Fruits and seedsPhlegm-resolvingSemen Armeniacae Amarum

Xing Ren (Bitter Apricot Kernel)

杏仁 · Xing Ren

Phlegm-resolving herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Directs lung qi downward, stops cough and wheezing, and moistens the intestines.

In-Depth Guide

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Quick Facts

Latin NameSemen Armeniacae Amarum
Chinese Name & Pinyin杏仁 · Xing Ren
Medicinal PartFruits and seeds
Efficacy CategoryPhlegm-resolving
Botanical OriginThe dried ripe seed of Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansu Maxim., Prunus sibirica L., Prunus mandshurica (Maxim.) Koehne, or Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae).
Nature & FlavourBitter; Slightly warm; Slightly toxic
Channels EnteredLung, Large Intestine

What Is Xing Ren?

Xing Ren (Bitter Apricot Kernel) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei and Shandong.

Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Slightly warm; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Lung, Large Intestine

Xing Ren: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Semen Armeniacae Amarum

Botanical Origin

The dried ripe seed of Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansu Maxim., Prunus sibirica L., Prunus mandshurica (Maxim.) Koehne, or Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei and Shandong.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is full, uniformly large, and free of rancid odor or insect damage.

Macroscopic Features

Flattened cordate seeds, 1~1.9cm long; seed coat yellowish-brown to dark brown; kernel white and oily; bitter taste.

Traditional TCM Properties

Bitter; Slightly warm; Slightly toxicLungLarge Intestine

Traditional Functions

Directs lung qi downward, stops cough and wheezing, and moistens the intestines. Apply to cough and labored breathing, and constipation from intestinal dryness.

How Xing Ren Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Xing Ren is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs. It appears in 17 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Xing Ren are traditionally used for:

CoughExcessive MucusNasal CongestionFeverPoor AppetiteDamp-Heat ConstitutionChest TightnessAsthma & WheezingDry CoughDry Mouth & ThroatSore ThroatCold Limbs

Classical Formulas Containing Xing Ren

+8 more

Herbs Commonly Combined with Xing Ren

Zi Su YeQian HuJie GengZhi KeChen PiFu LingBan XiaSheng JiangDa ZaoGan CaoBai Dou KouYi Yi Ren

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xing Ren? Are Ku Xing Ren, Tian Xing Ren and Tao Ren the same?
The official medicinal article is Ku Xing Ren (bitter apricot kernel, northern), the dried ripe seed of Prunus armeniaca and related species. The pharmacopoeial name is Armeniacae Semen Amarum. Tian Xing Ren (sweet / southern) is sweet-neutral, milder and more Lung-moistening—often food-grade, not the same specification. Tao Ren is peach kernel: invigorates Blood, dispels stasis and moistens the intestines—not apricot. Write Ku Xing Ren, Chao Ku Xing Ren or Chan Ku Xing Ren; crush before use. Slightly toxic—do not snack on large handfuls of raw bitter kernels.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Ku Xing Ren?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, bitter apricot kernel is bitter and slightly warm; slightly toxic, enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels, and acts to direct qi downward, stop cough and calm wheeze, and moisten the intestines to free the stool. It is used for cough and wheeze, chest fullness with copious phlegm, and intestinal dryness constipation. Bitter-draining, it directs Lung qi down and can also diffuse; cold, heat, vacuity or excess cough may join it by pattern. Sweet kernels lean toward vacuity-taxation dry cough. Dry cough without phlegm from Yin vacuity should pair Yin-nourishing herbs—not a large lone dose of bitter kernels.
How do you choose raw, scalded and fried Ku Xing Ren? Must it be crushed?
Decoction usually uses scalded or fried Ku Xing Ren to reduce toxicity. It must be crushed and added later or decocted; whole kernels extract poorly. Use caution in infants. Do not eat large raw bitter handfuls; even sweet kernels should not be unlimited.
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Learn More About Xing Ren

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Xing Ren.

Read the Xing Ren Guide →

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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