Description
Southern & Northern Apricot Kernels ( Nan Xing & Bei Xing 南杏北杏) – The Harmonious Pair for Relieving Cough and Wheezing
In TCM, Southern & Northern Apricot Kernels (Nan Xing Bei Xing 南杏北杏 ) is a powerful yet balanced pair to treat respiratory conditions. While both are apricot kernels, they are from different species and have different emphases in their therapeutic action. Their combination is a classic example of TCM herbal synergy.
Southern Apricot Kernel : 南杏 (Nán Xìng) / 甜杏仁 (Tián Xìng Rén)
南杏 (Nán Xìng) / 甜杏仁 (Tián Xìng Rén)
Botanical Source : Prunus armeniaca (sweet variety)
Potency : Milder, considered a food-grade herb, soothes the dry, irritated lungs.
Northern Apricot Kernel : 北杏 (Běi Xìng) / 苦杏仁 (Kǔ Xìng Rén)
Botanical Source : Prunus armeniaca var. ansu (bitter variety)
Potency : Stronger, a potent medicinal herb, stops the cough.
Slightly warm in nature. Sweet Bitter, Slightly Pungent in taste. It enters the lung and large intestine meridians.
Health Benefits
Moistens and nourishes the lungs, nourishes the Yin, resolves phlegm, relieves cough and asthma, moistens dryness, promotes fluid production, moistens the intestine and promotes bowel movement.
1. Northern Apricot Kernel – 北杏
Directly Stops Cough and Wheezing :
· This is the primary and strongest function of Bei Xing. Its bitter and slightly warm nature allows it to descend Lung Qi, which is essential when Qi rebels upward, causing coughs and asthma.
· It is used for all types of coughs and wheezing, but is especially effective for the excess type where there is a lot of phlegm obstruction.
Moistens the Intestines and Promotes Bowel Movement :
· Like many kernels and seeds in TCM, it has a moistening and lubricating effect on the intestines, helping to relieve constipation, especially that due to intestinal dryness.
2. Southern Apricot Kernel – 南杏
Moistens the Lungs and Nourishes Dryness :
· Nan Xing is the gentler, nourishing half of the pair. Its sweet nature is excellent for generating fluids and moistening the Lung when it is dry.
· It is specifically indicated for a dry, hacking cough with little or no phlegm, a scratchy throat, and thirst.
Nourishes Yin and Body Fluids :
· It helps to replenish the body’s Yin fluids, which are consumed during a chronic illness or in dry climates.
When used in combination (typically in a 1:2 or 1:1 ratio, with more Nan Xing), they create a balanced and comprehensive effect :
· Northen Apricot Kernel provides the strong, downward-moving action to forcefully stop the cough and resolve the phlegm.
· Southern Apricot Kernel provides the moistening, nourishing support to address the underlying dryness that often accompanies or causes the cough, and it also moderates the harshness of Bei Xing.
Together, they treat both the branch (the symptom of cough) and the root (the Lung dryness). This makes the pair effective for a wide range of coughs, from dry to productive.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Common Cold and Flu : For cough and wheezing as primary symptoms.
· Acute and Chronic Bronchitis
· Asthma
· Dry Cough : From smoking, dry weather, or a lingering post-viral cough.
· Constipation due to intestinal dryness.
Precautions
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Overdose can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases.
· Pregnancy : Use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary and it is normal if you feel a bit warm after consumption. Keep hydrated with drinking more water after consumption. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, desserts and sweet soup for a tonic effect.
