Tonify qi
Da Zao
大枣
Jujube fruit
Ziziphus jujuba (fruit)
A food fruit that harmonizes formulas and mildly supports the spleen.
Not for self-dosing. This page is not a formula, not a strength, and not a substitute for a licensed herbalist or physician.
Category
Warm · Sweet
Meridians entered
Traditional uses
Chinese date. Used in small numbers in decoctions to strengthen the spleen, moderate harsh herbs, and calm the spirit a little. It is the gentlest qi tonic in this list and still not a reason to eat a bag as medicine.
Common pairings
- Sheng Jiang 生姜
The harmonizing pair added to many surface formulas so they are less injuring.
- Gan Cao 甘草
Double sweetness. Harmonizing, and easy to make cloying.
Cautions
Food use is common. As a medicine, sweetness worsens damp, bloating, and some digestive weakness. Not a treatment. The seed (Suan Zao Ren) is a different herb.