Ziziphus
Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa – seed
Ziziphus spinosa (red date) is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its mild sedative action and calming effect on nerves and mind.
It assists with symptoms of irritability, insomnia or shallow sleep with a tendency to wake easily. The calming effect of ziziphus is believed to be especially beneficial for women and is used in TCM to relieve irritability, night sweats or spontaneous sweating, which are frustrating symptoms associated with the onset of menopause.
Actions
- Sedative.
- Hypnotic.
- Anxiolytic.
- Hypotensive.
Indications
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety, restlessness, irritability.
- Heart palpitations.
- Hypertension.
Notes
Zizyphus has long been cultivated in China for its popular fruits known as da zao or big date. The seeds are known as suan zao ren and they have been extensively trialled as the principal ingredient in a traditional Chinese formula called Suan Zao Ren Tang, or sour jujube seed decoction, a wellknown classic Chinese herbal prescription for insomnia.
Contra-indications and Cautions
No known toxicity or contraindications.
