Objective: To explore Zhang Zhongjing's understanding of the efficacy and indications of Semen Persicae(Taoren) and his medication characteristics.Methods: Based on the 13 clauses where Zhang Zhongjing applied Semen Persicae and the nine formulas containing Semen Persicae in Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases and Synopsis of the Golden Chamber—Dahuang Mudan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction), Taobe Chengqi Tang(Peach Kernel Purgative Decoction), Didang Tang (Resistance Decoction), Didang Wan (Resistance Pill), Xiayuxue Tang (Stasis - Expelling Decoction), Biejiajian Wan (Turtle Shell Decoction Pill), Guizhi Fuling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Pill), Dahuang Zhechong Wan (Rhubarb and Ground Beetle Pill), treatment of horse falls, and all formulus for treating tendon and bone injuries—the efficacy and indications of Semen Persicae were summarized. Results and Conclusion: Semen Persicae can purify the lung and unblock the fu organs, enter the blood and remove stasis, gradually attack and break stasis, and unblock the vessels and activate collaterals to treat acute critical conditions such as intestinal abscess, blood stasis, and tendon and bone injuries. It can regulate qi and blood, nourish blood and supplement deficiency to treat difficult and complicated diseases such as abdominal masses and consumptive blood dryness. It can also expel stasis and regulate menstruation, eliminate masses and stop bleeding to treat gynecological disorders such as postpartum abdominal pain, persistent lochia, unfavorable menstruation, amenorrhea, and female abdominal masses. For acute critical conditions, large doses and aggressive attacking methods are used; for difficult and complicated diseases and chronic conditions, small doses and gradual unblocking methods are applied. Both decoctions and pills are used for long - term treatment. For activating blood and removing stasis, the dosage should be large, mostly decocted and taken with wine; for moistening dryness and moving stagnation, the dosage is slightly smaller, mostly prepared into honeyed pills.

Zhang Zhongjing  /  Treatise on Cold Damage  /  Synopsis of the Golden Chamber  /  Chinese herbal medicine  /  Semen Persicae (Taoren)  /  Classical formulas  /  Efficacy  /  Clinical application