Táo Rén (桃仁) — Peach Kernel (Peach Seed)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Táo Rén (桃仁) — Prunus persica — is known in English as Peach kernel / Peach seed. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Táo 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Breaks up Blood stasis and dispels Blood accumulation
2. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
3. Relieves cough and wheezing

Indications

1. Blood stasis patterns — amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and post-partum abdominal pain
2. Abdominal masses and uterine fibroids from Blood stasis
3. Appendicitis and intestinal abscess
4. Traumatic injuries and fixed pain from Blood stasis
5. Constipation from Blood deficiency and dry Intestines
6. Chronic cough from Lung stasis

4. Key formulas containing Táo Rén

Táo Rén is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
• Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
• Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
• Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Prunus persica (Tao Ren) contains amygdalin (prunasin), palmitic acid, stearic acid and glycerides. Amygdalin has been studied extensively for its anti-tumour properties and is the subject of ongoing controversy. Research confirms anti-platelet aggregation effects, anti-fibrotic effects (relevant to hepatic and pulmonary fibrosis), anti-inflammatory properties and smooth muscle relaxant activity explaining its laxative and antispasmodic effects. The formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, which contains Tao Ren, is the most studied formula for uterine fibroids, with meta-analyses confirming fibroid volume reduction.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid during pregnancy due to its blood-moving, uterotonic actions. Avoid in patients with haemorrhagic conditions and Blood deficiency without stasis. Amygdalin is converted to hydrogen cyanide in the body; standard formulary doses are safe but raw seeds in large quantities are toxic. Never consume raw peach kernels as a self-treatment.

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.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Táo Rén as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Fibroids, Endometriosis, Irregular menstrual cycle. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. 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.