Sweet flavor and neutral thermal nature. Acts on Lung, Large Intestine, and Spleen meridians.

Active compounds:

Rich in monounsaturated fats, they help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Contains vitamin E, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, calcium, monounsaturated fats.

Clinical Usage and Indications:

• Relieves Qi Stagnation from the Lungs, dissolving Phlegm, and stopping cough and asthma
• Moistens the Lungs; cough due to dryness of the Lung. For prolonged cough or asthma due to deficiency disease: grind with walnuts, decoct into tea  and take with honey
• Moistens the Intestines, relaxing the stools. Dry stool or constipation due to dryness of the intestines, eat raw or mix 15 g of Xing Ren with  30 g cooked rice. Add a bit of sugar. Crush it, whip to a cream and eat a bit 2 times daily for constipation

Directions: Most often eaten on its own, raw or toasted. Used in some dishes along with other nuts, sprinkled over deserts. Used in making baklava and nougat, almond butter (less salty taste than peanuts).

Precaution: When dampness and phlegm disorders is present. Almonds are known to cause allergies in some people.

From The Tao of Tummy © book