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Photo of Peach Kernel

Peach Kernel

桃仁 · Táo Rén

Moves stuck blood and softens dry constipation

Properties

NeutralNeutral botanicalBitter, Sweet

What it does

Peach kernel breaks up stagnant blood and moistens dry intestines. In TCM, it's classical for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and post-trauma swellings, plus dry constipation. It pairs with safflower in Tao Hong Si Wu Tang for menstrual stasis. Slightly toxic from amygdalin, so it's processed and dosed carefully.

How to take it

Drink

Crush 4.5–9g of processed peach kernel and decoct in water for 25 minutes with other blood-moving herbs. Common in formulas like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang for menstrual stasis.

Try a Tao Hong Si Wu Tang formula during dysmenorrhea with dark clotted blood

Safety

  • Slightly toxic from amygdalin. Always processed before use
  • Skip during pregnancy. Strong blood-moving action
  • Skip with severe diarrhea or active bleeding
  • Stay within prescribed doses (4.5–9g)
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Peach kernel comes from the inside of the peach pit, distinct from the apricot kernels (Xing Ren) used for cough. The Chinese name Táo Rén translates simply to 'peach kernel.' Classical TCM uses it in dozens of formulas for menstrual and post-trauma blood stasis, including the famous Tao Hong Si Wu Tang and Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan. Always processed by boiling or stir-frying to reduce amygdalin toxicity.