Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Zizyphi spinosae

Botanical Name : Zizyphus spinosa Hu

Common Name : Wild jujube seed, Zizyphus seed

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: After the wild jujube ripens in late autumn or early winter, the seeds are collected and dried.

Properties & Taste : Sweet and neutral

Meridians: Heart and liver

Functions:
• Nourishes and fortifies the heart.
• Tranquilizes and relaxes the mind.
• Replenishes the liver.
• Relieves vexation, insomnia, frightening, severe palpitation, dreaminess and amnesia.
• Stops sweating.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient blood in the heart and liver manifested as irritability, insomnia, palpitations and forgetfulness. Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Polygala root (Yuanzhi), White peony root (Baishao), Fleeceflower root (Heshouwu) and Longan aril (Longyanrou).

2. Spontaneous sweating and night sweating due to weakness of the body. Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) is used with Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) and Ginseng (Renshen).

Dosage: 10-18 g