Peach seed (Taoren)

Pharmaceutical Name : Semen Persicae

Botanical Name : 1. Prunus persica (L.) Batch; 2. Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch.

Common Name : Persica seed, Peach seed

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Ripe peaches are gathered in July or September. The seeds are removed and their shells broken. After the seeds are dried in the sun, the skin of the seeds is rubbed off.

Properties & Taste : Bitter and neutral

Meridians: Heart, liver, lung and large intestine

Functions:
1. To invigorate blood and remove stagnation;
2. To lubricate the intestines and move feces downward

Indications & Combinations:
1. Blood stagnation manifested as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and pain and swelling due to external injuries. Peach seed (Taoren) is used with Red peony (Chishao), Safflower (Honghua), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) in the formula Tao Hong Siwu Tang.

2. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Peach seed (Taoren) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Arborvitae seed (Baiziren), Hemp seed (Huomaren) and Apricot seed (Xingren).

Dosage: 6-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is pounded into pieces before decoction. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.