shape to raw Zhi Ke (枳殼) slices, with a deep yellowish-brown color on the surface, attached with charred bran powder, and occasionally with charred yellow spots, and a charred bran fragrance.
【Processing】
1. Raw Zhi Ke (枳殼) 2. Stir-fried Zhi Ke (枳殼)
【Identification】
《Zheng Lei Ben Cao》: “The best ones are those that have been aged for many years.” 《Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao》: “The ones from Shangzhou are the best.” 《Ren Shu Bian Lan》: “The best Zhi Ke (枳殼) and Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) are those that are white inside, black outside, round and tight.” 《Ren Shu Bian Lan》: “The best Zhi Ke (枳殼) and Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) are those that are white inside, black outside, round and tight.” 《Pin Hu Pao Zhi Fa》: “If using Zhi Ke (枳殼), take those that are bitter, pungent, fishy, and have oil gaps, and those that have been aged for many years are the best.” The best ones are those that are dry, large, free from mold, free from insects, and free from ash, soil, and impurities.
【Identification Terminology】
Pulp: Refers to the inner pericarp and the sac-like glandular hairs growing on the inner pericarp of citrus fruits. For example, the pulp of Zhi Ke (枳殼) and Xiang Yuan (Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis) is wheel-shaped, while the pulp of Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) is small.
【Category】
Fruits