Xìng Rén (杏仁) — Apricot kernel / Bitter apricot 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

Xìng Rén (杏仁) — Prunus armeniaca (seed) — is known in English as Apricot kernel / Bitter apricot seed. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop coughing and wheezing in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Xìng Rén as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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. Stops cough and calms wheezing — the most widely used single herb for cough
2. Moistens the Intestines and relieves constipation from dryness
3. Descends Lung Qi — useful for both Cold-Phlegm and Phlegm-Heat cough when combined appropriately

Indications

1. Cough from any cause — Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, Dryness or Lung Qi deficiency
2. Asthma and wheezing — descends rebellious Lung Qi
3. Constipation from Lung and Large Intestine fluid deficiency
4. Dry cough from Autumn Dryness invasion — combined with Sang Ye

4. Key formulas containing Xìng Rén

Xìng Rén appears in the following key formulas:

• Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
• Sang Xing Tang

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

5. Modern research

Prunus armeniaca kernel (Xing Ren) is the single most widely used herb for cough in Chinese medicine, appearing in formulas for virtually every cough pattern. Key bioactive constituents include amygdalin (laetrile), benzaldehyde, prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid, in very small amounts), fixed oils and proteins. Amygdalin is metabolised to benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid — the HCN acts as a gentle respiratory depressant at therapeutic doses, suppressing the cough reflex and relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. The fixed oil content softens and moistens the Intestines, explaining the laxative action. Research confirms antitussive, expectorant, bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Xing Ren is available in bitter (Ku Xing Ren — more medicinal) and sweet (Tian Xing Ren — food grade) forms.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use bitter apricot kernel (Ku Xing Ren) only — not raw sweet almonds. Do not exceed the standard dose (3-9g) — excessive doses can cause HCN toxicity (headache, dizziness, nausea). Keep out of reach of children. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency without Phlegm and diarrhoea. Contraindicated with Huang Qi in some classical texts.

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 Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Xìng Rén as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Allergies, Long COVID. 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 throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.