Pharmaceutial name: Semen zizphi spinosae
Botanical name: Zizyphus jujuba var spinosa
Family: Rhamnaceae
Common name: Sour Chinese Date, Suan Zao Ren, wild jujube
Properties: Sweet and sour, neutral
Channels entered: Heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen

Actions and indications:For insomnia, dreaminess, palpitation induced by terror, and severe palpitation due to blood insufficiency in the heart and liver, for insomnia with restlessness of deficiency type due to insufficiency of the liver accompanied with heat, for insomnia, palpitation, forgetfulness, dreaminess and dryness in the mouth and throat due to insufficiency of the heart and kidney and hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency. For spontaneous sweating and nightsweats due to general deficiency.

Contraindications: Use with caution in cases of severe diarrhea and excess heat

Zizyphus is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese herbalism. It is the quintessential tranquilizing herbal substance. Neutral in energy and mild in nature, zizyphus is the most commonly used 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. This is a very good herb for women who suffer insomnia due to a slight or profound anemic condition.

If you have any questions about the safety of any herb used in Chinese medicine, consult with Dr. April L. Schulte-Barclay, DAOM, LAc