Peach Kernel
도인 (桃核仁) · Prunus persica (L.) Batsch
Blood-invigorating, stasis-resolving herb
Neutral
Bitter, sweet
Heart, Liver, Large Intestine
NatureNeutral
TasteBitter, sweet
MeridiansHeart, Liver, Large Intestine
Part usedSeed kernel
FamilyRosaceae
CategoryBlood-invigorating, stasis-resolving herb
Overview
Peach kernel is the classic blood-moving herb of the fruit section, recorded in the Donguibogam as breaking up static blood and freeing blocked menstruation. Where its cousin apricot kernel works on the lung, peach kernel works on the blood — dissolving masses, easing pain from stasis, and moistening the intestines.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性平, 味苦甘, 無毒. 主瘀血血閉. 破癥瘕, 通月水, 止心痛.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste bitter and sweet, and it is non-toxic. It chiefly treats static blood and blocked menstruation, breaks up abdominal masses, frees the menstrual flow, and stops heart (chest) pain.
Traditional functions
- Invigorates blood, breaks stasis
- Frees blocked menstruation
- Moistens the intestines
- Relieves pain from blood stasis
Traditional applications
- Menstrual blockage and clotting from stasis
- Pain from blood stasis
- Constipation from dryness
- Fixed masses (classical use)
Traditional preparation
Decoction 6–10g, processed; a core ingredient of blood-stasis formulas.
Cautions
Caution: Its strong blood-moving action makes it contraindicated in pregnancy and cautioned with heavy menstrual bleeding. Like other Prunus kernels, use only processed forms under professional guidance. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can peach kernel be used during pregnancy?
No — its strong blood-moving, stasis-breaking action makes it a traditional contraindication in pregnancy. It should only be used under professional guidance.
How is peach kernel different from apricot kernel?
Though both are Prunus seeds, apricot kernel works on the lung (cough, wheezing) while peach kernel works on the blood (stasis, menstruation, masses). They are distinct medicinals.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.