The source is from the seed of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch or P. davidiana Franch., family Rosaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Shandong and Guizhou. The ripe fruits are picked from July to September, the flesh of fruit is removed, the centre of fruit is broken and the seed is fetched out and dried in the sun. The seed peeled, the crude or pounded one being used. Medicinal Properties Bitter in flavor, mild in nature, mildly toxic and attributive to the heart, liver, lung and large intestine meridians. Actions Promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, moisten the intestine and relax the bowels. Application 1. It is usually used for a lot of blood-stasis syndromes. For irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and abdominal mass, it is combined with Honghua (Flos Carthami ), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chuanxiong ( Rhizoma Chuanxiong ), and Chishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), etc., such as Tao Hong Siwu Tang (Decoction); for trauma, swelling and pain due to blood stasis, usually combined with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) , Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), and Honghua (Flos Carthami), etc. ; for the early stage of pulmonary abscess, periappendicular abscess, while heat clearing herbs are used, Taoren (Semen Persicae) is usually used to assist them to remove blood stasis, purge heat and subside carbuncle, such as Weijing Tang (Decoction) and Dahuang Mudanpi Tang (Decoction). 2. For constipation due to dry intestine, it is usually combined with Huomaren (Fructus Cannabis ) and Gualouren ( Fructus Trichosanthis ) . In addition, it can relieve cough and dyspnea, so it can be used as an assistant to treat cough and dyspnea. Usage and Dosage 6- 10 g is used in decoction for oral use, being broken to be put in decoction. Notes Contraindicated in pregnant women.
