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Sour jujube trees grow in clusters, and their qi is thin. Thin qi implies dispersal; the sour taste also implies drainage. Consuming them prevents yang from entering yin, thus causing wakefulness. However, the seed (ren) is sweet and neutral. The sweet and neutral nature arises from the sourness, so its property is slightly astringent and retaining. Sour jujube is a herb for the Liver channel. Since the seed cannot drastically deviate from the fruit, it must also enter the Liver channel. The red skin enters the Heart channel; the yellow interior enters the Spleen channel. Therefore, Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) naturally serves as a medicine for the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels. When the Heart receives it, the Shen (Spirit) is calmed; when the Liver receives it, the Hun (Ethereal Soul) is stored; when the Spleen receives it, thoughts become tranquil. Regarding its treatment of insomnia, what doubt could there be?

However, the Suanzaoren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) treats insomnia due to deficiency vexation arising from Xu Lao (Chronic Deficiency Exhaustion), which warrants further elaboration. According to the syndrome of Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction), it also presents with deficiency vexation and insomnia, but that is caused by residual pathogenic factors from a Shanghan (Cold Damage) condition. This case, however, stems from Xu Lao, hence the term "Xu Lao" is added to distinguish it. In diseases of exhaustion, the pulse is floating and large, the hands and feet are烦热 (vexed and hot), the lower body feels cold, essence leaks spontaneously, and the body becomes emaciated and painful, unable to walk. Here, describing deficiency vexation and insomnia, the pulse must be floating and slightly rapid. Generally, if Yang floats excessively without descending, vexation occurs; if Yin declines downward without ascending, insomnia results. The responsibility lies with the Kidney. Without Suanzaoren to gather and secure floating Yang, the Heart, Liver, and Spleen cannot perform their respective functions. Thus, Suanzaoren is promoted as the Jun (Monarch) herb, while Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) acts as the Chen (Minister) to nourish Kidney fluids, and Fuling (Poria) acts as the Zuo (Assistant) to drain Kidney pathogens. The vexation disturbing the Heart will then cease. Nevertheless, the non-interaction between Heart and Kidney is still insufficient to induce sleep. Later physicians invariably pair Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) with Zaoren, considering it a method of one descending and one ascending. They fail to realize that Yuanzhi is a herb that raises Yang within Yin. Here, it is not that Yang fails to ascend, but that Yin fails to ascend. Having already used Zaoren to secure it, Zhimu to nourish it, and Fuling to drain it, the Yin within Yin naturally possesses the mechanism to ascend. Specifically, since all three herbs tend to descend, the upward movement of Kidney Yin may inevitably encounter stagnation. Therefore, Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) is added to unblock and facilitate the interaction of Yin and Yang, and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) resides in the Central Palace to harmonize. The formula is named Suanzaoren Tang because Suanzaoren... [Text cuts off here]

Modern practitioners use Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) primarily for its ability to strengthen Yin and benefit Essence, which is originally correct. However, the tree grows over a zhang high, blooms in the second lunar month, and bears fruit immediately upon entering winter. It fully inherits the Qi of Jueyin Wood. The fruit is sour and warm, sufficient to warm the Liver, dispel Wind, and open orifices. Thus, it also treats nasal congestion, deafness, yellow eyes, and darkened complexion. Regarding texts stating it treats pathogenic factors under the heart, alternating chills and fever, and sweating, some suspect it lacks these capabilities. They do not realize that its purple-red color allows it to enter the Pericardium channel, and it possesses the dispersing and荡涤 (cleansing) posture of Wind-Wood. Sweat is the fluid of the Heart; how could it not cause profuse sweating? Once sweat is released, the pathogens of chills and fever are also eliminated. All these aspects require detailed investigation beyond mere tonification. Therefore, when used in Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), its function is presumably not limited merely to strengthening Yin and benefiting Essence.