Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) is the ripe fruit of the plant or arbor Ziziphus jujuba Mill. of family Rhamnaceae. It is mainly found in Shandong and Hunan. The fruit is harvested in autumn when they are ripe. Generally, it is used in an unprocessed form.

Category: Tonifying – Qi Tonifying.

Common Name: Jujube; Chinese Date.

Channels Entered: Spleen and Stomach.

Proerties and Functions: Da Zao is sweet in flavour and warm in nature. It tonifies Qi, tonifies the Spleen, nourishes the Blood and calms the Shen (Spirit). It is also used to harmonise and moderate the harsh properties of other herbs in a formula.

Indications: It is used clinically for:

• Qi deficiency syndromes of the Spleen and Stomach characterised by weakness. fatigue, dyspnoea, reduced appetite and loose stool.
• Heart-Blood deficiency leading to restlessness and insomnia.
• Blood deficiency syndromes leading manifesting with a sallow or pale complexion, irritability and emotional disturbance.

Dosage: 3 – 12 pieces or 10 – 30g equivalent.

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Contraindicated in cases of Heat due to excess, Damp-Heat and Damp-Phlegm. Use with cautions in cases with abundant Damp, food stagnation or Qi stagnation.