Traditional Chinese Medicine/Zhi Ke

Zhi Ke (also spelled Zhi Qiao or Zhǐ Ké, 枳壳) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine made from the dried, nearly mature fruit of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). Key Properties and Uses: Function: It regulates and moves Qi (vital energy) in the body, specifically targeting the spleen, stomach, and large intestine meridians. Digestion: It relieves abdominal bloating, chest tightness, fullness, and mild constipation by stimulating gastrointestinal movement. Comparison to Zhi Shi: Zhi Ke is harvested later than its relative Zhi Shi (the immature bitter orange). Because it is more mature, Zhi Ke provides a gentler, broader action that moves Qi without aggressively breaking stagnation or dissolving hard masses like the younger fruit does. Active Compounds: Modern research shows it contains beneficial plant compounds like synephrine and flavonoids (such as hesperidin and naringenin) that support gut motility and metabolism.