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[Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae)]
Odor and Flavor: Sour, neutral, non-toxic.
Indications: Cold-heat disorders of the heart and abdomen, qi accumulation due to pathogenic stagnation, pain in the four limbs, and damp-bi syndrome. Long-term consumption stabilizes the five zang organs, lightens the body, and prolongs life.
(Note: Suanzao originally grew in the rivers and marshes of Hedong. It is now found near Bianluo and in various prefectures in the northwest. Also known as Shanzao, it is referred to as "Ji" in *Erya*, and Mencius's mention of "nourishing its thorns" refers to this plant. Its branches have thorns; the fruit resembles a jujube but is rounder and smaller, with a sour taste and reddish-purple color. The fruits are harvested in the eighth lunar month, and only the kernels within the pits are used. The kernel skin is red, and the kernel flesh is yellowish-white.)
(Note: The flesh of the Suanzao is sour, while its kernel is sweet and not sour. Since it is now called "Suanzaoren" (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) yet described as having a "sour and neutral" flavor, this is an error and should be corrected.)

The flesh of the jujube is sour and belongs to the liver. It acquires the flavor of Wood from the East, capable of directing Liver Qi to ascend. Consumption promotes wakefulness. The kernel of the jujube is round and red, inheriting the transformative properties of Fire and Earth. When Fire returns to Central Earth, the Shen (Spirit) is stored internally; consumption promotes sleep. *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not record the use of the kernel, but contemporary practice favors it. "Cold-heat disorders of the heart and abdomen, pathogenic qi accumulation" refers to disharmony in the chest and abdomen manifesting as cold or heat, leading to pathogenic stagnation and qi constraint. The red color of the kernel corresponds to the Heart, guiding Heart Qi downward to communicate; the yellow flesh corresponds to Earth, assisting Spleen Qi to ascend. Thus, it treats cold-heat and pathogenic qi accumulation in the chest and abdomen. If Earth Qi fails to reach the four limbs, soreness and pain occur. If Fire Qi fails to warm the muscles, generalized damp-bi occurs. As the kernel inherits Fire and Earth properties, it treats limb soreness and generalized damp-bi. Long-term consumption stabilizes the five zang organs, lightens the body, and prolongs life. This implies that beyond harmonizing the chest and abdomen, it stabilizes the five zang organs. Once the five zang organs are stable, Qi and Blood increase daily, thereby lightening the body and prolonging life.

[Dazao (Fructus Jujubae)]
Odor and Flavor: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
Indications: Pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, stabilization of the Middle Jiao, nourishment of Spleen Qi, harmonization of Stomach Qi, unblocking of the nine orifices, assistance to the twelve channels, supplementation of deficient Qi, replenishment of scanty fluids, treatment of internal deficiency, severe fright, heaviness of the four limbs, and harmonization of hundred herbs. Long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life. (*Shennong Bencao Jing*)
(Note: Jujubes originally grew in the plains and marshes of Hedong. They are now cultivated in northern prefectures and Jiangnan. Those from Qingzhou and Jinzhou are particularly large, sweet, and delicious. White flowers bloom in the fifth lunar month; fruits ripen to yellow-red in the eighth and ninth months. Dried by baking and sunning, they turn black, which is superior for medicinal use. Southern varieties are called Nanzao; northern varieties that are not large are called Xiaozao; those that do not turn black after drying are called Hongzao, used only as food and not for medicine.)

Dazao is sweet and neutral, belonging to the Spleen. It bears small white flowers, turning green when raw, yellow when ripe, red when fully ripe, and black when dried. It inherits the essence of Earth Qi and embodies the colors of the Five Elements. The *Classic* states: "The Spleen is the solitary organ, belonging to Central Earth, irrigating the four directions." Treating pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen and stabilizing the Middle Jiao means Dazao stabilizes the Middle Jiao; it treats any pathogenic factor affecting the Heart above or the Abdomen below. Nourishing Spleen Qi, harmonizing Stomach Qi, unblocking the nine orifices, and assisting the twelve channels means that by nourishing the Spleen, Stomach Qi becomes balanced; as Spleen and Stomach Qi circulate up and down, the nine orifices are unblocked; as it circulates inside and outside, the twelve channels are assisted. Supplementing deficient Qi, scanty fluids, and internal bodily deficiency means Dazao supplements bodily deficiencies, thus supplementing Qi to aid无形 (formless) functions and replenishing fluids to nourish 有形 (formed) substances. Severe fright, heaviness of the four limbs, and harmonizing hundred herbs mean that Dazao, being sweet and oily, harmonizes various herbs. Fright causing deficiency of the Heart's Shen internally, and heaviness of the limbs indicating deficiency of the Heart's Shen externally, are both treatable. The four limbs, hands and feet, are chambers of joints where Shen Qi flows freely. Long-term consumption harmonizes the five zang organs and enriches Blood and Qi, thus lightening the body and prolonging life.