Description
Peach Gum
Tao Jiao · (桃胶)
Botanical Name : Prunus persica
Category : Yin Tonic
Neutral in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the lung, stomach and large intestine meridians.
People who benefit most from peach gum fit the Yin Deficient body type, where dry skin, dry throat, and mild constipation signal that the body’s moistening reserves are running low. Peach gum is a natural plant resin that nourishes Yin and generates fluids, prized for its skin-supporting properties.
A natural resin from peach trees that nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, and is prized for skin-beautifying properties.
TCM Properties
Unlike animal-based Yin tonics that are heavy and cloying, peach gum is a light plant resin that moistens without burdening digestion. It nourishes Yin through plant polysaccharides that help retain moisture in tissues. This makes it particularly suitable for people whose digestion is too weak for richer tonics but who still need deep hydration.
Health Benefits
Nourishes Yin and moistens the Lungs
Peach gum is the resin that seeps from peach tree bark, and its gelatinous, moistening nature makes it a popular yin-nourishing food in Chinese cuisine. For dry throat and dry skin from lung yin deficiency, it provides gentle, food-grade moistening similar to white fungus but with a lighter, more refreshing texture.
Generates fluids and relieves thirst
For the mild, persistent thirst that accompanies yin deficiency, peach gum’s gelatinous nature helps the body retain fluids. Its neutral temperature makes it suitable for both warm and cool constitutions.
May support skin hydration from within
Like white fungus and bird’s nest, peach gum’s polysaccharide content has made it a popular beauty food in Chinese culture. The connection between lung yin and skin in TCM means that moistening the lungs indirectly benefits skin hydration.
Moistens the intestines for gentle constipation relief
For mild, dry-type constipation, peach gum’s moistening quality provides gentle lubrication without the harshness of stimulant laxatives. Its food-grade nature means it can be eaten regularly as part of a dessert.
Commonly Used For
· People with dry skin and dry throat seeking food-grade yin nourishment
TCM Interpretation: For mild yin deficiency that does not require therapeutic herbs, peach gum provides a food-based approach. Its gelatinous texture directly moistens the body’s fluid reserves.
Why Peach Gum (Tao Jiao) Helps: A sweet soup of peach gum with rock sugar and goji berries, eaten 2 to 3 times per week, provides consistent, gentle moistening. The effect is cumulative and pleasant.
· Those with mild dry constipation from yin deficiency
TCM Interpretation: When yin deficiency dries the intestines mildly, the constipation is occasional and the stools are simply dry rather than hard. Peach gum’s gentle moistening is appropriate for this level.
Why Peach Gum (Tao Jiao) Helps: Added to morning congee or evening sweet soup, peach gum provides daily lubrication that gradually improves stool consistency without any harsh intervention.
Which Body Types Benefit Most
· Yin Deficient
Common Usage
· in soup, decoction and tea
· Culinary
Soak 10g overnight, then simmer with rock sugar for 30 minutes.
Dosage: 10-15g per serving, 2-3 times per week.
Preparation Notes: Peach Gum (Tao Jiao) is neutral in nature, making it balanced for most constitutions. For soup, simmer 30-60 minutes.
Dietary Advice
Soak dried peach gum in cold water for 12 to 24 hours until it expands and softens, then pick out any impurities. Simmer with rock sugar, goji berries, and a small amount of white fungus for 30 minutes as a sweet soup. Eat 2 to 3 times per week. The texture is gelatinous and slightly crunchy. Avoid if you have damp patterns with heavy, sticky sensations.
Precautions
- Avoid during acute colds, fever, sore throat, cough or infections
- Not for Spleen cold with diarrhea
- Avoid during early pregnancy
Consultation with a physician / healthcare professional is advised prior to consumption for pregnant women, those with diabetes, any ongoing medical conditions, known allergies, or individuals on medication, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
** Disclaimer : Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peach gum?
How do I prepare peach gum?
Good for skin?
