味甘，性平，无毒。入脾经。坚实肥大者佳。
调和脾胃，具生津止泻之功。润养肺经，操助脉强神之用。
经言∶枣为脾果，脾病宜食之。又曰∶脾病患，毋多食甘，毋乃相戾耶？不知言宜食者，
指
不足之脾也。如脾虚泄泻之类。毋多食者，指有余之脾也，如中满肿胀之类。凡用药者，能
随其虚实而变通之，虽寻常品味，必获神功，苟执而泥之，虽有良剂，莫展其长，故学人以
格致为亟也。
枣虽补中，然味过于甘、中满者忌之。小儿疳病及齿痛，痰热之人，俱不宜食；生
者，
尤为不利。红枣∶功用相仿，差不及耳。
味酸，性平。
既能止渴生津，又可敛肺涩肠。
口渴咽干，干咳少痰，大便稀溏者，以之作食疗，甚为有益。
附∶核仁，除烦热，明眼目。吴普本草谓其益气不饥。
味甘、酸，性平。入肺、胃二经。
利肺气、止吐逆。治渴、下气，主上焦热，能润五脏。
此果主降、能润、故咽喉不利，口舌干燥者，用之甚宜。
味甘、酸，性寒，无毒。入心、肝、脾三经。
外宣风气，内涤狂烦。润肺凉心，降火消痰。热嗽口渴，失音咽干。
人知其清火消痰，不知其散风之妙。生之，可清六腑之热；熟之，可滋五脏之阴。
初病连皮蒸食，病七日以上者，可去皮生食。
Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen Meridian (Taiyin Spleen Channel). Those that are firm and plump are superior.
It harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, possessing the efficacy of generating fluids and arresting diarrhea. It moistens and nourishes the Lung Meridian (Taiyin Lung Channel), assisting in strengthening the vessels and calming the spirit.
The classics state: "Jujube is the fruit of the Spleen; it is suitable for consumption when the Spleen is diseased." It also says: "When the Spleen is diseased, do not consume excessive sweet flavors." Is this not contradictory? One must understand that "suitable for consumption" refers to a Deficient Spleen (Spleen Qi Deficiency), such as cases of Spleen-deficiency diarrhea. "Do not consume excessive" refers to an Excess Spleen (Spleen Excess), such as cases of abdominal fullness and swelling. Practitioners who can adapt flexibly according to the Deficiency or Excess of the condition will achieve miraculous results even with common foods. However, if one is rigid and dogmatic, even good prescriptions cannot display their advantages. Therefore, scholars prioritize the investigation of things (Gewu Zhizhi) to acquire knowledge.
Although Jujube tonifies the Middle Jiao, its flavor is overly sweet, so it is contraindicated for those with abdominal fullness. It is unsuitable for children with infantile malnutrition (Gan disease), those with toothache, and individuals with phlegm-heat; raw jujubes are particularly disadvantageous. Red Jujube: Functions are similar, though slightly inferior.
Taste is sour, nature is neutral.
It can arrest thirst and generate fluids, and also astringe the Lungs and consolidate the intestines.
For those with thirst, dry throat, dry cough with scanty sputum, and loose stools, using it as dietary therapy is very beneficial.
Appendix: The kernel removes vexation and heat, and brightens the eyes. *Wu Pu's Materia Medica* states it benefits Qi and prevents hunger.
Taste is sweet and sour, nature is neutral. Enters the Lung and Stomach meridians.
It benefits Lung Qi, arrests vomiting and reflux. It treats thirst, directs Qi downward, governs Upper Jiao Heat, and can moisten the Five Zang Organs.
This fruit primarily descends and moistens; therefore, it is highly suitable for those with throat obstruction and dry mouth and tongue.
Taste is sweet and sour, nature is cold, non-toxic. Enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians.
Externally, it disperses Wind pathogenic factors; internally, it cleanses mania and vexation. It moistens the Lungs, cools the Heart, reduces Fire, and eliminates phlegm. It treats hot cough, thirst, aphonia, and dry throat.
People know its ability to clear Fire and eliminate phlegm, but do not know its wonderful effect of dispersing Wind. Consumed raw, it can clear Heat from the Six Fu Organs; cooked, it can nourish Yin of the Five Zang Organs.
For early-stage illness, steam and eat with the skin on; for illnesses lasting more than seven days, peel and eat raw.