Pruni Armeniacae

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Xing Ren or Ku Xing Ren

Common English Name

Apricot Seed

Part of Plant Used

Mature seed

Nature

Warm

Taste

Bitter, slightly poisonous

Meridians Entered

Lungs, Large Intestine

Common Usages

This herb is most often used in formulas to treat coughs or wheezing; may also be used to treat constipation (TCM: for heat or cold imbalances, with other herbal ingredients accordingly adjusted to balance formula).医学全在线网站www.med126.com

Traditional Usages and Functions

Relieves coughs and stops wheezing; moistens Intestines and moves stool.

Common Formulas Used In

Apricot Seed and Fritillaria; Apricot Seed and Linum; Clematis and Stephania; Ma Huang.

Processing Required

-

Remarks

This herb is high in plant oils, which is said to be the chief reason for its laxative properties.

Cautions in Use

Use cautiously. This herb can be toxic in higher doses: adult toxic dose is fifty to sixty kernels; children's toxic dose is ten kernels.