HERB CORNER: Suan Zao Ren or Sour Jujube Seed

Over countless years of clinical trial and error, the use of plants, seeds, and minerals in the study of herbology was developed and categorized by their use in the traditional Chinese Materia Medica. One of these categories is herbs that calm and balance the emotions, or the Shen—the spirit and the mind. The symptoms of Shen imbalance are restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia all of which are a perfect match for the events of 2020.

One such calming herb is Suan Zao Ren, or sour jujube seed which is prescribed for insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, irritability, and abnormal sweating. Studies have shown that incorporating gentle, nourishing Suan Zao Ren in a bedtime routine along with good sleep hygiene can yield positive results. Suan Zao Ren contains jujubosides which have a sedative effect, and one of the saponins in sour jujube seeds, Jujuboside-A helps quiet activity in the hippocampus region of the brain.

Suan Zao Ren can help control sweating, both night sweats, and spontaneous sweating. Sweet and fiber-rich, sour jujube seeds are also packed with nutrition; they are a good source of vitamin A, C, B vitamins, along with iron, phosphorus, and calcium, and healthful fatty acids. In fact, Suan Zao Ren is the chief herb in our Infinichi Sanctuary/Sleep herbal supplement that can be found at www.taostar.com.

You could also ask your licensed acupuncturist/herbalist if Suan Zao Ren might be a good choice in a custom herbal prescription that is made up especially for you.