Peach Kernel Porridge

[Duoneng Bishi]

[Porridge Composition] 10 to 15 grams of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch seed (Tao Ren), 30 to 60 grams of Oryza sativa L. (Jing Mi).

[Indications and Effects] Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation, removes blood stasis to helps with occasional pain. Applicable for amenorrhea due to blood stasis in women, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis obstruction, traumatic injuries, swelling and pain caused by blood stasis, thoracic and hypochondriac pricking pain, as well as hypertension, coronary Heart wellness, and angina pectoris.

[Boiling Method] First, pound the peach kernels into a paste-like consistency, add water, grind to extract the juice, and strain out the dregs. Then, cook this juice together with japonica rice to make a thin porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] The peach is a deciduous small tree belonging to the Prunus genus in the Rosaceae family. Due to its widespread cultivation across various regions in China, peach kernels are produced in every province. In the past, those from Changde in Hunan, Xiangfan and Laohe in Hubei, as well as Shandong and Henan, were considered to be of superior quality.

Peach kernel is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) blood-activating herb, commonly used in clinical practice to supports blood stasis syndromes. According to ancient literature, it tastes bitter and sweet, is neutral in nature, and non-toxic. Its functions include promoting blood circulation to regulate menstruation, dispersing blood stasis, and alleviating pain. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states that it “supports blood stasis, amenorrhea, and abdominal masses.” Ben Jing Feng Yuan records: “Peach kernel is a specialized herb for blood stasis and amenorrhea. Its bitter property dispels stagnant blood, while its sweet property generates new blood, though its blood-breaking effects predominate.” Therefore, TCM has traditionally used it to supports blood stasis wellness such as traumatic contusions and swelling, pain due to blood stasis, menstrual blockage and dysmenorrhea in women, postpartum uterine pain, and abdominal masses or accumulations. Modern medical practitioners have expanded its applications based on its blood-activating properties. For example, Modern Practical Chinese Medicine notes its use for “supports hypertension, chronic appendicitis, and uterine hematomas in women,” with some trials conducted for coronary Heart wellness and angina pectoris in middle-aged and elderly patients. Pharmacological experiments suggest these effects may relate to peach kernel’s anticoagulant and hemolytic actions. Ancient methods of preparing peach kernel porridge are well-documented. Liu Ji’s Duoneng Bishi (Volume 4) states: “Peach kernel porridge supports cold-induced Heart pain and anorexia in the elderly. Take two liang of peach kernels, remove skins and tips, grind into a paste, filter for juice, and cook with four sheng of green millet into porridge. Consume on an empty stomach.” Hu Sihui’s Yinshan Zhengyao (Volume 2) records: “Peach kernel porridge supports Heart and abdominal pain, upward qi flow with cough, chest and diaphragm distension, and asthma. Take three liang of peach kernels, scald and cook until tender, remove tips and skins, grind into a paste, extract juice, and cook with glutinous rice into porridge. Consume on an empty stomach.” Such preparations reduce side effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

[Precautions] Although ancient literature states that peach kernel is “non-toxic,” modern reports indicate that its main component is amygdalin, which can decompose to produce hydrocyanic acid. Therefore, the dosage should not be excessive. Pregnant women and individuals with normally loose stools should not consume it.

[Reference Materials]

[Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies · Volume Three]: “Peach Kernel Porridge is indicated for upward qi flow with cough, fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, and asthma. Take three liang of peach kernels, remove the skins and tips, grind them with one sheng of water to extract the juice, and mix with one he of polished round-grain rice to cook into porridge and consume it.”

From Shiyi Xinjian · On Various wellness During Pregnancy and Postpartum Dietary Treatments for Women: “To supports postpartum blood mass pain with scanty lochia, the Peach Kernel Congee recipe is recommended. Take one liang of peach kernels, remove the skins and tips, grind them with water, filter to obtain the juice, and use it to cook rice into congee for consumption.”

[Taiping Shenghui Fang · Volume 96]: “For supports abdominal pain caused by pathogenic qi attacking the Heart, Peach Kernel Congee recipe. Twenty-one peach kernels, with skins and tips removed; one liang of fresh Rehmanniae Radix; one liang of Cinnamomi Cortex, ground into powder; three he of polished round-grained rice, finely ground; one fen of fresh Ginger. Mash the Rehmanniae Radix and peach kernels together with three he of wine to extract the juice. First, boil the polished round-grained rice in water to make congee. Then, add the juice from the peach kernels and other ingredients, and continue boiling until well-cooked. Stir in the powdered Cinnamomi Cortex and consume on an empty stomach.”

[Porridge Recipes · Porridge Category Four · Wood and Fruit Types]: “Tao Ren Porridge supports bloody dysentery.”

[Health Preservation Food Reference · Volume II]: “Peach Kernel Porridge. supports upward qi cough and cold-induced Heart pain. Cook with rice and consume as porridge.”

Q1: How to make peach kernel porridge with rice?

A1: To make peach kernel porridge with rice, combine 10 to 15 grams of crushed peach kernel (Tao Ren) with 30 to 60 grams of rice (Jing Mi). Rinse the ingredients, then cook them together in an appropriate amount of water until the rice becomes soft and the porridge reaches the desired consistency. This traditional preparation is used to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain.

Q2: What are the benefits of peach kernel porridge for blood circulation?

A2: Peach kernel porridge is known for its ability to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, which helps improve overall circulatory health. It can be especially beneficial for conditions like amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain caused by blood stasis obstruction. The active compounds in peach kernels help stimulate blood flow and reduce localized pain.

Q3: How much peach kernel should I use in porridge?

A3: For a standard serving of peach kernel porridge, use 10 to 15 grams of crushed or ground peach kernel. Combine this with 30 to 60 grams of rice and sufficient water. It is important to adhere to this dosage to avoid potential toxicity, as peach kernels contain amygdalin, which can be harmful in large amounts.

Q4: Is peach kernel porridge safe for pregnant women?

A4: Peach kernel porridge should be avoided during pregnancy because peach kernels have emmenagogue properties that can stimulate uterine contractions. The traditional indications include treating amenorrhea and blood stasis, but these effects may pose a risk of miscarriage. Pregnant women should consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations.

Q5: Can peach kernel porridge help with menstrual pain?

A5: Yes, peach kernel porridge can help with menstrual pain, particularly dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis. By promoting blood circulation and removing stagnant blood, it helps alleviate cramping and discomfort. The recommended dosage of 10 to 15 grams of peach kernel with rice can be consumed during or before the menstrual period to achieve relief.