Xing Ren
Prunus armeniaca
Synonyms: Armeniaca armeniaca, Armeniaca vulgaris, Amygdalus armeniaca, Prunus tiliifolia
☯ TCM Properties
Stops coughing and calms wheezing; Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (46)
Showing 1 of 46.
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Botanical Description
Prunus armeniaca is a deciduous tree reaching 5-12 m tall. Bark is reddish-brown and furrowed. Leaves are broadly ovate, 5-10 cm long, with a pointed tip and finely toothed margins. Flowers are white to pale pink, 5-petaled, appearing before the leaves in early spring. The fruit is a fleshy drupe 3-5 cm in diameter, orange-yellow to red when ripe. The hard stone (pit) encloses the almond-like seed (kernel). In TCM, both bitter (northern, Ku Xing Ren) and sweet (southern, Tian Xing Ren) seeds are used.
Rocky hillsides, forest margins, and river valleys; native to Central Asia (China, Uzbekistan, and surrounding regions), widely cultivated in warm temperate regions worldwide for its fruit.
Prunus armeniaca is widely cultivated worldwide and naturalized in many regions. Native populations in Central Asia may face some pressure from habitat change. The cultivated form has no conservation concerns.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Chuan Bei Mu (Sichuan fritillary bulb) is a cool, sweet-bitter herb that nourishes Lung Yin, clears Heat, and transforms Phlegm. It is the primary herb for dry or heat-type cough — particularly chronic coughs with scanty, sticky, or blood-tinged phlegm — and for Lung Yin deficiency. Unlike the Zhe Bei Mu variety, Chuan Bei Mu is gentler, more moistening, and better suited for deficiency-type dry cough. It is often taken as a powder stirred into pear juice or honey in traditional home remedies.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.