Red Jujubes
Red Jujubes (Da Zao)
Botanical Name: Zizyphus vulgaris, Z. Jujubae, Z. sativa, Z. mauritania
Red jujubes contain 18 of the 24 amino acids the body needs and are very high in vitamin C. An adaptogenic herb, they are excellent for countering the effects of stress, including inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. They have long been used in China as a longevity herb that can help Build Qi and Blood.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – A Few Tips for How and Why to Use Red Jujubes.
Below is an overview of red jujubes, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of red jujubes.
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Western
Western Name: Red Jujubes
Also Known As: Red Dates, Chinese Dates, Korean Dates, Indian Date
Organs/Systems: Digestive, Cardiovascular, Recovery
Key Actions: Adaptogen, Detoxify, Tonic, Stimulates White Blood Cells Function, Enhance Immunity, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Mild Laxative, Sedative, Cardiotonic, Hypotensive, Restorative
Medicinal Uses: Constipation, weight loss, regulation of blood pressure and cholesterol, insomnia, anxiety, stress, inflammation, high blood sugar.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Da Zao
Also Known As: Hong Zao, Big Date
Meridians: Spleen, Stomach, All Meridians
Key Actions: Builds Yang Qi, Strengthens Spleen, Nourishes Blood and Qi, Calms the Mind, Moderates and Harmonizes the Harsh Properties of Other Herbs, Tonic Nutrient Cleanser
Medicinal Uses: Weakness, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, loose stools due to weak Spleen Qi, irritability, severe emotional lability due to restless Organ disorder, anxiety, constipation, insomnia, regulate blood pressure, regulate blood circulation, regulate blood sugar, dry itchy skin conditions, fevers, seizures, asthma, diabetes, cancer, obesity, reduce cholesterol, anemia, lung disorders, eye diseases, sore throat, coughs, malaria.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Red dates are actually classified as drupes, a category of fruit that includes mangoes, olives, and coffee. They are a member of the Rhamnaceae family, which contains buckthorn. The fruit is harvested in the early autumn when it is ripe.
Native to Southeastern China and parts of Australia. They are also now cultivated in many places and can be found growing in Southern Europe and parts of the Southern United States.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Fruit, Seed, Leaf
Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Neutral to Slightly Warm
Caution: Edible. Very safe.
Key Constituents: Vitamin C, A, B1, B2, Protein, Fiber, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Fatty acids, Saponins, Jujuboside A and B, Flavonoids, Sanjoinine, Fluorine, Spinosin, Polysaccharides
History/Folklore: They are fresh in autumn when they are crisp and green as apples. As they dry and ripen they become red and sweet. Their high nutritional content makes them excellent for treating people recovering from illness. Red dates are especially prized by women for their beauty and health effects. As they are very nourishing to the blood they are often eaten by women during their menses and after giving birth.
Jujubes are considered an “elixir of life.” A common slogan on supermarket packages of jujubes in China is, “Three red dates a day keep you young forever.” They have a long history of being considered excellent at building strength and extending life. Good quality red jujubes are thick, and full, and have very small pits, if any at all.
It is said to purify the twelve Organ meridians, especially the Stomach, which is the body’s “center” and represents the Earth Element in the Five Phase System. Red jujubes are an important adjunct herb used in many formulas as they are also able to enter all 12 meridians. Red jujubes are also said to “Clarify the Nine Openings” (the eyes, ears, sinuses, nose, throat, bowels, and urinary tract).
In China, they are considered able to Tonify the Heart, Lung, and Stomach functions. They are also said to dry up mucus while simultaneously Moistening the Tissues.
Jujubes help maintain healthy blood, hormonal function, strong bones, muscles, skin, and hair. They support enzyme function and neurotransmitter function as well.
It is often used in Chinese herbalism as a Yin counterpart to strong Yang herbs such as Ginseng. Because the herb is good at removing “Obstructions to the Free Flow of Qi” it can help prevent Yang herbs from building up and blocking Qi. For example, consuming too much ginseng can cause shoulder pain or headaches, by adding red jujubes, this “side-effect” of excess ginseng is minimized while simultaneously gaining the benefits that red jujubes have to offer as a tonic herb.
A Chinese legend, “Journey to the West” tells the story of an ailing king who encounters the god of longevity and asks for the secret of life. The god says he didn’t bring any of his medicine along as he was simply searching for his lost horse, but he did give the king three jujubes that he had been planning on giving to the god of heaven. The king ate the jujubes and felt instantly refreshed.
Jujubes can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, stewed, and boiled. However, eating them boiled releases three to four times their natural healing compounds compared to other preparations. An extract made from the berries containing the seeds has antalgic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and bronchodilator properties.
Jujube seeds, also called sanjoins, contain flavonoids that are being studied in China and Korea for their antiseizure, calming, and sedative properties.
Jujubes contain 20% more vitamin C than most citrus fruits.
Jujube leaves are commonly used in Asia as plasters for infected or uninfected wounds. Especially in areas where antiseptics are not available. A daily infusion, or tea made from the leaves, can help treat mild type 2 diabetes. It can also be used as a mouthwash or to help clean a wound or burn. The leaves are commonly eaten by goats and cattle and are considered nutritious for them.
Honey made from the flowers is considered to have aphrodisiac properties.
The trees are highly water efficient and can survive periods of drought. They are often planted in arid areas to help prevent desertification. Planted tightly together they create impenetrable hedges. The wood is sought after for cabinet making and making charcoal.

Decorations
Jujubes are used in China to decorate buns, conge, stews, and desserts.

King of Nuts
In China, jujubes are the “King of Nuts.”

High in Vitamin C and Iron
Red dates are 70-80% higher in Vitamin C than grapes and apples. Ten red dates provide the same amount of iron as a palm-sized piece of beef.
Take FULL advantage of Red Jujubes (Da Zao)!
Connecting Eastern and Western perspectives on HOW and WHY this herb works. Find out how to safely and effectively use this healing herb for treating conditions and for your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Find True Health. Explore uses, safety information, benefits, history, recipes, gardening tips, essential oil information, if it applies, and much, much more in this online course.
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