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Da Zao大枣

Jujubae Fructus · Chinese Date · Jujube

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药《神农本草经》

Overview

The dried jujube fruit — food and medicine at once. Sweet and warm, it builds the middle burner, nourishes blood, settles a restless spirit, and softens the edge of drastic herbs, which is why it sits beside Sheng Jiang at the close of so many classical prescriptions.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Warm

Channels

Spleen · Stomach · Heart

Typical Dosage

6–15 g in decoction
大枣Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Tonifies the middle and augments qiSpleen deficiency with poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue and a weak voice.
  • Nourishes blood and calms the spiritBlood deficiency with a sallow complexion; restlessness, unexplained weeping and disturbed sleep in the pattern classically called visceral agitation.
  • Moderates harsh ingredientsPaired with Sheng Jiang to protect the stomach and blunt the harshness of purging or draining herbs in a formula.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Da Zao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Spleen-qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools
    - Blood deficiency with pallor and palpitations
    - Restlessness, insomnia and emotional lability
    - As a harmonizing addition to strong or drying formulas

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

FatigueAnemiaInsomniaPoor appetite

Contraindications

Cautions

Sweet and cloying: it can worsen abdominal fullness, phlegm and damp, and is not suitable when there is food stagnation, marked bloating, or damp-heat. Its high sugar content matters to anyone managing blood glucose or dental decay.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: A food-grade herb, generally compatible with pregnancy in culinary amounts — medicinal doses remain the practitioner's call.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.