Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms original: Sancai Tuhui

Volume: Herbs and Grasses, Part 9

Page 7

The Sour Jujube

The Sour Jujube original: 酸棗 (suānzǎo); the wild variety of the jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa), distinguished by its smaller, tarter fruit and thorny branches grows in the mountains and valleys of Hedong an ancient region "East of the Yellow River," encompassing parts of modern Shanxi Province, though it can now be found in various regions. It resembles the common jujube tree but is smaller and more shrub-like, with many thorns and dense, small leaves.

The fruit is harvested in the eighth month and dried. The seeds, or kernels, have a sour flavor and a balanced nature, and they are non-toxic.

It is primarily used to treat fright palpitations a condition of sudden anxiety or rapid heartbeat often linked to "disturbed spirit" or heart deficiency and persistent insomnia. It acts to nourish the Heart-Qi the vital energy governing the heart's function and the clarity of the mind, strengthens the liver, and helps the body build healthy flesh.

It is also effective in treating "thirst-wasting" an ancient medical term for symptoms like extreme thirst and frequent urination, often associated with modern diabetes and excessive sweating due to weakness. When the seeds are stir-fried, they are especially prized for calming the spirit and inducing restful sleep.