Herb

Ju Ye

Tangerine leaf | 橘叶

Ju Ye

Product appearance may vary from images shown

Properties

Qi-regulating herbs (理气药) · Neutral

Traditionally supports*

Breast Health Emotional Wellbeing Digestive Health

Parts Used

Leaf (叶 yè)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Currently Out of Stock

All variants of this product are currently out of stock. Please check back later or browse our other products.

About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Tangerine leaf is a gentle Qi-moving herb best known for its traditional use in breast health. It helps relieve feelings of chest tightness, rib-area discomfort, and breast tenderness or lumps by promoting the smooth flow of Liver Qi and breaking down Phlegm accumulations. It is often used alongside other herbs in formulas for breast conditions and emotional stress-related tension.

Herb Category

Qi-regulating herbs (理气药)

Main Actions

  • Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
  • Transforms Phlegm and Dissipates Nodules
  • Resolves Toxicity and Reduces Swelling

How These Actions Work

'Soothes the Liver and moves Qi' means Jú Yè helps restore the smooth flow of Liver Qi when it becomes stuck or stagnant. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi throughout the body, and when it stagnates, people feel distending pain in the chest or sides (under the ribs), emotional frustration, or a sensation of fullness. Jú Yè's pungent and bitter flavour allows it to disperse stuck Qi in the Liver channel, relieving these symptoms. It is especially used for pain and distension in the chest and rib area (hypochondriac region).

'Resolves Phlegm and dissipates nodules' means Jú Yè can help break down abnormal lumps and masses that TCM attributes to the accumulation of Phlegm and stagnant Qi. In clinical practice, this action is most closely associated with breast lumps and nodules. Because the Liver channel passes through the breast area, Liver Qi stagnation often manifests as breast swelling or nodule formation. Jú Yè's ability to both move Liver Qi and resolve Phlegm makes it particularly suited for these breast conditions.

'Reduces swelling and disperses toxins' refers to Jú Yè's capacity to address swollen, inflamed tissue, particularly breast abscesses (mastitis). Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied directly to swollen areas as a poultice. This action was first described by the Yuan Dynasty physician Zhū Dānxī, who used Jú Yè specifically for breast abscesses caused by the stagnation of Liver Qi and Heat in the Yangming (Stomach) channel.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Ju Ye is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Ju Ye addresses this pattern

Jú Yè directly enters the Liver channel with its pungent and bitter flavour, which allows it to disperse and move stagnant Liver Qi. When Liver Qi stagnates, it fails to circulate smoothly and causes distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac region. The pungent taste disperses the blockage while the bitter taste helps direct Qi downward, relieving the characteristic fullness and distension of this pattern. Jú Yè is especially effective when Liver Qi stagnation manifests in the chest, flanks, or breast area.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Hypochondriac Pain

Distending pain under the ribs that worsens with emotional stress

Chest Stiffness

Feeling of fullness and oppression in the chest

Breast Redness

Breast distension and pain, especially premenstrual

Irritability

Frustration and emotional tension

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ), Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels Entered
Liver
Parts Used

Leaf (叶 yè)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

Quantity Description

Loading quantity information...

Concentration Ratio

Loading concentration information...

Fabrication Method

Loading fabrication information...

Supplier Certifications

Loading certifications information...

Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Ju Ye leaves, when flattened from their typically curled or crumbled dried form, should be rhomboid-elongate or elliptical in shape. The surface should be grey-green or yellow-green in color, smooth, and when held up to light, numerous tiny transparent oil dots should be clearly visible. The texture should be crisp and brittle, breaking easily. The aroma should be distinctly fragrant (due to volatile oils), and the taste should be bitter. Avoid leaves that are overly brown, mouldy, lacking in fragrance, or without visible oil glands.

Primary Growing Regions

Ju Ye is produced throughout the citrus-growing regions of central and southern China. The main producing provinces include Sichuan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Taiwan. As it comes from the same tree as Chen Pi (tangerine peel), regions famous for high-quality Chen Pi — particularly Xinhui in Guangdong province (source of the prized Guang Chen Pi) — also produce good quality leaves. However, Ju Ye does not have a strongly established single dao di (terroir) region, as it is widely available and mostly sold locally (多自产自销).

Harvesting Season

Can be harvested year-round, but the optimal period is from December to February of the following year. Leaves are shade-dried or sun-dried after collection, and can also be used fresh.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

Loading supplier information...

Loading supplier attributes...

Miscellaneous Info

No additional information available

Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

Loading dosage information...

Instructions for safe storage and consumption

Loading storage and consumption information...

Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

6-15g (dried); 60-120g (fresh)

Maximum

Up to 120g when using fresh leaves (for juice extraction or poultice). For dried herb in decoction, typically not exceeded beyond 15g in standard practice.

Notes

Use dried herb (6-15g) in decoction for internal conditions such as hypochondriac pain, chest distension, and hernia. For breast conditions (mastitis, lumps), fresh leaves (60-120g) can be juiced for internal use or the crushed fresh leaves applied externally as a poultice. When used as a supporting herb in formulas for Liver Qi stagnation, lower doses (6-9g) are typical. The fresh juice taken directly was traditionally used for lung abscess. Dried leaves can also be brewed as a simple tea for mild Liver Qi stagnation and mood improvement.

Processing Methods

Processing method

Honey is spread on the back surface of fresh tangerine leaves, which are then dry-roasted (fire-baked) until crisp.

How it changes properties

Honey processing moderates the herb's dispersing nature and adds a mild moistening quality. The slightly sweet, moistening effect of honey helps direct the herb's action toward the Lungs, enhancing its ability to resolve Phlegm and stop cough.

When to use this form

When Jú Yè is used primarily for cough with Phlegm obstruction rather than for breast conditions. This preparation is described in the Diān Nán Běn Cǎo for treating cough.

Toxicity Classification

Non-toxic

Contraindications

Caution

People with Qi deficiency or weakness without signs of Qi stagnation should avoid this herb, as its dispersing and Qi-moving nature may further deplete Qi.

Caution

Individuals with internal excess Heat (marked by mouth sores, dry mouth, sore throat, or constipation) should use with caution, as acrid and bitter-drying herbs can aggravate Heat.

Caution

People with Yin deficiency presenting with dry symptoms should use cautiously, as the herb's acrid dispersing nature may further consume Yin fluids.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

No specific pregnancy contraindication is established in classical texts. However, as an acrid Qi-moving herb that disperses stagnation, it should be used cautiously during pregnancy, particularly in women with a history of miscarriage. Its Qi-dispersing properties are relatively mild compared to stronger Qi-moving herbs like Qing Pi (green tangerine peel), but standard caution for Qi-regulating herbs applies. Consult a qualified practitioner before use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Ju Ye has been traditionally used to treat breast conditions including mastitis (breast abscess during lactation) and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when used at standard doses for short periods. In fact, its classical indication specifically includes treatment of lactation-related breast problems (妒乳, 内外吹). No specific concerns about transfer through breast milk have been documented. However, prolonged use of any Qi-dispersing herb during breastfeeding should be supervised by a qualified practitioner.

Pediatric Use

No specific classical contraindications exist for pediatric use. Dosage should be reduced proportionally based on the child's age and weight. As a mild Qi-regulating herb, it is generally considered safe for children when indicated, but should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Not commonly used as a standalone pediatric remedy.

Drug Interactions

No well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions are established for Ju Ye specifically. As a member of the Citrus genus, the leaf contains flavonoids and volatile oils. Citrus flavonoids such as naringenin (found in the leaves) have been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could theoretically affect the metabolism of drugs processed by these enzymes. However, the clinical significance of this interaction from tangerine leaf at standard herbal doses is unknown and likely minimal.

As a general precaution, patients taking medications with narrow therapeutic windows should inform their healthcare provider before using citrus-derived herbal medicines.

Dietary Advice

When taking Ju Ye for Liver Qi stagnation or breast conditions, avoid greasy, heavy, and excessively rich foods that may worsen Qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation. Favour light, easily digestible meals. Reducing emotional stress and maintaining a calm state supports the herb's Liver-soothing actions. Alcohol in small amounts was traditionally considered acceptable (classical formulas sometimes used a little wine as a vehicle), but excessive alcohol should be avoided.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.