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Xing Ren杏仁

Armeniacae Amarum Semen · Bitter Apricot Seed · Apricot Kernel

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》

Overview

The bitter apricot kernel: bitter, slightly warm and slightly toxic, it directs Lung qi downward to quiet cough and wheezing, and its oil moistens the intestines for dry constipation — the two uses that carry it from Ma Huang Tang to Ma Zi Ren Wan. Dry-fried Xing Ren 炒杏仁 is milder and easier on the stomach, with slightly less descending force than the plain kernel. Only blanched, peeled and processed kernels are used medicinally; raw bitter kernels are not eaten.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Slightly warm · Slightly toxic

Channels

Lung · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

5–10 g in decoction, crushed before adding
杏仁Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Stops cough, calms wheezingCough and wheezing across patterns — with Ma Huang for wind-cold, with Sang Ye and Ju Hua for wind-heat, with Shi Gao for Lung heat.
  • Moistens the intestines, frees the stoolDry constipation from insufficient fluids, in the elderly or after a febrile illness.
  • Directs Lung qi downwardThe counterflow cough with a tight, full chest that will not settle.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xing Ren

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Cough and wheezing, wind-cold or wind-heat, acute or lingering
    - Chest fullness from counterflow Lung qi
    - Dry constipation in the elderly, postpartum or after a febrile illness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

CoughAsthmaBronchitisConstipation

Contraindications

Cautions

Toxic — the dose matters. Bitter apricot kernel contains amygdalin, which releases hydrocyanic acid; overdose can cause dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, and in serious poisoning difficulty breathing. Never exceed the prescribed dose, never eat the raw kernels as food, and keep it out of the reach of children, in whom even a small number of raw kernels can be dangerous. Allergy: reactions have been reported in people sensitive to apricot, almond and other stone-fruit kernels — stop and seek care for rash, itching, swelling or trouble breathing. Its moistening, downward action also makes it unsuitable in diarrhea from Spleen deficiency.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy and only on prescription — it is slightly toxic and directs qi downward; do not self-prescribe

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.