Bitter Apricot Seed
苦杏仁 · Kǔ Xìng Rén
Stops coughs and relieves dry constipation
What it does
Bitter apricot kernel quiets stubborn coughs and wheezing, especially with chest stuffiness or sticky phlegm. In TCM, it works by directing rebellious lung qi back downward, since a cough is qi rebelling upward. It's also oily, so it moistens the intestines and eases dry constipation. The bitter variety is stronger and more medicinal than sweet apricot kernel.
How to take it
Decoct 6–10g of processed bitter apricot kernel with other lung herbs in water for 25 minutes. Crush kernels first to release oils. Used in cough formulas, not solo.
See a practitioner for cough formulas. Do not self-prescribe bitter apricot
Safety
- Slightly toxic from amygdalin. Always cooked and processed before use
- Stay within prescribed dose. 9–15g per day max for adults
- Skip during pregnancy and for young children
- Do not combine with cyanide-related substances or smoking
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Bitter apricot kernel comes from wild apricot varieties, distinct from sweet eating apricots. It's been used in Chinese cough formulas for over 2,000 years and appears in classical prescriptions for everything from common cold to serious asthma. The bitter taste and slight toxicity come from amygdalin, the same compound in bitter almonds. Always processed by boiling or roasting before use to reduce the toxic load. The slight residual amygdalin gives the cough-suppressing effect.