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Peach
Prunus persica, TAO
The peach, tao, is also called
tao guo (peach fruit) and tao zi (peach). It is a deciduous tree growing 4-8
meters high. The fruit may be round or egg-shaped with a diameter of 50-70
mm. The surface is covered with fine hairs and is pale green in color. It
ripens at the end of summer when the fruit frequently takes on a touch of
red.
The flesh is thick, full of juice and with a fragrant aroma. The flavor may
be sweet or just a little astringent. The fruit has a flat, heart-shaped
stone which is extremely hard and covered with a network of raised veins.
Inside is a kernel.
The nature of the flesh is warm. It can control sweating and activate the
blood. The flavor of the kernel is bitter-sweet and slightly poisonous, its
nature neither hot nor cold. It helps activate the blood and benefits the
intestines.
The fruit contains glucose, fructose, sucrose, protein, vitamins B1, B2, C
as well as carotene, nicotinic acid, calcium, phosphorous, iron, organic
acids and volatile oils, etc.
The kernel contains amygdalin, fat, etc.
APPLICATIONS
1. CONSUMPTION OR ASTHMA COUGH; COUGH DUE TO ASTHENIA OF VISCERA. Take three
fresh peaches, discard the skin and add 30 grams of sugar. Add water and
steam in a sealed container. Discard the stone and eat. Do this daily.
2. HERNIA PAIN. Take 30 grams of dried green peach and a fresh mango. Cover
with water and simmer till cooked. Serve this in the morning and again in
the evening.
3. SEMINAL EMISSION; SPONTANEOUS SWEATING; EXCESSIVE SWEATING AT NIGHT. Take
30 grams of dried green peach and stir-fry until the pieces appear to be
almost scorched. Add water plus 30 grams of Chinese date. Steam till cooked
and serve every evening just before going to sleep.
4. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. Take one
or two peaches, peel, discard the skin and stone and eat daily, morning and
evening, or take 30 grams of dried green peach add water, simmer till cooked
and drink in the place of tea.
5. CONSTIPATION. Take 15 grams of peach kernel, crush and simmer in water
till cooked. Add 30 grams of honey, blend and serve.
6. CONTUSIONS AND STRAINS WITH SWELLING. As soon as possible drink 30 grams
of peach kernel wine and also rub some wine on the affected part.
7. STOMACH PAINS AFTER GIVING BIRTH; ABDOMINAL PAIN CAUSED BY BLOOD STASIS
OR AMENORRHEA. Take 15 grams each of peach kernel, fresh ginger, and red
date. Add 30 grams of rice wine* and
water. Steam till cooked and serve this amount in the morning and also in
the evening for two days. (* Japanese sake may
be used. Ed.)
8. CHRONIC APPENDICITIS. Take 15 grams each of peach kernel and Chinese
angelica (Angelicae sinensis). Cover with water and simmer till cooked.
Serve both in the morning and evening and also take 60 grams of peach
kernel, mash and add a little tung oil to make a paste. Apply daily to the
affected place and remain in bed. Call a doctor.
PREPARING THE FRUIT
1. DRY GREEN PEACH. Take young green peaches and dry in the sun without the
stone.
2. PEACH KERNELS. Take the stones of ripe fruit and break open to obtain the
kernels. Dry in the sun. This is the peach kernel used in traditional
medicine.
3. PEACH KERNEL WINE. Take 60 grams of peach kernels, crush and add 15 grams
of crushed wild ginger (Asarum blumei). Use the whole plant. Place this in
500 grams of rice wine* and leave to steep for 10 days. The wine is
then ready to use. (* Japanese sake may be
used. Ed.)
WARNING
Peach kernels contain a small amount of poison, so do not eat many. Pregnant
women should avoid them entirely.
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