Prunus persica Flos
Aliases：Xuandu Hua and Yangchun Hua. (These are alternative names for Peach Blossom.)
Taohua (Peach Blossom) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the flower of Amygdalus persica L. [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] or Amygdalus davidiana (Carr.) C. de Vos ex Henry, plants belonging to the genus Prunus (or Amygdalus) of the family Rosaceae. It was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis and unblocks the bowels, invigorates blood circulation and resolves stasis.
Indications
Difficult urination, edema, phlegm‑fluid retention, beriberi (lower limb edema due to dampness), urinary lithiasis, constipation, abdominal masses, amenorrhea, manic disorders, skin eruptions, and facial hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the face).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that Peach Blossom contains various vitamins, trace elements, and other active chemical constituents, exhibiting a broad range of pharmacological activities. Peach Blossom can dredge the meridians and collaterals, dilate peripheral capillaries, improve blood circulation, promote skin nutrition and oxygen supply, moisturize the skin, prevent chronic pigment deposition in the skin, and effectively remove chloasma, freckles, and dark spots. Peach Blossom is rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, various vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements, and exhibits antioxidant and free radical‑scavenging effects. Studies have shown that Peach Blossom promotes gastrointestinal motility. It also exerts diuretic, anti‑edema, and gastrointestinal motility‑improving effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: kaempferol‑3‑rhamnoside, quercitrin, multinoside A and B, rosamultin, astragalin, kaempferol‑3‑diglucoside, persicoside, naringenin, aromadendrin, hesperetin, etc. Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid. Coumarins: coumarin. Others: D‑catechol, L‑epicatechol gallate, cyanidin, kaempferol, etc. White Peach Blossom contains trifolin.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–6 g; or grind into powder, 1.5 g. For topical application: appropriate amount, mashed for application; or ground into powder and mixed with a suitable base for external use.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Peach Blossom promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis, which may stimulate the uterus and potentially cause miscarriage. Should not be used long-term, as prolonged use may deplete Yin and blood and damage primordial qi. Use with caution in individuals with qi and yin deficiency. Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or heavy menstrual flow. Peach Blossom has potent medicinal effects and should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For beriberi, retained fluid in the lower back, kidney and bladder, and phlegm‑rheum (Waitai, Taohua San) Take peach blossom, dry in the shade, measure one large sheng, and grind into powder. Take with warm wine on an empty stomach. For difficult defecation (Qianjin Fang) Take peach blossom, take one square‑cun spoonful with water. For fecal impaction with abdominal distension and obstruction (Sheng Hui Fang) Take 1 liang of fresh peach blossom, 3 liang of flour, mix and make into wontons, boil thoroughly, and eat on an empty stomach. For postpartum constipation (Sheng Hui Fang, Taohua San) Take 1 liang each of peach blossom, sunflower seeds, talc, and betel nut. Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian before meals with scallion decoction. For cardiac and abdominal pain (Meng Shen Fang) Take peach blossom, dry in the sun, pound into powder. Take 2 qian with water. For severe lower back pain with limited movement (Qianjin Fang) Take 1 dou and 1 sheng of peach blossom, 3 dou of well water, 6 sheng of starter culture, and 6 dou of rice. Ferment, remove the dregs, and take three times daily. For back carbuncles and gangrenous ulcers (Shengji Zonglu) Collect peach blossom in the early morning with dew, grind with strong vinegar, strain to remove the dregs, and apply the juice to the sores. For facial sores with yellow discharge and eye sores (Haishang Jiyan Fang) Take fine peach blossom powder, take one square‑cun spoonful with half a cup of water after meals, three times daily.
Daily Consumption
Peach Blossom Tea: Take 3 g of Peach Blossom, steep in boiling water, allow it to cool slightly, then add honey and drink as a tea substitute. Peach Blossom Congee: Cook Peach Blossom in congee for consumption. It may be appropriately combined with Danggui (Angelica), Fuling (Poria), Baizhi (Angelica dahurica), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), rose, and Dazao (Red Date). Peach Blossom Wine: According to the Puji Fang (Prescriptions for Universal Relief), "Pick fresh Peach Blossom on the third day of the third lunar month, soak it in premium white wine, and consume after forty-nine days. Long-term use may eliminate diseases and improve complexion".
Medicinal Parts
Dried flower.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
