Hu Tao Ren (胡桃仁) — Walnut
Hu Tao Ren — walnut — is the traditional Chinese Kidney-Yang tonic that is safe as a food. It warms and consolidates the Kidney for chronic cough, low back pain and constipation of the elderly. As a routine dietary tonic it is one of the safest supportive Yang herbs.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Hu Tao Ren (胡桃仁) — Walnut (Juglans regia (walnut)) — is a Chinese herb in the Tonify Yang (Kidney) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hu Tao Ren |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 胡桃仁 |
| Latin name | Juglans regia (walnut) |
| English name | Walnut |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Lung, Large Intestine |
| Category | Tonify Yang (Kidney) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and consolidates Essence
- Warms the Lung and stops wheezing
- Moistens the intestines and moves stool
Indications
- Chronic cough and dyspnoea from Kidney failing to grasp Qi
- Low back and knee weakness
- Constipation from Blood dryness in the elderly
- Cold-type frequent urination
4. Dosage
9–30g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin-deficient dry Heat patterns
- Not for damp-Heat cough
- Nut allergy contraindication
6. Key formulas
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Hu Tao Ren where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
