New applications of Zhishi—February 2, 1994

New applications of Zhishi—February 2, 1994

The unripe young fruits of citrus species such as sour orange, citron, and trifoliate orange in the Rutaceae family, as well as nearly ripe fruits, are also used medicinally under the name Zhishi. It has a bitter taste, cold nature, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. It breaks qi, moves phlegm, disperses accumulation, and eliminates distension—traditionally used for chest and abdominal fullness and chest oppression. Zhishi has a strong hypertensive effect, but does not increase myocardial oxygen consumption or heart rate. It increases muscular and cutaneous resistance (vascular resistance), reducing peripheral blood flow, which is very beneficial for rescuing shock. In addition, Zhishi also has cardiotonic and diuretic effects. ① Treating heart failure; ② Rescuing shock; ③ Gastric ptosis; ④ Uterine prolapse. From this, we can infer that the essence of chest and abdominal fullness and chest oppression may be related to gastric ptosis and coronary heart disease.