Amygdalus persica L. / Prunus persica (L.) Batsch
Aliases：Táo Shí (Peach Fruit).
Táo Zi (Peach) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the fruit of Amygdalus persica L. or Amygdalus davidiana (Carrière) de Vos ex Henry, plants of the Rosaceae family. Peaches are juicy and delicious, making them a beloved fruit. They also possess significant medicinal value. Sun Simiao, a famous Tang dynasty physician, referred to them as the "fruit of the lungs."
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes fluid production, moistens the intestines, invigorates blood, and helps with digestion.
Indications
Used for thirst due to fluid deficiency, constipation due to intestinal dryness, amenorrhea, and abdominal masses.
Modern Pharmacology
Peaches have a low sugar content (about 10%) and a glycemic index (GI) of only 28, making them a diabetes-friendly fruit suitable for moderate consumption by diabetic patients. Peaches are rich in phenolic compounds (including more than 30 types such as chlorogenic acid, catechin, rutin, and quercetin), which possess strong antioxidant capacity, helping to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and combat chronic inflammation. Peaches contain relatively high levels of iron, making them an ideal adjunctive food for patients with iron deficiency anemia.
Ingredients
Peach pulp is rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, organic acids, and dietary fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various vitamins. It contains a wide variety of phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Appropriate amount, consumed fresh, or as dried fruit. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, mashed and applied externally.
Contraindications
Avoid overconsumption: Peaches are warm in nature; excessive consumption may cause internal heat, bloating, and boils. Use with caution in those with damp-heat conditions: Contraindicated for individuals with internal heat, boils, or facial acne. Use with caution in diabetes: Although peaches have a low glycemic index, portion control is still recommended. Avoid combining with soft-shelled turtle: According to the Riyong Bencao, consuming peaches with soft-shelled turtle may cause chest pain. Be cautious of peach fuzz allergy: The fuzz on peach skin may trigger allergic reactions. It is recommended to scrub the skin with salt before eating. Do not consume rotten peaches.
Selected Formulas
Rock Sugar Stewed Fresh Peach (Empirical Dietary Formula) Ingredients: 3 peaches, 30g rock sugar. Preparation: Peel and slice the peaches, place in a bowl with rock sugar, and steam (double-boil) for 30 minutes. Efficacy: Nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, stops cough, and calms wheezing. Indications: Deficient cough and wheezing due to qi deficiency. Dosage: Take once daily for 3-5 days.
Daily Consumption
Fresh Consumption: Wash and eat directly to quench thirst and relieve constipation. Honey Peach Juice: Juice one fresh peach (peeled and pitted), mix with 20g honey and warm water. Drink 100ml once or twice daily. Suitable for acute gastritis, among other conditions. Peach Jam: Peel and pit peaches, cook with mulberries and sugar until thick and pasty, then add pine nuts, walnuts, and black sesame, and boil for another 10 minutes. Helps nourish blood, moisten dryness, and relieve constipation. Fried Peach Slices: Coat peach slices in egg-milk batter and deep-fry. Nourishes the stomach, promotes fluid production, and moistens dryness.
Medicinal Parts
Fruit.
Selection & Storage
Fresh peaches should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated and consumed promptly, as they do not keep well for extended periods.