What Are the Medicinal Differences Between Peach Kernels and Apricot Kernels?

Both peach kernel and apricot kernel have many benefits for the body if used regularly and appropriately. The main difference between peach kernel and apricot kernel lies in their pharmacological effects.

1. Peach Kernel

Taking peach kernel regularly can bring good results. The main pharmacological effect of peach kernel is to activate blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis, as well as clear the intestines. It can be said that peach kernel has the effect of dispersing qi, which mainly helps to relieve gastrointestinal indigestion and constipation, and can effectively protect the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Apricot Kernel

The main pharmacological effect of apricot kernel is to moisturize the lungs and stop cough, and it has certain therapeutic effects on tuberculosis and bronchitis. Apricot kernel also has certain effects on bowel movements, but not as strong as peach kernel. Therefore, if our gastrointestinal tract is not healthy, it is not recommended to eat apricot kernel, and it is better to choose peach kernel.

Not only are there differences in the pharmacological effects of peach kernel and apricot kernel, but there are also significant differences in their appearance.

Generally speaking, peach kernel is slightly longer than apricot kernel, usually about 1.5 times the length of apricot kernel. There are also significant differences in width, with peach kernel being slightly wider. The shape of peach kernel is leaf-like and relatively slender, while the shape of apricot kernel is flat and round.

In addition, the surface of peach kernel is slightly reddish-brown, while the surface of apricot kernel is yellowish-brown, so they can be distinguished by color.

Apricot kernel has a yellowish-brown surface, a bitter taste, and a specific apricot odor. It is smaller than peach kernel.

Peach kernel has a reddish-brown surface, a slightly bitter taste, and no specific apricot odor.

After soaking the seeds in boiling water, peel off the seed coat, mix an equal amount of 25% potassium carbonate solution and 2% bleaching solution, take the supernatant, decolorize the seed coat, wash it with water, and observe after staining with 2% methyl green solution: the fine lines (vascular bundles) emitted from the chalazal region of apricot kernel run longitudinally along the seed coat with many branches. The fine lines (vascular bundles) emitted from the chalazal region of peach kernel run longitudinally along the seed coat with fewer branches.