Red Jujube Date - Hong Zao
Products Featuring This Herb:
Zizyphus Fruit Extract Powder
Activated Minor Bupleurum
Ant Essence
Bupleurum & Dragon Bone
Easy Qi
Endocrine Health
Ginseng & Astragalus
Ginseng & Longan
Ginseng Nutritive
Imperial Garden
OptDigest
Platycodon & Fritillary
Return to Youth
Shou Wu Formulation
Super Adaptogen
Supreme Creation
Ten Complete Supertonic
Calm Spirit Teapills
Calm Spirit Teapills Economy Size
Return to Spring Teapills
Other Common Names
Red Date
Page # In Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
212
Latin Name
Fructus Jujube
Pinyin
Hong Zao
Treasures
Qi and Shen
Treasure Rating
***1/2
Atmospheric Energy
Neutral
Organ Meridian Systems
Spleen and Stomach
Part Used and Form
Dried ripe fruit
Primary Functions
Replenishes Qi in the middle burning space (Spleen and Stomach), nourishes blood, soothes the mind, moderates the actions of other herbs in a formula
Qualities
This special fruit, sometimes called the “red date”, has been used since ancient times as a nutrient tonic, a blood cleanser and as an important adjunctive herb to other tonics, especially in combination with Ginseng and Tang Kuei. Jujube, which is not a true date, is universally believed in the Orient to build strength and extend life. Jujube is slightly sedative and laxative and removes obstructions of the energy flow. The juice of jujube is one of the wonderful and delicious specialties of Chinese tonic herbalism. It is often used as a base for other herbal extracts.
Jujube is a very commonly used herb, especially in formulas that use Ginseng. It is the classic side-kick to Ginseng. Anytime you use Ginseng, you can use Jujube. The date is believed to enhance the activity of Ginseng while smoothing out any rough edges the Ginseng may have. It harmonizes the ingredients in a formula, making the whole formula smooth in both taste and action. However, it is much more than just an adjunctive herb. It provides excellent energy and is a powerful Qi tonic in its own right.
It is an excellent tonic to the Spleen and Stomach, helping these organs extract the energy from food and drink at maximum efficiency. It is also an excellent blood tonic. Jujube also has an emotionally calming effect. It is a mild Shen stabilizer.
Primary Combinations
Combine with
- Ginseng to tonify the Spleen and to build Qi
- Dang Gui and White Peony Root to tonify blood
Varieties and Grading
The smaller the dates, the better. Be sure that the dates are fresh and free of insects. They are highly nutritious and are easily and readily infested with moths and other creatures. Throw them out if you find any larvae. Where there’s one, there are usually many more hidden away. The skin of a good quality Jujube should be firm, radiant and deeply wrinkled. If the dates are too large or too moist, they will not be powerful. Remember, an herbalist can judge you by how you pick your Jujubes. If you select small ones, they will know that you know what you are doing, they will respect you and they will start showing you better quality goods. Most novices, of course, think that big, juicy dates are best.
Contraindications
Do not use when you are suffering from excessive phlegm, food retention, abdominal bloating and parasites.
