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Suan Zao (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa fruit)

Taste: Sour. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats cold and heat in the heart and abdomen, accumulation of pathogenic qi forming masses, soreness and pain in the four limbs, bi-syndrome caused by dampness, vexation with insomnia, pain above and below the umbilicus, chronic diarrhea due to blood deficiency, spontaneous sweating with vexation and thirst. It tonifies the middle, benefits liver qi, strengthens sinews and bones, assists yin qi, makes the body robust and healthy. Long-term use calms the five zang organs, lightens the body, and prolongs life.

Habitat: Grows in river valleys and marshes in the Hedong region. Harvest time: Fruits are collected in the eighth lunar month, dried in shade, and processed over forty days. (Averse to Fangji / Stephania tetrandra).

Tao Hongjing states: Currently produced in the Dongshan area, said to be the Shan Zao tree. The fruits resemble Wuchang dates but are extremely sour. People in the east eat them to stay awake, which is contrary to the treatment of insomnia mentioned here. Tang Ben Zhu notes: This is indeed the fruit of the Er Zao. The tree is as large as a common date tree. The fruit has no fixed shape; it is simply the sour-tasting variety among dates. The Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Jing) uses only the fruit for treating insomnia and does not mention using the kernel. Current prescriptions use Suan Zao Ren (the kernel), which tonifies the middle and benefits qi. From tonifying the middle and benefiting liver qi onwards, these are the functions of Suan Zao Ren. In the lower grade section regarding Bai Ji Tiao (White Spiny Branch), it again mentions using its fruit. Modern physicians mistakenly identify Ji Shi (Spina Jujubae) as Suan Zao, which is a major error. Tao’s note says "keeps one awake," while the Classic says "treats insomnia." This is likely because the flesh is sour and eating it prevents sleep, whereas the kernel in the pit treats insomnia, just as Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) induces sweating while its root節 (Radix Ephedrae) stops sweating. This is actually Spina Jujubae, nothing else. To claim it is the sour variety of Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) is completely incorrect. Suan Zao is small and round, with slightly flattened kernels; Da Zao kernels are large and long, quite different.

Chen Yuxi et al., according to the Shu Ben Tu Jing: Currently in Hedong and Huazhou, its wood is used for cart axles and chopsticks. The wood texture is very fine and hard, available everywhere. Fruits are collected in the eighth month and sun-dried. Yao Xing Lun states: Suan Zao Ren treats wind in sinews and bones; taken as powder in decoction after frying. Chen Cangqi states: Since Suan Zao is the sour type of date, there is nothing else special about it; it is the true date. Why call it "sour"? If it is sour, why is it small? Sour dates are not necessarily small, and small ones are not necessarily sour. Although attempts are made to distinguish it from other dates, it remains within the category of dates. If claiming that the sour part of the date has no effect on sleep, while saying Spina Jujubae is not sour, yet many people today call it Suan Zao. Date and Spina Jujubae are essentially the same thing. Sour and sweet are two flavors. Even if substituted with date, it is ultimately incorrect.

Songyang Zi states: My home was in Huatai. The current Suan Zao County is a subordinate county of Hua. The place is named Suan Zao. The trees are several zhang high, with a trunk diameter of one or two chi. The wood grain is extremely fine, hard, and heavy. The bark also has fine patterns resembling snake scales. The fruits are small, round, and sour. The pits are slightly round, and the kernels are slightly longer, red like cinnabar. These are valued by physicians and difficult for locals to obtain. Those sold in markets are all Spina Jujubae. Also, the Shan Zao tree resembles Spina Jujubae, with fruits like raw dates containing bone-like pits. The flesh is sour, smooth, and tasty, eaten by mountain dwellers as fruit. The Five Dynasties History Later Tang edition "Shi Yao Yan" states: For excessive sleepiness, use raw Suan Zao Ren; for insomnia, use fried Suan Zao Ren. Ri Hua Zi states: Suan Zao Ren treats fullness and pain below the umbilicus. Tu Jing states: Suan Zao grows in Hedong river valleys. Now it is found near the capital and in northwestern prefectures. Wild plants are mostly on slopes and between city walls. It resembles date wood but with finer bark. The heartwood is red. Stems and leaves are green. Flowers resemble date flowers. Fruits ripen in the eighth month, purple-red, smaller and rounder than dates, and sour. Collect fruits in the corresponding month, take the kernels, dry in shade, and process over forty days. Erya distinguishes date varieties: Small and sour fruits are called [Suan] Zao. Mencius states: Nourish its [Suan] Zao. Zhao Qi's commentary: This refers to Suan Zao. Another view holds that only those from Suan Zao County are genuine. Trees are several zhang high, trunk diameter one or two chi, wood grain fine, hard, and heavy. Locals use them for cart axles and spoons/chopsticks. Bark is fine with snake-scale patterns. Kernels are slightly long and red like cinnabar, also difficult to obtain. Goods in markets are all Spina Jujubae; careful differentiation is required when using. The Classic of Materia Medica mainly treats vexation and insomnia. Physicians currently use both forms: raw for excessive sleepiness, fried for insomnia. Raw and cooked have distinct differences. Hu Qia's formula for tremors, palpitations, and insomnia, Suan Zao Ren Tang, contains: Suan Zao Ren 2 sheng, Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) each 2 liang, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 6 liang. Cut six ingredients, boil in 8 sheng water, reduce to 3 sheng, divide into four doses. Shen Shi treats deficiency-type insomnia with vexation and restlessness, using Suan Zao Ren 2 Tang: Suan Zao Ren 2 sheng, Mu Jiang (Mother Ginger?), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Fuling, Xiongqiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) each 2 liang, Gancao 1 liang (roasted). Cut all, boil in 1 dou water, first boil Zao until reduced by 3 sheng, then add five other ingredients, boil to 3 sheng, divide doses. One formula adds Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 1 liang. Both formulas use raw Suan Zao Ren to treat insomnia; how can boiling make it "cooked"?

Lei Gong states: For Suan Zao Ren, after harvesting, sun-dry. Mix heavily with leaves, steam for half a day, remove sharp skins, then grind for use.

Shi Liao states: Suan Zao is neutral. Treats cold-heat qi stagnation, calms five zang organs, treats insomnia. Sheng Hui Fang treats gallbladder deficiency causing restless sleep and frequent palpitations. Use Suan Zao Ren 1 liang, fry until fragrant, grind to powder. Take 2 qian each time, mixed with Zhuye (Bambusa Leaves Decoction), at any time. Another formula for night insomnia: Use Suan Zao Ren 0.5 liang, fry yellow, grind to powder. Soak in 3 he of wine to extract juice. Cook 3 he of Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Japonica Group) into porridge. When nearly done, add Zao Ren juice, boil 3-5 more times. Eat on an empty stomach. Another formula for bone-steaming consumption with vexation and inability to lie down: Use Suan Zao Ren 2 liang, 2 large bowls of water. Grind and squeeze to extract juice. Add 2 he of rice to cook porridge. When ripe, add 1 he of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) juice, simmer slowly. Eat at any time. Waitai Miyao treats tooth worms and decay. Ji Zhen (Spina Jujubae) 200 pieces, specifically rotten spines fallen from date trees. Boil in 2 sheng water to 1 sheng, hold in mouth, 4-5 times daily, will heal. Another formula for splinters stuck in flesh: Burn Suan Zao Ren pits to ash, take with water, splinters will emerge immediately. Jian Yao Ji Zhong treats gallbladder wind-toxin, deficiency-excess imbalance, drowsiness and excessive sleep. Suan Zao Ren 1 liang (raw), Jin Ting La Cha (Golden Stick Winter Tea) 2 liang. Coat with Shengjiang juice, roast until slightly charred, grind to powder. Take 2 qian each time, boil in 0.7 sheng water to 0.6 sheng, warm drink at any time.

Yan Yi states: Suan Zao is slightly hot. The Classic does not specify using the kernel, yet still treats insomnia. Found everywhere, depending on local suitability. Songyang Zi states: Suan Zao County is a subordinate county of Hua. Trees are several zhang high, sour taste, valued by doctors. Market sellers offer Spina Jujubae; this view is incomplete. Small ones are Ji (Spina), large ones are Suan Zao. Easy to grow on flat land, difficult on cliffs. Thus, Ji grows on cliffs; if left uncut for long, it becomes a trunk, and people call it Suan Zao, no longer Ji. This is merely worldly convention. In reality, they are the same plant. Because it is not highly demanded and obstructs paths, few grow into large trees; most are cut down. However, once it reaches three chi, it flowers and fruits, providing kernels. Later, Bai Ji Tiao appears, which are the thorns on branches before Suan Zao matures. When mature, thorns decrease, and fruits enlarge. Therefore, Zao comes from large trees, Ji from small thickets. There is no need to force a distinction.