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Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus)

Bitter, sour, slightly cold, non-toxic. It primarily treats wind-induced pruritus and numbness, unblocks joints, treats cough due to overexertion, relieves stuffiness and fatigue in the back and shoulders, dissipates phlegm stagnation and nodules in the chest and diaphragm, drives out water retention, reduces distension and fullness, treats intestinal wind, calms the stomach, and stops wind pain. It grows in the river valleys of Shangzhou. Harvested in September and October, dried in the shade. For use, it is best to remove the albedo and seeds. Its therapeutic effects are slightly different from Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), so this entry is listed separately. (Added later) Minister Yuxi et al. carefully note according to *Yaoxing Lun* (Treatise on the Properties of Medicinals): Zhiqiao, when used as an envoy herb, has a bitter and pungent taste. It treats generalized urticaria, severe itching in the skin like麻豆 (hemp seeds and beans), primarily treats intestinal wind and hemorrhoids, qi stagnation in the heart and abdomen, distension and emptiness in both hypochondria, obstruction at the Guan-Ge junction. The root, soaked in wine and decocted for holding in the mouth, treats toothache and resolves phlegm; add it when there is qi stagnation. Rihua Zi says: It strengthens the spleen and opens the appetite, harmonizes the five zang organs, directs qi downward, stops vomiting and counterflow, resolves phlegm, treats regurgitation, cholera-like disorder, diarrhea and dysentery, aids digestion, breaks up masses and accumulations, treats five types of diaphragmatic qi disorders, dispels wind, brightens the eyes, and treats lung qi edema. It promotes urination and defecation, treats skin itching, and hemorrhoid swelling can be treated with moxibustion and hot compresses. For medicinal use, soak until soft, chop, and stir-fry until cooked. The content of *Tujing* (Illustrated Records) is detailed under the Zhishi entry. Chen Cangqi says: The root bark primarily treats "wild chicken disease" (a type of skin disease). Take one cun cube of powder orally. *Benjing* (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) states that for practical use, harvesting in September and October is inferior to July and August, as the latter is richer and more pungent. Books say: In Jiangnan it is called Jie (Kumquat/Orange), in Jiangbei it is called Zhi (Bitter Orange). Now, both Zhi and Jie exist in Jiangnan, while only Zhi exists in Jiangbei without Jie. These are distinct species, not resulting from transformation. Lei Gong says: When using Zhiqiao, do not use Zhishi, because their properties and effects differ. If using Zhiqiao, select those that are bitter, pungent, fishy, and oily, with older specimens being superior. Before use, remove the albedo, stir-fry with bran, remove when the bran turns dark black, wipe off the surface char with cloth, then pound alone into powder. *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Treats facial paralysis and eye tightness due to wind. Scrape the green outer layer of Zhiqiao into powder. Obtain five sheng of Zhiru (the pulp near the albedo), roast over low fire to remove moisture. Soak in three sheng of wine, warm over low fire to extract the flavor, and drink immediately. *Zhoubu Houfang* (Emergency Prescriptions Kept Up My Sleeve): Treats stroke where the body is straight and cannot bend or extend repeatedly. Scrape one sheng of Zhi tree bark, soak in three sheng of wine overnight, take five he to one sheng. Make again when the wine is finished; effective. *Shiyi Xinjing* (Mirror of the Food Doctor): Treats water qi causing skin itching and brightens the eyes. One liang of Zhiqiao, pounded into powder, decocted and sipped like tea. *Jingyan Houfang* (Later Experience Prescriptions): Treats persistent itching from wind rash. Three liang of Zhiqiao, stir-fried with bran until slightly yellow, remove albedo and make into powder. Take two qian each time, decoct with one zhong cup of water at any time until reduced to six fen, strain and take. *Meishi Fang*: Treats all rashes. Boil Zhiqiao in water to make a decoction for topical application; reapply when dry. *Boji Fang*: Treats chronic or recent intestinal wind with continuous bleeding. Char Zhiqiao to ash retaining its nature, mix with powdered sheep tibia charcoal. Five qian of Zhiqiao powder, three qian of charcoal powder, mix evenly. Take mixed with one zhong cup of thick rice drink on an empty stomach, first dose at wugeng (3-5 AM). If the patient walks five li, take another dose. Effective on the same day. *Bixiao Fang*: Hot compress for hemorrhoids. When hemorrhoids protrude or pain is unbearable. Roast Zhiqiao in ashes until warm and apply as a hot compress. Seven pieces applied completely will stop it. Apply upon recurrence. Du Ren's Formula: Shoutai San (Fetus-Thinning Powder): Previously, Princess Huyang had difficult labor. A physician offered four liang of Zhiqiao and two liang of Gancao (Licorice Root), pounded into powder. Take a large coin-bowlful on an empty stomach, taken like tea infusion. From the fifth month onwards, take once daily. Until the time of delivery, not only is childbirth easier, but also no fetal evil diseases occur. Avoid climbing high toilets.

*Yanyi* (Supplementary Meaning) says: Zhiqiao, see details under the Zhishi entry.