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March 16, 2014

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TCM Treasures Peach

SIMPLIFIED Chinese: 桃 Pinyin: táo

Peach, in Chinese culture, is usually regarded as a fruit of legendary fairies. The fruit is often called xian tao (fairy peach) that grants people longevity, while the peach tree is often called xian mu (fairy wood), which drives away evil spirits.

In TCM, the peach also is magic in providing fruit, blossoms, resin and kernels, all health-benefiting herbs.

The peach fruit is a “warm” herb that travels through stomach and large intestine meridians. It helps nourish “yin” energy, provides moisture to organs, and activates blood circulation. It can be used for relieving constipation, hernia pain, painful menstruation and night sweats.

The peach blossom is a “neutral” herb that helps activate blood circulation, promote urination and move bowels. It is especially effective in relieving swelling.

Tao jiao (peach jelly) is also called tao hua lei (the tears of the peach blossom), since it is made of resin from the tree. Peach jelly is a “neutral” herb that travels through large intestine and bladder meridians. It is often prescribed for relieving problems like urinary stones, painful bloody urination and dysentery.

Peach kernel is a major ingredient of the famous formula tao hong si wu tang (peach red four ingredients soup) that is highly recommended for nourishing blood and removing blood stagnation.

Prescriptions & Usage:

Peach jelly and corn stigma soup

Cook decoction with 15g peach jelly and 30g corn stigma.

Consume the soup twice a day.

Benefits: Helps nourish blood, reinforce energy, promote urination and dispel pathogenic dampness and heat. It is recommended for diabetes patients.

Peach blossom and safflower tea

Pour 5g peach blossom and 5g safflower in a cup with boiling water.

Allow the tea to steep for some time and then drink it once a day.

Benefits: Helps activate blood circulation, and relieves irregular menstruation and painful menstruation.

 




 

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