Harmony is the guiding principle in ancient Chinese philosophy and the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  In fact, the wisdom of Dao considers harmony as one of the primary principles of the universe.  It is also considered as a vitalizing element in all sentient beings that allows us to function and live well in a world which is constantly changing.

One of the fastest ways of achieving harmony is to live closely with authentic life-giving forces such as nature, food, meditation, and of course, Qi.  This is easier said than done, especially when our modern lifestyles have compelled us to drift far away from this vitalizing harmony and exchange it for temporary fixes and short-lived comforts.  How can we restore the balance among mind, body, and spirit in order to fully enjoy the many perks of being alive?

Traditional Chinese Medicine has long offered herbal remedies that help an individual recuperate and relinquish Qi blocking stimuli in the body. Chinese medicine theory recognizes specific herbs which combat specific states of disease in the body and stimulate the process of healing and restoration of harmony.

One such herb which replenishes Qi and restores harmony in the body is the Red Tangerine Peel (or Ju Hong).

This herb is an important ingredient in our Digestive Harmony detoxifying formula and most certainly one whose history and power transcend its rather simplistic name.  And why you might ask?  Read on!

Red Tangerine Peel is the external most peel of the orange, also known as the pummelo peel.  Ju Hong is a warm, bitter (bordering on slightly pungent), and a fragrant herb with many health benefits due to its healthful components such as Naringin, Naringenin, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool, Anthranilic acid, Methyl ester, and others.

According to Chinese medicine theory, Ju Hong is primarily used to strengthen the functions of the lungs as it harmonizes phlegm.  Moreover, it strengthens the spleen, specifically a Chinese medicine condition called "damp spleen", helping replenishing "spleen Qi" deficiency (read more about this in Asian Functional Foods here and Clinical Handbook of Chinese Herbs: Desk Reference, Revised Edition here.  For more on the Spleen-stomach theory and the role of TCM in strengthening their functions, check this study).  

Ju Hong is a go-to for its digestive benefits, used frequently in moments when one is in need of immediate harmony.  A powerhouse of an herb, the Red Tangerine Peel is believed by Chinese medicine doctors to have has anti-oxidative, anti-fungal, and free radical scavenging properties too. Like all aspects of Chinese medicine, harmony can be achieved through practice, routine and balance and incessant efforts.

We source Red Tangerine Peel sustainably from farms across China.  We test, process, test, and test again. We also play with flavors as we feel that an herbal regimen is not mutually exclusive to enjoying them on the go (Chinese herbs can taste bad. Really bad).  But we never mess with authenticity. It’s what guides us through all of our pursuits.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, mitigate or cure any disease or symptom.

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.