Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) – Semen Persicae
Introduction
Tao Ren, known as Peach Kernel or Semen Persicae, is a prominent herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) renowned for its blood-invigorating properties. Derived from the seeds of the peach tree (Prunus persica), Tao Ren has been utilized for centuries to address various health conditions, particularly those related to blood stasis and constipation.​
Traditional Uses in Chinese Medicine
1. Invigorates the Blood and Dispels Stasis
Tao Ren is a cornerstone herb for promoting blood circulation and removing stasis. It’s commonly used in conditions such as:
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Irregular or painful menstruation
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Amenorrhea
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Postpartum abdominal pain
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Abdominal masses
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Blood clots and trauma injuries
Its ability to move stagnant blood makes it vital in treating gynecological disorders and pain syndromes involving circulation blockages.
2. Moistens the Intestines and Relieves Constipation
Tao Ren is rich in natural oils, making it especially effective for constipation due to dryness or blood deficiency. It's commonly used for:
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Elderly constipation
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Postpartum constipation
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Dry stool associated with fatigue or internal heat
3. Drains Abscesses and Reduces Swelling
It is also used to treat abscesses of the lungs and intestines, where blood stasis and phlegm accumulation lead to suppuration.
4. Relieves Cough and Dyspnea
By descending Lung Qi, Tao Ren helps manage:
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Chronic cough
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Wheezing
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Shortness of breath
This is especially useful when the cough involves blood stasis obstructing the lungs.
Scientific Research and Modern Pharmacology
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Peach kernel extracts have shown strong antioxidant activities, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hepatoprotective Properties
Studies suggest Tao Ren may help protect the liver and slow the progression of liver fibrosis due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic compounds.
Common Herbal Combinations
Tao Ren is rarely used alone and is commonly combined with other herbs to enhance therapeutic effect:
Herb Pair | Purpose |
---|---|
Hong Hua (Safflower) | Boosts blood-invigorating action and relieves pain |
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) | Nourishes and moves blood for gynecological issues |
Da Huang (Rhubarb root) | Purges accumulation while promoting blood flow |
These combinations are often found in classic Chinese formulas for treating stagnation, pain, or constipation with blood stasis.
Dosage and Preparation
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Typical Dosage: 4.5 – 10 grams per day
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Preparation Tip: Crush the seeds before decocting to ensure maximum extraction of active compounds.
Always follow the guidance of a licensed herbal practitioner, as dosage may vary based on constitution and condition.
Safety, Cautions, and Contraindications
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Pregnancy Warning: Tao Ren is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong blood-moving properties, which may affect the uterus.
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Bleeding Conditions: Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulants.
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Overdose Risks: Contains amygdalin, which in high doses may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
Summary: Why Tao Ren Deserves a Place in Your Herbal Cabinet
Tao Ren is a powerful, multi-functional herb that supports cardiovascular health, digestive regularity, and gynecological balance. It combines the gentle lubricating effects needed for dry constipation with the deep-moving energy necessary to dissolve blood stagnation.
Its versatility, especially when paired with complementary herbs, makes it essential in the treatment of trauma, menstrual irregularities, and chronic internal congestion.
Peach Kernel in Bulk Form
Common Name: Peach Kernel, Semen Persicae
Botanical Name: Prunus Persica
Pin Yin Name: Tao Ren
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Whole seeds / Sliced Seeds
Dosage: Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. **Due to its amygdalin content, over consumption of this herb can lead to illness or toxicity. DO NOT give to children. Consult a physician for recommended dosages.** Do not use if taken warfarin, or any blood thinning drugs. Do not use with loose stools. Do not use if blood deficiency is present.
Naturally Occurring Components: Fats, Sterols, and Flavonoids, Amino Acids, Sugars
Additional Information on Peach Kernel
- Moistens the Intestines
- Breaks up Blood Stasis
- Used in Chinese Medicine with problems associated with blood stasis
- Influences heart, large intestine, liver and lung channels
- There are different preparation methods that enhance different medicinal properties. Consult an herbalist or physician for guidance.
Product Properties: Bitter, Sweet, Neutral, Slightly Toxic
Channels: Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Lung
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket.
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Cut Bulk Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Why use Chinese Bulk Herbs?
Traditional Chinese Medicine curative herbal formulas have been developed, improved and perfected for over 5000 years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient, holistic medical system used all over the world to treat a wide variety of health issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works by helping to balance the bodies’ functions thus restoring health.
As soon as the Chinese people began to carve out a civilization in ancient China it developed a cultural heritage that has continued to the present day. TCM is the oldest and one of the safest, effective systems one can use to care for their body, it promotes health and helps to sustain longevity.
Chinese herbs have been with mankind for 5,000 years and will be with us in the years ahead – it is using nature’s bountiful gifts to have good health.
References
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/TaoRen.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254627213601399
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/tao-ren