Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) is sourced from the mature seed of Prunus armeniaca L. , or P. armeniaca L. var. ansu. Maxim, family Rosaceae. The fruit is collected in the summer when it is ripe. The seeds are removed and dried in the sun. After drying they are then shelled and used in their raw form.

Category: Phlegm resolving.

Common Name: Apricot Seed; Apricot Kernel.

Channels Entered: Lung and Large Intestine.

Properties and Functions: Xing Ren is bitter in flavour and slightly warm in nature. It is also mildly toxic. Its main functions are to stop coughing and calm wheezing, as well as moistening the intestines and relaxing the bowels.

Indications: Xing Ren is used in the treatment of cough and wheezing due to a broad range of syndromes, resulting from Heat, Cold, Damp or Phlegm. Its clinical funtion of moistening the intestine and relaxing the bowel is mainly due to its high oil content, and is usually used in combination with other herbs such as Huo Ma Ren, Dang Gui and Zhi Ke.

Dosage: 3 – 10g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Due to its mild toxitcity, care should be taken to avoid overdosage. It is contra-indicated for cough due to yin deficiency or general debility. It should be used cautiously with infants and those with diarrhoea. Note: This herb antagonises Huang Qi, Huang Qin and Ge Gen.