Common Name: |
Doughnut Peach |
Other Names: |
Anjeer Peach, Belly-Up Peach, Custard Peach, Flat Peach, Hat Peach, O'Henry Peach, Pan Tao Peach, Paraguayo Peach, Peach, Ping tzu-t'ao, Pita Peach, Saturn Peach, Saucer Peach, Squashed Peach, UFO Peach |
Botanical Name: |
Prunus persica var. platycarpa |
Genus: |
Prunus |
Family: |
Rosaceae |
Native Location: |
China |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Prunus laurocerasus tolerates shade. Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) is a useful plant for hedging in cold, exposed, or coastal ares. Prune fruiting specimens in summer to restrict growth and encourage formation of fruit buds. Trim P. laurocerasus in spring. Leaves and young shoots are often attacked by aphids and caterpillars. Likely diseases and disorders include peach leaf curl, bacterial canker, chlorosis, witches' broom, and honey fungus. Many Prunus species are relatively short-lived. P. laurocerasus may be affected by leafspot and powdery mildew. Most Prunus species are shallow-rooted and will sucker if roots are damaged. Early-flowering species are prone to frost damage. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn (species only); by greenwood cuttings in early summer (deciduous species); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer (P. laurocerasus). Cultivars are budded in summer or grafted in early spring. |
Harvest: |
Leaves (P. persica) are picked in summer and dried for infusions, or (P. laurocerasus) distilled for aqueous extract (cherry laurel water). Bark (P. africana, P. persica, P. serotina) is stripped in autumn and winter and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, powders, syrups, and tinctures; bark of P. africana is also processed for pharmaceutical extracts. Flowers (P. persica) are gathered in spring, and unripe fruits (P. armeniaca, P. domestica, P. mume, P. persica) in summer, and dried for decoctions. Fruits are picked ripe or unripe, depending on use; prunes (cultivars of P. domestica) are often left on the trees to dry. Seeds from ripe fruits are dried for decoctions (P. japonica) or crushed for oil (P. armeniaca, P. dulcis, P. persica). |
Varieties: |
Compressa Group (Flat Peach, Doughnut Peach, ping tzu-t'ao) Bears flattened, very sweet, white-fleshed fruits, often with a slight bitter almond flavor. |
O'Henry syn.Merrill O'Henry Has larg, showy flowers and medium to large, pit-free fruits. |
|
Height: |
8m (25ft) |
Width: |
8m (25ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z5-9 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, bark, fruits, flowers, seeds (tao ren), oil, roots. |
Properties: |
A bitter-sweet, soothing, laxative herb that controls coughing, stimulates the uterus and circulatory system, lowers fever, and is diuretic, sedative, and expectorant. |
Vitamin Content: |
Vitamin A |
Chemical Constituents: |
Cyanide, especially in kernels
Phloretin
Volatile oils
|
Known Effects: |
Irritates and stimulates gastrointestinal tract
Miscellaneous Information:
North American Indians made tea from the bark.
The fruit, except for the peach pit, is safe.
|
Possible Additional Effects: |
May treat constipation (leaves)
May treat systemic infections (bark and roots)
|
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally, in Western medicine, for gastritis, coughs, whooping cough, and bronchitis (bark, leaves); in Chinese medicine, for malaria, boils, hemorrhoids, and eczema (leaves); constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma, and menstrual disorders (seeds). |
Culinary Uses: |
Fruits are eaten fresh, cooked, candied, and preserved (often in brandy); also made into jam and juice. Leaves are infused in brandy to make a cordial. Flowers are used to make tea. |
Economic Uses: |
Kernels are a source of bitter almond oil, used in food flavoring. Oil is used in skin care products. Fruits are used to flavor candy, ice cream, Bourbon whiskey (Southern Comfort). Flowers are distilled as a spirit. |
Warnings and Precautions: |
All parts of P. laurocerasus, notably the leaves and seeds, are harmful if eaten. Bitter-tasting kernels of Prunus species may be fatally toxic in excess. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplement, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
Pregnancy:
The dangers of taking this as a medicinal herbs outweigh any possible benefits. Avoid pits! There should be no problems with the fruit.
Breastfeeding:
The dangers of taking this as a medicinal herbs outweigh any possible benefits. Avoid pits! There should be no problems with the fruit.
Infants and Children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
Pits will not help you and may cause toxic symptoms.
Storage:
Store in cool,dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
Safe Dosage:
Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
|
Adverse reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms: |
Signs and Symptoms |
What to Do |
|
Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Nausea or Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
|
Bibliography: |
The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp. 331-334 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 407-408 |