Semen Armeniacae Amarum
Source
Seed of Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansa Maxim. or P. anneniaca L., family
Rosaceae.
Characteristics
Seed cordate, 1.0-1.7 cm long; coats brown, base obtuse-round and 
thick,
unequal at both sides, several vascular bundles radiating longitudinally
from the basal chalaza towards the apex; apex acute, with hilum. Bitter
in taste, warm in nature, slightly toxic, and attributive to lung and
large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Relieve cough and dyspnea: For wind-heat type cough, used together
with Folium Mon and Radix Glycyrrhizae; for wind-cold type, used together
with Herba Ephedrae and Glycyrrhizae; f6r dryness-heat type, used together
with Folium Mon and Radix AdenophoraeSmctae. Also for dyspnea due to failure
of descending of lung-energy; for that of wind-cold type, used together
with Ephedrae, Ramulus Cinnamoni and Glycyrrhizae; for that of wind-heat
type, used together with Ephedrae, Gyspum. Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae.
For chronic cough in the aged, may be taken after stewed with crystal
sugar.
2.
Moisturize the intestine and relax the bowels: For constipation due to
dryness of intestine.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Amygdalin, one of its components, is an antitussive. Over dosage may
cause dizziness, headache and vomiting.
2. Its decoction exerts an hypotensive effect in experimental animals.
Administration
Decoction:
3-9g (crushed before decocting).