Marie Hopkinson, Acupuncturist & Herbalist Perth WA
Apricots are currently in season in Perth and they possess medicinal properties according to Chinese medicine.
The flesh of the apricot is sweet and neutral in nature and it is said to “moisten the lungs, relieve asthma, promote secretion of saliva and quench thirst,” according to Chinese Medicine.
To help with a dry throat and thirst, it is recommended to eat 2-3 pieces of fresh apricots in the morning and evening.
Apricot kernels are also used as a Chinese herb, but it is important to note that there are two types, one of which is poisonous and requires boiling before use, and is never eaten alone, rather the decocted tea from the kernel is the medicine, not the kernel itself. Sweet apricot kernels do not have the same poisonous quality and do not require boiling.
Sweet kernels look similar to almonds, while bitter apricot kernels are more heart-shaped. If you are unsure its better to not use the kernels in a recipe. The fruit should taste sweet vs the bitter tasting apricots.
Other cautions include diarrhoea and Spleen Qi Deficiency – People with diarrhoea should avoid eating raw apricots as it can worsen symptoms. Eating too many raw apricots can weaken the spleen and stomach.
As for a recipe for constipation in the elderly or constipation after giving birth, grind 15g of sweet apricot kernels, discard the skin and add 30 grams of rice and 30 grams of sugar, plus a small amount of water. Steam until cooked and eat this in the morning and evening. The kernels can often be ground in a small coffee grinder, especially since its usually a small amount of hard herbs, you don’t need a commercial coffee grinder for home use.
Chinese medicine views every food as having some kind of medicinal properties.
REFRENCES:
Dai, Yin-fang. & Edwards, Ron. & Liu, Cheng-jun. & Gong, Zhi-mei. 1986, Fruit as medicine / by Dai Yin-fang & Liu Cheng-jun ; translated from the Chinese by Ron Edwards & Gong Zhi-mei Rams Skull Press Kuranda, Qld