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Suan Zao Ren (酸棗仁), the seed of the sour jujube, nourishes Heart and Liver blood and calms the spirit, and stops sweating; it is the foremost herb for insomnia and anxiety from blood deficiency.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae)
Common English Name
Sour jujube seed
Taste
Sweet, sour
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver, Gall Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Nourishes Heart and Liver blood and calms the spirit
- Stops sweating (deficiency sweating)
Indications
Insomnia, palpitations, anxiety and irritability from Heart and Liver blood deficiency; and night sweats.
Dosage
9-18 g in decoction (crushed).
Common Combinations
Chief herb of Suan Zao Ren Tang for insomnia from Liver-blood deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in severe damp or diarrhoea.
