- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (China)
- Other names
- Nectarine
Asia · Food · № 249
Prunus persica
Food · Asia
Peach
Prunus persica
A juicy summer fruit. In Chinese medicine the kernels (tao ren) are used to move the blood; raw they are poisonous because of amygdalin.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Contains amygdalin (cyanide): do not use yourself and not during pregnancy.
Preparation
Fruit bowl (summer, autumn).
Use in traditions
Described in home, kitchen and folk custom. In herbal magic associated with spirituality, fertility, love, harmony. In Chinese medicine the kernels (tao ren) move the blood, for menstrual pain and bruises; they are part of Tao He Cheng Qi Tang and Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. In China the peach is the symbol of immortality: the goddess Xiwangmu grew the peaches of eternal life.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, bitter, neutral
- Meridians
- liver, heart, lung, large intestine
Attributed effects
The kernel (tao ren) moves stagnant blood in absent or painful menstruation, pain from injury and lung and intestinal abscesses, and moistens the bowel in constipation from dryness.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Combinations
- With safflower to move blood
- With dang gui, rhubarb and hemp seed for constipation from blood deficiency
Caution: Contains amygdalin (cyanide): do not use yourself and not during pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Spirituality, fertility, love, harmony.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Fruit bowl (summer, autumn).