Also known as almonds

Tropism of nature and taste: bitter in taste and slightly warm in nature; Return to lung and large intestine meridian.

Basic drugs for cough and asthma due to lung deficiency

Bitter almond is poisonous, but it has the functions of relieving cough and asthma, moistening intestines and relaxing bowels. It is suitable for all kinds of cough and asthma, and can be used as medicine only after being processed in clinical application. "Seeking Truth from Materia Medica" records that "almonds have the function of dispelling cold and relieving asthma ... any lung meridian feels cold, cough and constipation ... can't be treated." Modern research has proved that bitter almond can prevent cancer, decompose carcinogens in human body, kill cancer cells, block the nutritional source of cancer cells, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and reduce the incidence of prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Bitter almond file

Apricot belongs to Rosaceae, mainly produced in Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, North China, Northwest China, Xinjiang, Yangtze River Basin, etc. The medicinal part is dried and mature seeds of almond, Prunus armeniaca and Prunus armeniaca. Generally, fruits are harvested in summer, the pulp and shell are removed, dried, put into boiling water, turned for a moment, taken out, soaked in cold water, peeled and dried; Or stir-fry with low fire until yellow, that is, stir-fry almonds; Or wrapping with oil-absorbing paper, squeezing out oil, and making almond cream. At present, there are many different almond products, such as almond dew, spiced almonds, almond chocolate and other foods, which are both nutritious and disease-proof, and are deeply loved by the public.

Efficacy indication

Efficacy: relieving cough and asthma, moistening intestines and relaxing bowels.

Indications 1. Used for various types of cough and asthma. 2. Used for constipation caused by gastrointestinal dryness and heat or insufficient intestinal fluid. 3. Almond cream has almost no laxative effect and can be used for people with thin stools and cough and asthma; Fried almonds can be used for patients with cough and asthma due to physical weakness and spleen and stomach weakness.

Identification of authenticity

Bitter almond, sweet almond and peach kernel are very similar in appearance and easy to be confused.

1. Bitter almonds and sweet almonds are eccentric, with slightly sharp tops, blunt rounded bases and reddish-brown surfaces, and both have two cotyledons. Bitter almond is asymmetrical left and right, with vein stripes and slight longitudinal wrinkles on the stem, the micropyle at the top is not obvious, and there is a slightly protruding strip umbilical cord on one side. The seed coat is thin and oily, and it has the unique fragrance of bitter almond after water milling. However, sweet almond is symmetrical, with obvious ridge, thick seed coat and gaps at the junction of cotyledons.

2. Peach kernel is oblate, its surface is yellowish brown or reddish brown, its stem emits radial vascular bundles, and its top edge slightly protrudes from the dark striped umbilical cord. The seed coat is thin and easy to peel off, and there are 2 cotyledons rich in oil inside.

Matters needing attention

1. Bitter almond is slightly toxic, and its component, amygdalin, will be hydrolyzed to produce hydrocyanic acid, which can cure diseases if used in moderation, and will be poisoned if taken in excess. 2. Infants, people with yin deficiency and fatigue, and people with loose stools should use it with caution.