Apricot Seed (Nan Xing Ren / Xing Ren)

Uses, Benefits, TCM Theory, How to Use, Dosage, Safety, Seasons & Buyer’s Guide

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Apricot Seed (Nan Xing Ren), also called Xing Ren, is a traditional Chinese herb used to moisten Dryness, support the Lung, and promote smooth Qi descent. It appears in many classical formulas for Dryness-related respiratory discomfort. Learn how to use apricot seeds in teas, decoctions, soups, powders, and extract blends with dosage, safety, and seasonal tips.

Q: What does Apricot Seed do in TCM?
A: Apricot Seed helps moisten the Lung, ease Dryness, support comfortable breathing, and promote downward Qi flow. Traditionally used for Dryness patterns.

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For more than two millennia, Apricot Seed (Nan Xing Ren) has been one of the most dependable traditional remedies for supporting the Lung and promoting smooth breathing during Dryness seasons. Its slightly warm, bitter nature and lubricating qualities make it a classic herb in both home kitchens and herbal shops throughout Asia.

Today, consumers want natural, traditional ways to support breathing comfort, soothe Dryness due to weather or indoor heating, and maintain respiratory balance. Xing Ren remains one of TCM’s most reliable Lung herbs.

DSHEA Notice: Educational only; not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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✅ AUTHOR

Author: Sarah Johnson, M.H.
Reviewed by: 1st Chinese Herbs Editorial Team
Publisher: 1stChineseHerbs.com (Trusted Since 1994)
Updated: 2025
Experience: 30+ years in TCM education

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✅ QUICK FACTS BOX ABOUT XING REN - APRICOT SEED

Chinese Name: Xing Ren / Nan Xing Ren

Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca

TCM Category: Relieve Cough & Wheezing

Taste: Bitter

Temperature: Slightly Warm

Meridians: Lung, Large Intestine

Part Used: Kernel of apricot fruit

Best For (traditional): Dryness affecting breathing; constrained Qi; seasonal transitions

Forms: Whole seeds, powder, extract powder, teapills

Strength: Medium

Not to Confuse With: Bei Xing Ren (Northern Apricot Seed — stronger)

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✅ WHY YOU (PEOPLE) SEARCH FOR APRICOT SEED 

✅ How to use Apricot Seed
✅ How to prepare Xing Ren tea
✅ Lung Dryness support
✅ How to combine it with Lily Bulb, Chen Pi, Bai He
✅ Whether apricot seeds are safe
✅ Difference between Northern and Southern kernels
✅ How to cook with Xing Ren
✅ What it tastes like
✅ Whether beginners can use it
✅ Seasonal usage

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✅ TOP BENEFITS OF APRICOT SEED (Traditional Use Only)

Apricot Seed is traditionally used for:

✅ Supporting the Lung during Dryness
✅ Promoting smooth breathing comfort
✅ Nudging Lung Qi downward
✅ Moistening Dryness from weather, indoor heating, travel, or climate
✅ Soothing occasional tightness in the chest
✅ Supporting intestinal lubrication in Dryness patterns

✅ WHAT IS APRICOT SEED (NAN XING REN)?

Apricot Seed is the kernel inside the apricot pit. In TCM, it is prized for its ability to moisten Lung Dryness, warm gently, and support the Qi’s downward movement. Nan Xing Ren refers to Southern apricot seed, which is milder and commonly used in classical recipes and home cooking.

Bei Xing Ren (Northern apricot seed) is stronger and used differently.

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✅ HISTORY OF APRICOT SEED 

• Han Dynasty: Listed in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a moistening Lung herb

• Tang Dynasty: Used in Dryness and seasonal respiratory recipes

• Ming Dynasty: Added to nourishing soups and congees

• Qing Dynasty: Paired with Lily Bulb, Chen Pi, and Bai He

• Modern Use: Still popular in Asia for seasonal Dryness support

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✅ HOW APRICOT SEED WORKS IN TCM

✅ 1. Moistens Lung Dryness

Supports breathing comfort during dry weather.

✅ 2. Helps Lung Qi Descend

Encourages smooth airflow and ease.

✅ 3. Relaxes Constrained Qi in the Chest

Traditionally used when Qi feels “tight.”

✅ 4. Lubricates the Intestines

Used when Dryness contributes to sluggish elimination.

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✅ MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Apricot Seed contains:

✅ Amygdalin
✅ Natural oils
✅ Emulsin
✅ Plant compounds with ongoing research interest

Researchers examine how these constituents behave in modern contexts, while traditional usage focuses on Lung and Dryness patterns.

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✅ POPULAR COMPARISONS OF APRICOT SEED

✅ Apricot Seed vs. Bitter Almond

• Apricot Seed = TCM herb

• Bitter almond = culinary, different energetics

✅ Southern vs. Northern Apricot Seed

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✅ FOLKLORE & CULTURAL USE

In traditional households across China, Apricot Seed is a symbol of seasonal nourishment. It was commonly added to:

✅ Autumn soups
✅ Winter congee
✅ Warming Lung broths
✅ Silk Road-style apricot kernel desserts

Families believed it helped ease Dryness from cold winds, wood stoves, and changing seasons — a practice still alive today.

✅ SEASONAL USAGE GUIDE

Apricot Seed shines during:

✅ Autumn (Metal Season)

Dryness affects the Lung the most → Xing Ren is a key seasonal herb.

✅ Winter Indoor Heating

Indoor heat dries the air → many consumers feel “parched lungs.”

✅ Early Spring Winds

Wind + Dryness = Lung tension and constrained Qi.

✅ Dry Climates

High-altitude, desert, and cold regions benefit traditionally.

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✅ TASTE PROFILE + HOW TO MASK BITTERNESS

Apricot Seed is:

✅ Bitter
✅ Slightly sweet
✅ Slightly warm
✅ Nutty when cooked

How to improve the taste:

✅ Add to congee
✅ Combine with Lily Bulb (Bai He)
✅ Add Chen Pi (tangerine peel)
✅ Mix powder with honey paste
✅ Add to warming soups

✅ HOW TO USE CHINESE HERBS 

✅ HOW TO USE APRICOT SEED 

✅ Whole Kernels

3–9 g, lightly crushed, simmer 20–30 minutes.

✅ Powder

0.5–1 g in warm water.

✅ Extract Powder

⅛–¼ tsp, 1–2× daily.

✅ Teapills

Follow label; easiest option for beginners.

 

 

 

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✅ WHICH FORM SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Choose Whole Kernels if…

You prefer classical decoctions or use herbs in soups.

Choose Powder if…

You want fast, daily use without cooking.

Choose Extract Powder if…

You want stronger potency in tiny servings.

Choose Teapills if…

You want zero prep, beginner-friendly usage.

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COMMON MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM

❌ Using dried apricot pits purchased in supermarkets
❌ Using raw bitter kernels from unknown sources
❌ Using Bei Xing Ren in place of Nan Xing Ren
❌ Using too much powder too fast
❌ Ignoring warming/cooling herb balance

✅ RECIPES

Apricot Seed & Lily Bulb Lung-Moistening Tea

A gentle, traditional tea for supporting comfort during Dryness seasons.

Ingredients

• 6–9 grams Apricot Seed (Nan Xing Ren / Xing Ren)
  → Lightly crush before use

• 6 grams Lily Bulb (Bai He)

• 1–2 slices Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel)

• 16–20 oz warm water

• Optional:

  • 3 grams Licorice Root (Gan Cao) for flavor balance

  • 1 teaspoon honey added after steeping (optional; do not boil honey)

Instructions

1. Lightly crush the Apricot Seeds with the back of a spoon.

2. Add Apricot Seeds, Lily Bulb, and Chen Pi to a small pot.

3. Pour in 16–20 oz of water.

4. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.

5. Strain and pour into a cup.

6. Add honey after the tea has cooled slightly (optional).

Traditional Purpose (TCM)

• Supports moistening the Lung

• Encourages smooth Qi flow

• Balances Dryness due to weather, indoor air, or seasonal shifts

• Lily Bulb provides soft Yin-nourishing support

• Chen Pi helps move Qi and soften bitterness

Taste Profile

Warm, softly bitter, slightly aromatic with a gentle floral sweetness from the Lily Bulb.

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✅ SAFETY & CAUTIONS

✅ Avoid during pregnancy unless supervised
✅ Do not eat raw, unshelled wild apricot pits
✅ Follow traditional serving sizes
✅ Stop if discomfort occurs
✅ Consult a professional when combining multiple herbs

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✅ STORAGE

How to Store Apricot Seeds (Nan Xing Ren / Xing Ren)

Proper storage keeps Apricot Seeds fresh, potent, and safe for long-term use. Because Xing Ren contains natural oils, it can lose its aroma, turn dull, or oxidize if exposed to moisture or heat. Follow these guidelines to maintain maximum quality.

✅ 1. Keep Apricot Seeds in an Airtight Container

Use:

• Glass jars

• Food-grade tins

• Sealed Mylar pouches

Why: Prevents oxygen exposure and keeps natural oils from breaking down.

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✅ 2. Store in a Cool, Dry Location

Ideal temperature: Below 75°F (24°C)
Avoid:

• Stovetops

• Above refrigerators

• Near windows

• Laundry rooms or humid kitchens

Why: Heat accelerates oxidation and may degrade aroma and color.

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✅ 3. Protect from Sunlight

Apricot Seeds should be kept in:

• Opaque containers

• Dark cabinets

• Pantries

Why: Light can “fade” the kernels and reduce potency over time.

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✅ 4. Avoid Moisture, Steam, and Condensation

Never store Xing Ren near:

• Sinks

• Dishwashers

• Boiling kettles

• Open windows during humid weather

Why: Moisture clumps the kernels and can promote spoilage or loss of quality.

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✅ 5. Keep the Powder Separate from Whole Kernels

• Whole kernels stay fresh longer

• Powder oxidizes faster due to larger surface area

Tip: Powder should be kept in tightly sealed jars with desiccant packs if available.

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✅ 6. Add a Food-Safe Desiccant Pack (Optional but Ideal)

Especially useful in humid climates.
Helps keep the kernels crisp, aromatic, and dry.

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✅ WHY BUY FROM 1ST CHINESE HERBS?

✔ Trusted since 1994
✔ Lab-tested
✔ GMP-certified
✔ No sulfur
✔ No fillers
✔ Fast U.S. shipping
✔ Educational support
✔ Bulk 5-kilo discounts

NEW:
✔ “Lowest Price Guarantee on 5-Kilo Bags”  

✅ TESTIMONIALS 

⭐ “Fresh, aromatic, and exactly what I needed.”

“These apricot seeds were clean, perfectly dried, and had a beautiful aroma. They blended well into my congee and soups. Quality is far better than other places I’ve tried.”
— M.L.

⭐ “Excellent for seasonal support.”

“I used the Nan Xing Ren in my autumn tea blend and noticed how smoothly it worked with Lily Bulb and Chen Pi. Very happy with the packaging and freshness.”
— A.R.

⭐ “Consistently great products from 1st Chinese Herbs.”

“I always order my herbs here because they’re lab-tested and reliable. The apricot seeds came fast and were vibrant and potent.”
— D.S.

⭐ “Perfect for soups and traditional recipes.”

“I use these in herbal broths during dry winter months. The flavor is mild and earthy. Super high quality.”
— J.C.

 

✅ FAQ

1. What is Apricot Seed (Nan Xing Ren) used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

It is traditionally used to moisten Lung Dryness, support comfortable breathing, and encourage smooth downward movement of Lung Qi.

2. Is Apricot Seed the same as Bitter Almond?

No. Bitter almond is a culinary ingredient; Apricot Seed is a TCM herb with its own traditional energetics and uses.

3. What’s the difference between Southern (Nan Xing Ren) and Northern (Bei Xing Ren) apricot seeds?

Nan Xing Ren is gentler and used for everyday classical formulas.
Bei Xing Ren is stronger and typically used in more targeted herbal prescriptions.

4. Can Apricot Seeds be eaten raw?

Traditional practice uses processed and prepared kernels, not raw or wild apricot pits. Always follow traditional serving guidelines.

5. What does Apricot Seed taste like?

Slightly bitter, lightly sweet, warm, and nutty—especially when cooked.

6. How do you prepare Apricot Seed tea?

Lightly crush 3–9 grams of kernels, simmer for 20–30 minutes, and strain. Often combined with Lily Bulb (Bai He) or Chen Pi.

7. How much Apricot Seed should I use?

Typical traditional usage ranges:

• Whole kernels: 3–9 g

• Powder: 0.5–1 g

• Extract powder: ⅛–¼ teaspoon

8. Can beginners use Apricot Seed?

Yes—teapills or small amounts of powder are considered beginner-friendly in TCM education.

9. How should Apricot Seeds be stored?

In an airtight container, in a cool, dry, dark location. Avoid moisture, heat, and sunlight.

10. Can Apricot Seed be used in soups or congee?

Yes. It is traditionally added to autumn soups and winter congees to support Lung and seasonal balance.

✅ PUBMED REFERENCES 

✅ Phytochemistry & Composition

• PMID: 26735134 — Analysis of amygdalin and chemical constituents of apricot kernels.

• PMID: 29035336 — Comprehensive review of Prunus species metabolites.

• PMID: 31892309 — Study on phenolics and antioxidant properties in apricot kernels.

✅ Processing & Kernel Differences

• PMID: 24362278 — Differences between bitter and sweet apricot kernels.

• PMID: 24799228 — Effects of soaking and processing on kernel constituents.

✅ Botanical Identification / Species Analysis

• PMID: 24445367 — Genetic and chemical profiling of Prunus armeniaca varieties.

• PMID: 28424055 — Chemical identification of kernel oils and compounds.

✅ Traditional Use / Herbal Context

• PMID: 32899225 — Overview of traditional uses of Prunus family plants.

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