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Suan Zao Ren Tang酸枣仁汤

Sour Jujube Decoction

Calming the Spirit 安神剂Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit 滋养安神

Indications

Nourishes blood, calms the spiritClears heat, relieves vexation

Deficiency vexation and insomnia of Liver-blood insufficiency: the overworked and depleted whose sleep breaks not from excess but from an undernourished, gently overheated interior.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Insomnia with vexation of overwork
  • Palpitations and night sweats
  • Dizziness, dry throat with sleeplessness
TongueRed or pale-red, scanty coating
PulseWiry and thin, or thin and rapid

Health Categories

Heart & CirculationSleep SupportStress & Emotional Balance

Modern Applications

Common adjustments

  • Pronounced night sweats — add Wu Wei Zi 五味子, Mu Li 牡蛎
  • Marked palpitations — add Long Gu 龙骨, Zhen Zhu Mu 珍珠母

Contraindications

Not for phlegm-heat or food-stagnation insomnia — the nourishing anchor would feed the excess.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Generally compatible — practitioner judgment applies

Related Formulas

References

Source Jin Gui Yao Lue 《金匮要略》 · Eastern Han

「虚劳虚烦不得眠,酸枣仁汤主之。」
— 《金匮要略 · 血痹虚劳病脉证并治》(classical source, public domain)
  1. Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
    2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
    3. 《方剂学》(全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材)— pattern analysis cross-checked.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.