Suan Zao Ren - Sour Jujube Seed
TCM Materia Medica
Suan Zao Ren TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "suan zao ren" which in english is "sour jujube seed", is categorized within the "herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the gall bladder, heart, liver and spleen channels and exhibits neutral (ping), sour (suan) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 9-18g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Nourishes heart yin, tonifies liver blood, quiets the spirit - irritability, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety due to blood or yin deficiency.
- Prevents abnormal sweating - spontaneous sweating, nightsweats.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, suan zao ren is generally included in the following 6 formulas:
ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)
A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…
ViewGui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Formula)
The formula is used to tonify both the spleen and heart which can be damaged from excessive overthinking, compulsions, etc. along with poor dietary habits and stressful lifestyle. Anxiety, phobias…
ViewJia Wei Gui Pi Wan (Augmented Restore The Spleen Decoction)
A combination of jia wei xiao yao wan and gui pi wan - similar effects but with more spleen qi and blood tonification. A range of stress related issues - essentially mixes of stagnation with underly…
ViewShen Jing Shuai Ruo Wan (Stress Reducing Pill)
For common variants of the modern western lifestyle - in Chinese Medicine terms, calms the spirit, balance liver and kidney yin, for a range of psycho-emotional and physical issues from chronic stres…
ViewSuan Zao Ren Wan (Sour Jujube Decoction)
Shen related issues when arising from liver blood deficiency - anxiety, insomnia. Menopausal heat contributing to sleep and/or anxiety issues. Palpitations, night sweats, and general dryness.
ViewTe Xiao Zao Ren An Mian Wan (Peaceful Sleep Tablets)
Insomnia, vivid dreaming, nightmares. Acute emotional instability. May be used to treat convulsions or spasms that are caused by a combination of blood deficiency with wind.
As noted above, suan zao ren is within the herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... useful for palpitations with anxiety and insomnia due to heart blood or liver yin deficiency. these herbs are generally mild and with very few side effects. )".
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