Sōng Zǐ Rén (松子仁) — Pine nut
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Sōng Zǐ Rén (松子仁) — Pinus koraiensis — is known in English as Pine nut. It belongs to the category of herbs that moisten dryness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Sōng Zǐ Rén as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Sōng Zǐ Rén |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 松子仁 |
| Latin name | Pinus koraiensis |
| English name | Pine nut |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver, Large Intestine |
| Category | Treat dryness |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Moistens the Lungs and stops dry cough
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
- Nourishes fluids and the skin
Indications
- Dry, unproductive cough with little phlegm
- Constipation from dryness, particularly in the elderly or after illness
- Dry skin and hair from fluid depletion
4. Key formulas containing Sōng Zǐ Rén
Sōng Zǐ Rén is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Pine nut is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals. Its moistening effect is largely attributable to its oil content; it is a food-grade herb with a mild action.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Sōng Zǐ Rén in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Spleen deficiency with loose stools or in Damp-Phlegm patterns, as the herb is rich and oily. Not suitable for those with nut allergy.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for productive, phlegm-damp cough, where drying and transforming herbs are indicated.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Sōng Zǐ Rén at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Sōng Zǐ Rén within tailored formulas for dryness patterns affecting the Lungs and Intestines.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
