Condition
Treatment Support
anti-irritant
Application
tea (cold-water infusion)
Peach
(Prunus persica)
Botanical Information
A small tree with glabrous twigs, shiny lance-like oblong leaves, and pink flowers in the rose family.
Working with Peach
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“An infusion of peach leaves eases gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and irritated bladder.
The cold infusion is the most effective preparation. Make this by soaking 1 ounce of fresh leaves and twigs, slightly bruised, in 1 pint of water (at room temperature) for 24 hours. Strain the liquid and take one-quarter ounce as a dose, 2-3 times daily.
Peach has a taste of ACRID, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.”
Historical Uses
Peach has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
- Chinese Medicine: Utilized for its anti-inflammatory, laxative, and blood circulation-improving properties. Peach kernels (seeds) were often used to treat menstrual disorders, bruises, and coughs.
- European Herbal Medicine: Leaves, flowers, and seeds were applied for digestive issues, skin conditions, and as mild sedatives.
Modern Clinical Uses
Herbalists and naturopaths value peach for the following:
- Digestive Support: Leaves and flowers are used as mild laxatives and for soothing gastrointestinal irritation.
- Skin Health: Extracts are applied topically for soothing skin inflammation.
- Respiratory Health: Traditionally, peach is used to ease coughs and reduce phlegm.
- Cardioprotective: May lower cholesterol and improve blood vessel function.
Chemistry
Peaches contain bioactive compounds, including:
- Phenolics & Flavonoids: Catechins, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin with antioxidant properties.
- Carotenoids: Beta-carotene and lutein, beneficial for eye and skin health.
- Cyanogenic Glycosides: Found in seeds (amygdalin), which release hydrogen cyanide in small amounts.
Pharmacology
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammatory markers in the body.
- Anti-cancer: Peach extracts have demonstrated cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro.
Clinical Trials
- Antioxidant Effects: Studies confirm peaches’ potential in reducing oxidative stress markers.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Small trials suggest benefits for blood sugar regulation and lipid profile improvement.
- Cancer Research: Preclinical studies show potential in reducing tumor growth, but human trials are lacking.
- Skin Health: Demonstrated benefits in improving hydration and reducing UV damage in laboratory studies.
Summary
Peach is a nutritious fruit with historical medicinal uses and emerging evidence supporting its role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health. While safe in most forms, its seeds should be consumed cautiously due to cyanogenic compounds. Further clinical trials are needed to substantiate its therapeutic claims.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
General: Generally safe when consumed as a fruit.
Seeds: Contain amygdalin, which can release toxic cyanide. The herb contains cyanogenic glycosides and should not be taken for more than 2-3 weeks and not in large amounts (more than 2-6 grams/day).
Allergy: Rare cases of peach allergies, especially in individuals with birch pollen allergies (cross-reactivity).
Not for long-term use (more than two weeks). Use the cold infusion of the leaves for morning sickness, 1/2 cup at a time.
Conditions treated with Peach
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
sedative, anti-nauseant
Application
cold infusion
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-nauseant
Application
tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
