Herbs Hub
Apricot kernel (xing ren), Prunus armeniaca. Botanical plate: Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.277 - Prunus mume-Prunus armeniaca-Castanea crena
Plate: Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.277 - Prunus mume-Prunus armeniaca-Castanea crena. Ishizaki Yūshi. Public domain.

Apricot kernel (xing ren)

Prunus armeniaca · 杏仁

Seeds & Grains. Chinese Medicine.

Also called Xing ren, Bitter apricot seed, Laetrile (called B17)

Pinyin: Xìng Rén

Spanish: Almendra de albaricoque

Cyanide poisoning risk

The inner seed of an apricot pit, used in Chinese medicine for cough. Bitter kernels can poison you.

Did you know? Bitter apricot kernels contain amygdalin, the compound sold as laetrile, a cancer product that did not work and caused poisonings.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

  • Breathing & asthma. Used for cough and wheezing in Chinese medicine. Human proof is weak and comes mostly from tradition.
    Traditional proof
  • Constipation. Used for dry stools in tradition. Little human testing has been done.
    Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Lungs, Gut & intestines

Traditional use

Chinese medicine uses bitter apricot kernel to calm cough and wheezing and to moisten the bowels for constipation. It is in many cough formulas.

How it is classified

Herbal actions
Antitussive, Laxative. Energy: warming.
Chinese medicine
杏仁 Transform phlegm & stop cough. Nature: warm. Flavour: bitter. Enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels.

How people take it

In traditional decoctions, about 5 to 10 grams of processed kernel is used with other herbs. Raw bitter kernels should not be eaten.

Decoction, syrup and powder.

Where to get it

Sold as bitter kernels in herb shops and online, and as sweet kernels in grocery stores. US and Canadian health agencies have warned about some bitter kernel products. Sweet almonds are a different food and are safe to eat.

Be careful

Bitter kernels release cyanide, a poison, when chewed or digested. People of any age have been poisoned, and children are especially at risk. Never eat raw bitter kernels. Use them only under a trained practitioner's care.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12.

Mixing with other things

  • Works well together

    Also in Ma Huang Tang, where apricot kernel helps ease wheezing and cough.

  • Works well together

    Paired in Sang Xing Tang, a formula for dry cough and early colds.

The honest take

Bitter apricot kernels are a real poison risk. Laetrile and B17 claims for cancer have no good proof, and B17 is not a real vitamin. Sweet almonds are a safe food, but bitter kernels are not a supplement to take.