da zao

大枣·Fructus Jujubae

Chinese date

About da zao

Da Zao (大枣) is the jujube, or Chinese date, recorded as Fructus Jujubae. It is sweet in flavour and warm in temperature, entering the Spleen and Stomach channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that tonify Qi, and records it as moderating the harsher properties of the herbs it is combined with.

Names

Pinyinda zao
Chinese大枣·大棗
Latin NameFructus Jujubae
English NameChinese date·Chinese date; jujube·Jujube
Japanesetaiso
Koreandaechu·daechu, daejo

Classification

Category
Tonify Qi
Channels
Stomach, Spleen
Flavour
Sweet
Temperature
Warm
Part used
Fruit
Family
Rhamnaceae
Species
Ziziphus Jujuba
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and augments Qi

  • Spleen and Stomach deficiency with weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, poor appetite and loose stools

Nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit

  • Blood deficiency
  • Qi and Blood deficiency together, with pallor, fatigue and low energy, alongside other tonics
  • Restless Organ disorder (Zang Zao) with a wan complexion, irritability and marked emotional fragility
  • Restlessness and unsettled mood from deficient Heart and Spleen Qi

Moderates and harmonises the harsh properties of other herbs

  • Softens the harshness, bitterness, drying or purging force of stronger herbs, and protects digestion so the formula is better tolerated

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 3-12 Dates; Powder: 10-30g; Tincture: 2-4ml10-30 g2-4 ml

Cautions