Hu Tao Ren – Walnut – Semen Juglandis

Hu Tao Ren

English Name: walnut, English walnut, Persian walnut

Literal Translation: “barbarian peach-pit”

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Juglandis

Medica Category: Yang-Tonifying Herbs

Properties: Hu Tao Ren enters the Kidney, Lung, and Large Intestine channels; it is sweet in nature and warm in temperature.

What is Hu Tao Ren?:

The Chinese Herb Hu Tao Ren is the inner fruit of the walnut seed, which comes from the tree commonly known as the English or Persian walnut tree (Juglans regia). It is native to a region stretching from the Balkans in the west to Western China in the east and now commonly cultivated around the world where growing conditions permit (direct sun but not too moist and humid).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Hu Tao Ren:

Hu Tao Ren tonifies the Kidney and replenishes jing (essence) in cases of deficiency. Clinical presentations addressed by Hu Tao Ren include: pain and weakness in the tendons and bones, premature grey hair, difficulty concentrating (i.e. brain-fog), back pain, and blurry vision. It also warms the Lung—this action, in combination with the action of tonifying the Kidney makes it useful to address chronic cough and wheezing (that worsens with exertion).

Hu Tao Ren is rich in oils and so moistens the bowels and lubricates the intestines to address dry stools constipation from yin-deficiency (i.e. in the elderly or following a long illness that damages the yin).

–safety/clinical notes:

Use with caution in persons with yin-deficient fire, cough with yellow phlegm, or loose stools

Hu Tao Ren has anticoagulant and thrombolytic effects and should be used with caution in persons taking anticoagulant medications (e.g. heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and enoxaparin (Lovenox)) as well as those taking antiplatelet medications (e.g. aspirin, dipyridamole (Persantine), and clopidogrel (Plavix)).