What it is
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) is a TCM supplement derived from unripe bitter orange fruit. It is used to address digestive discomfort, specifically qi stagnation and associated bloating.
Supplement · Digestive & Ayurveda
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
bloatingindigestionirregular-bowel-movements stomachgut
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How it works
Zhi Shi primarily influences the digestive tract, including the stomach and intestines. Its effects on digestive comfort are typically observed within 1-4 weeks of consistent use.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address bloating, indigestion, irregular bowel movements. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take for Zhi Shi to work?
Digestive comfort effects are typically noticeable within 1 to 4 weeks of consistent daily dosing.
Can Zhi Shi be taken with other supplements?
Zhi Shi can be layered into a broader protocol. Consult a healthcare provider if you are on prescription medications.
What are the main benefits of Zhi Shi?
Its primary benefits are supporting digestive comfort and addressing symptoms of qi stagnation, such as bloating and indigestion.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for digestive comfort and gut-barrier integrity
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) is a digestive & ayurveda supplement used to support digestive comfort and gut-barrier integrity. Bitter-orange for qi stagnation and bloating. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a tcm-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the gut, intestines, stomach, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 1-4 weeks for digestive comfort. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for digestive comfort and gut-barrier integrity. Bitter-orange for qi stagnation and bloating. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 1-4 weeks for digestive comfort, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address bloating, indigestion, irregular bowel movements. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Digestive & Ayurveda category, Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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