|
More
Information:
Other
Common Names
Red Date
Page
Number In Radiant Health
212
Pharmaceutical
Latin
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
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:
1. Ginseng to tonify the Spleen and to build qi
2. 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 most, 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.
|
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.