More Information:
Other Common
Names
Zizyphus
Page Number In Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
196
Pharmaceutical Latin
Semen Zizyphi spinosae
Pinyin
Suan Zao Ren
Treasures
Blood and Spirit
Treasure Rating
***1/2
Atmospheric Energy
Neutral
Taste
Sweet and sour
Organ Meridian Systems
Heart and Liver
Primary Functions
Nourish Heart blood, pacify Spirit,
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 Spirit 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 Spirit 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 Spirit 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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