Xing Ren - Apricot Seed
TCM Materia Medica
Xing Ren TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "xing ren" which in english is "apricot seed", is categorized within the "herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine and lung channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Stops cough and calms wheezing due to hot or cold patterns - especially for dry cough.
- Moistens the intestines, unblocks the bowels.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, xing ren is generally included in the following 6 formulas:
ViewBu Fei Er Jiao Wan (Tonify the Lungs Formula with Gelatin)
Lung yin deficiency with strong heat signs and/or bleeding - chronic dry cough, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, COPD. Stops bleeding when it arises from lung yin deficiency - …
ViewDing Chuan Wan (Calm Wheezing Pills)
Directs the lung qi downward and clears phlegm heat from the lungs. Typically used for the condition of wind cold blocking the exterior with internal accumulation of phlegm heat - which may involve …
ViewGan Mao Ling (Miraculous Cold Pills)
Common cold and flu patterns, particularly at the early stages. Can be used in lieu of actual bacterial or viral infection as long as flu or cold like symptoms are manifest.
ViewMa Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Formula)
Constipation with dry/difficult to expel stools along with frequent urination. Pulse will be submerged and rapid or floating and choppy and the Tongue will have a dry, yellow coating.
ViewQing Fei Wan (Clear The Lungs Decoction)
Clears heat and phlegm and replenishes lung yin - chronic cough, generally with thicker yellow mucus, sore throat. With the right factors aspiration pneumonia, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis,…
ViewQing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)
Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and possible fullness of the chest due to damp heat accumulation in the lungs.
As noted above, xing ren is within the herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... generally useful for symptoms involving coughing and wheezing. often combined with other herbs to treat the overall pattern (root). )".
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