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[Shangpin Category of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Sour in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats cold-heat sensations in the heart and abdomen, qi accumulation formed by pathogenic factors (xie jie qi ju), soreness and pain in the four limbs, and damp-bi syndrome. Long-term consumption stabilizes the five zang organs, lightens the body, and prolongs life.
[Analysis] It is stated: Produced in Bianluo and various prefectures in the northwest. Although available everywhere, its quality depends on whether the local soil is suitable. Mostly wild, growing on slopes and between city walls and ramparts. It resembles jujube but has finer skin; the wood center is red; stems and leaves are green; flowers resemble those of jujube. Fruits appear in the eighth lunar month, are reddish-purple, rounder and smaller than jujubes, and extremely sour. The fruits should be harvested in the same month, and the kernels taken from the pits. Songyangzi said that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren, 酸枣仁) trees are tall and robust, and what is sold in markets are all Rhamni Spinosae Spinae (Jiciji, 棘刺 - thorns of jujube/sea buckthorn); this view is incomplete. It seems they do not know that small ones are called Jici, while large ones are Suanzao. They grow easily on flat land but struggle in cliffs and gullies. Thus, Jici often grows on cliffs; if left uncut for a long time, it becomes a trunk, and people then call it Suanzao, no longer referring to it as Jici, though they are the same plant. This plant blooms and fruits once it reaches three chi in height. However, those with smaller bushes have weaker flavors and natures; those with larger bushes have stronger flavors and natures. Those produced in the mountains and wilds of Lintong, Shaanxi, are also good, which is due to the suitability of the land. Processing: For use, take the kernels, steam them for half a day mixed with leaves, then remove the skins and tips.
My ancestors said: Sour flavor enters the Liver, red color enters the Heart; thus, it is the Liver medicine for the Heart. It possesses functions of opening, releasing, and calming the Hun spirit. It is not suitable for conditions where one desires the Hun to return or desires closure and storage. Furthermore, Jici thorns grow outward; if taken without pathogenic factors, it damages the interior. Also, the *Bielu* states it treats vexation and insomnia, which is caused by pathogenic qi accumulation in the heart and abdomen. After taking it, the pathogenic accumulation dissipates, the mind settles, vexation ceases, and sleep ensues. Moreover, there is no substance that can scatter pathogenic qi accumulation and cause Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) to enter the zang organs to ensure peaceful sleep. People see insomnia and immediately use Suanzaoren; reflecting on this is truly laughable.
[Analysis] It is stated: Jujube is the fruit of the Spleen. Its sour flavor belongs to Wood, making it the Liver medicine for the Spleen. Its red color belongs to Fire, making it the Heart medicine for the Spleen. It possesses the mechanism of spring rising and summer emerging, making it a medicine for the Yang aspect of the Spleen. The heart and abdomen are located centrally, which is the palace position of Spleen Earth. When cold-heat pathogens accumulate in the center, failing to govern the four extremities, it leads to damp-bi, soreness, and pain, forming a Yin image of stagnation and closure. Suanzaoren can operate the function of the Spleen, inspire Spleen Yang, transform stagnation into ascending and emerging, causing accumulation to disperse naturally and bi-obstruction to clear. The five zang organs reside in the center and derive their qi from the Spleen, relying on it for lightness and tranquility. (Historically used as a secret treasure for pillow-side treatment of insomnia, but for those who desire sleep, is there accumulation in the form-zang, or is it empty?)