Use of Tao Ren (peach kernels) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Once ripe, the fruit is harvested and the flesh and outer shell are removed. The seeds are kept and dried.

Dosage: 5 - 10 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Tao Ren may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Irregular menstruation Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Constipation Abdominal pain

Contraindications*: This herb should not be used by pregnant women.

Common TCM formulas in which Tao Ren is used*

Key TCM concepts behind Tao Ren's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tao Ren belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

Furthermore Tao Ren is Neutral in nature. This means that Tao Ren typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Tao Ren means that you don't have to worry about that!

Tao Ren also tastes Bitter and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Tao Ren tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Tao Ren is thought to target the Heart, the Large intestine and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Large Intestine on the other hand receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Research on Tao Ren

Guizhi Fuling capsule (consisting of Peach kernels) achieved obvious effects in the treatment of uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrheal, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, breast hyperplasia and other gynecological diseases.¹.

Glycosides isolated from Prunus persica seeds were shown to have anti-tumor promoting effects by significantly inhibiting the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation induced by tumor promoters.².

Sources:

1. Su ZZ, Li N, Cao L, Wang TJ, Zhang CF, Ding G, Wang ZZ, Xiao W. (2015). Main progress on studies of pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Guizhi Fuling capsule. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. , 40(6):989-92.

2. Toshiyuki Fukuda, Hideyuki Ito, Teruo Mukainaka, Harukuni Tokuda, Hoyoku Nishino, Takashi Yoshida (2003). "Anti-tumor Promoting Effect of Glycosides from Prunus persica Seeds". Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. Volume 26, issue 2, pages 271-273