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More Information:
Other
Common Names
Zizyphus
Page
Number In Radiant Health
196
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Semen Zizyphi spinosae
Pinyin
Suan Zao Ren
Treasures
Blood and Shen
Treasure
Rating
***1/2
Atmospheric
Energy
Neutral
Taste
Sweet and sour
Organ
Meridian Systems
Heart and Liver
Primary
Functions
Nourish Heart blood, pacify Shen, benefits Yin
Qualities
Zizyphus is one of the most commonly used herbs in
Chinese herbalism. It is the quintessential
tranquilizing herbal substance. Being neutral in energy
and mild in nature, it is the most commonly used lead
herb in sedative formulas designed to help relax the
mind and induce sound sleep. It is especially useful for
people who are experiencing restless sleep with
excessive, vivid dreams and / or nightmares.
It is categorized as a heart-blood tonic, therefor
directly calming the heart, which is of course the seat
of Shen and which determines our emotional stability.
This is a very good herb for women who suffer insomnia
do to a slight or profound anemic condition. It may be
combined with Dang Gui, White Peony and Polygonum to
build heart blood.
For simple, occasional insomnia due to stress or
over-thinking, Zizyphus may be brewed simply by itself,
or it may also be brewed as a tea with other Shen
stabilizing herbs such as Polygonum stem, Spirit Poria
and/or Ganoderma and consumed at bedtime.
It is used with Biota, Polygonatum sibericum and / or
steamed or raw Rehmannia for insomnia, fright or anxiety
caused by deficiency of the Kidney and Yin deficiency
with hyperactive Yang.
It can also be used to stop excessive perspiration. In
this case it is combined with tonic astringents such as
Schizandra, Cornus and Dragon Bone, and with Qi tonics
such as Codonopsis and / or Astragalus. For spontaneous
sweating or night sweating due to weakness (as occurs in
people who are exhausted or are infected with a chronic
virus), mix Zizyphus with Ginseng, Astragalus and
Schizandra.
It also helps the bowels to move. Mixed with Biota, it
is both a sedative and a mild laxative.
Primary
Combinations
Combine with:
1. Zizyphus Seed, Albizia Bark, Spirit Poria, Polygonum
Stem, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell to stabilize Shen and
treat insomnia caused by anxiety
2. Astragalus, Schizandra and Ginseng as a Heart qi
tonic and to stop night sweating
3. Biota for insomnia and as a mild laxative
Varieties
and Grading
Zizyphus seed is not the seed of the Jujube Date, as
many people think. Zizyphus jujube (Chinese Red Date)and
Zizyphus spinosa are different species and have
different herbal effects. The seed must be roasted to be
effective and mild in action. Freshly roasted Zizyphus
has a very pleasant aroma.
Contraindications
Do not use when experiencing diarrhea. Zizyphus may
cause drowsiness.
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Zizyphus
is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese
herbalism. It is the quintessential tranquilizing herbal
substance. Being neutral in energy and mild in nature,
it is the most commonly used lead herb in sedative
formulas designed to help relax the mind and induce
sound sleep. It is especially useful for people who are
experiencing restless sleep with excessive, vivid dreams
and / or nightmares. It is categorized as a heart-blood
tonic, therefore directly calming the heart, which is of
course the seat of Shen and which determines our
emotional stability. This is a very good herb for women
who suffer insomnia do to a slight or profound anemic
condition.