Wild jujube seeds - 酸枣仁 (Suan Zao Ren)
Wild Jujube Seed
酸枣仁
Suan Zao Ren·Graines de Jujube sauvage
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen
- Traced and verified origin
- Dispatched within 24/48h, packed to order
- Kept away from light and moisture
According to the classical texts
养心安神 敛汗生津
Pinyin
Yang Xin An Shen · Lian Han Sheng Jin
Overview
The flattened seeds of the wild jujube (Ziziphus spinosa), to be distinguished from the cultivated jujube Da Zao, of which the fruit is eaten.
The wild jujube gives smaller and more acid fruits, of which only the flat oval stone is kept.
The stone is then cracked to draw out the kernel inside (Suan Zao Ren — “seed of the sour jujube”).
They come as flattened grains of a reddish brown, and give off a characteristic sweet-sour savour.
Traditional uses
The foremost herb of peaceful evenings, the one the Chinese pharmacopoeia keeps for the Spirit (Shen) that struggles to settle. Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient Blood of the Fire Phase, when the Spirit (Shen) is no longer fed enough to settle.
Also for constitutions of deficient of Wood with diffuse irritability. Present in the foremost blend Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Preparation and traditional-use quantity
- Decoction: 9 to 15 g, to be lightly crushed before cooking, simmer for 30 minutes
- Suan Zao Ren Tang: “decoction of Suan Zao Ren” by Zhang Zhongjing, a classic blend for a Spirit (Shen) that struggles to settle (deficient Wood Yin)
- Roasted form (Chao Suan Zao Ren): the traditional version, see the product devoted to it — the quieting of the Spirit (Shen) is more pronounced
Precautions
A herb approachable by most constitutions. No particular precaution at the quantities indicated.