Da Zao - 大枣 - Fructus Jujubae - Jujube Berry / Black Date / Chinese Date

Properties: Sweet, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Stomach and Heart
Extraordinary Vessels: Yin Qiao

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and augments Qi
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency with weakness, shortness of breath, lassitude, anorexia and loose stools
Nourishes the Blood and calms the Spirit
Blood Deficiency
Restless Organ Syndrome with wan complexion, irritability and severe emotional debility
Moderates and harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs
Added to formulas with to counter harsh, drying and draining herbs by fortifying the Spleen, nourishing Blood and settling the Spirit.
Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, make the body light and prolong life. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-30g in decoction.

Cautions: It is used with cautions in cases of damp-phlegm or food stagnation because it can help dampness produce heat, and induce distention in middle energizer.

Notable Constituents: Lu et al. (2021) and Liu et al. (2020) summarised the constituents of jujube berries as being high in Vitamins A, B complex and C, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin as well as macro-elements K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, and P and trace elements Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Pb, Br, Rb, Sr, and Mo, plus several fatty acids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, amino acids, terpenes and alkaloids. According to the USDA nutritional database (2019), among the most abundant and important were:

Carbohydrates
72.5 g/100 g when dried, of which:
Sucrose 8.63 g
Glucose 18.3 g
Fructose 20.6 g.
Vitamin C
218 mg/100 g when dried.
Potassium
217 mg/100g dried.
Iron
5.09 mg/100g dried.
Calcium
63 mg/100g dried.
Sodium
5 mg/100g dried.
Manganese
31.1 mg/100g dried.
Phosphorus
68 mg/100g dried.
Zinc
0.39 mg/100g dried.
Copper
0.233 mg/100g dried.
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP)
Nucleotide which helps support energy metabolism and has been suggested to be partially responsible for the fatigue reducing and neuroprotective effects of jujube berries. Quantified as 40 - 400 µg/g of the dried fruit (Liu et al., 2020).

Appears in 116 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang (White Atractylodes and Aconite Acessory Root Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, Atractylodes and Gastrodia Decoction)
From: Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies by Cheng Guo-Peng (1732)

Ban Xia Ren Shen Jiu (Pinellia and Ginseng Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Chai Hu Jia Mang Xiao Tang (Bupleurum Decoction plus Mirabilite)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Chai Hu Qing Zao Tang (Bupleurum Decoction to Clear Dryness)
From: Discussion of Warm Epidemics (1642) by Wu You-Xing / You-Ke

Chu Shi Zhu Yang Jiu (Mulberry Reinforcing Yang Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Da Chai Hu Tang (Greater Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Qing Long Tang (Major Blue-Green Dragon Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Dan Nang Shu Shi Chen Liao Yang Cao Yao Fang (Gallbladder Rat Time Recuperative Herbal Prescription)
From: Treatise on Armament Technology by Mao Yuanyi (1621)

Dang Gui Si Ni Jia Wu Zhu Yu Sheng Jiang Tang (Tangkuei Decoction for Cold Extremities with Evodia and Fresh Ginger)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Dang Gui Si Ni Tang (Tangkuei Decoction for Cold Extremities)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Dang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Experimental Formulas Composed by Hanaoka Seshu (1760-1835) by Hanaoka Seshu

Du Shen Tang (Unaccompanied Ginseng Decoction)
From: Miraculous Book of Ten Remedies (1348)

Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Fu Ling Gui Zhi Gan Cao Da Zao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon, Liquorice and Jujube Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Fu Zi Jing Mi Tang (Aconite and Glutinous Rice Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ge Gen Jia Ban Xia Tang (Kudzu Decoction with Pinellia)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gu Zhen Tang (Stabilise the True Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Gua Lou Gui Zhi Tang (Trichosanthis and Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Guan Zhuang Bing Du Yu Fang Pei Fang Yi (Coronavirus Preventative Formula 1)
From: Phoenix Medical Newsletter by Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (2020)

Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
From: Categorised Essentials for Normalising the Structure (1529) by Xu Da-Chun / Ling-Tai

Gui Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Experimental Formula Composed by Hanaoka Seshu (1760-1835) by Hanaoka Seshu

Gui Zhi Er Yue Bi Yi Tang (Two Parts Cinnamon Twig and One Part Maidservant from Yue's Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Da Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Rhubarb)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Fu Zi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Aconite)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Kudzu Root)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Gui Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Cinnamon)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Magnolia Bark and Apricot Kernal)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig with Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Sheng Jiang Ge Yi Liang Ren Shen San Liang Xin Jia Tang (Newly Modified Cinnamon Twig Decoction with 1 Liang more of Peony and Ginger and 3 Liang of Ginseng)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Peony)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang (Half Cinnamon Twig and Half Ephedra Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Jia Shu Qi Long Gu Mu Li Jiu Ni Tang (Cinnamon Twig minus Peony plus Dichroa, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell to Rescue Rebellion Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Hong Yan Jiu (Red Cheeks Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Hong Zao Jiu (Red Date Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Hou Po Qi Wu Tang (Seven Substance Magnolia Bark Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian Tang (Coptis Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction with Coptis)
From: Warp and Weft of Warm Diseases by Wang Shi-Xiong / Wang Meng-Ying (1852)

Huang Long Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astagalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Substance Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Docoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qin Jia Ban Xia Sheng Jiang Tang (Scutellaria Decoction plus Pinellia and Fresh Ginger)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction - PHY906)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Patchouli/Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang (Modified Solomon's Seal Decoction)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Jia Wei Da Chai Hu Tang (Modified Greater Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Revised and Expanded Discussion of Warm-Heat Pathogen Diseases (1907)

Jia Wei Mai Men Dong Tang (Modified Ophiopogonis Decoction)
From: Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western by Zang Xi Chun / Zang Shou Fu (1918-1934)

Jin Fei Cao San (Inula Powder)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Jin Fei Cao San (Inula Powder)
From: Book to Safeguard Life Arranged According to Pattern (1108)

Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang (Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction)
From: Yang Family Formulas (1178) by Yang Tan

Liu He Tang (Harmonise the Six Decoction)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Ma Huang Lian Qiao Chi Xiao Dou Tang (Ephedra, Forsythia and Adzuki Bean Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogonis Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Nei Bu Dang Gui Jian Zhong Tang (Internally Tonifying Tangkuei Decoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

Nei Bu Huang Qi Tang (Astragalus Decoction to Tonify the Interior)
From: Formulas Bequeathed by the Unorthodox Genius Liu Jian-Zi (499) by Liu Jian-Zi

Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder)
From: Concise Formulas to Aid the Multitudes (1051)

Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Nourish Luxuriance)
From: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Aetiologies (1174)

Sang Dan Xie Bai Tang (Mulberry Leaf and Moutan Decoction to Drain the White)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

She Gan Ma Huang Tang (Belamcanda and Ephedra Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Shen Gui Bu Xu Jiu (Ginseng and Tangkuei Wine to Supplement Vacuity)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Shen Su Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Drink)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Shen Zhu Jiu (Ginseng and Atractylodes Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Sheng Jiang Gan Cao Tang (Fresh Ginger and Licorice Decoction)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang (Fresh Ginger Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang (Raise the Yang and Augment the Stomach Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Drink)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)

Shi Wei Wen Dan Tang (Ten Ingredient Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Shi Zao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Shu Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Si Shen Wan (Four Miracle Pill)
From: Summary of Internal Medicine (Ming dynasty)

Si Wu Xiao Feng Yin (Eliminate Wind Drink with the Four Substances)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang (Lepidium/Descurainia and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lungs)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate Blood Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Wei Ling Tang (Calm the Stomach and Poria Decoction)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)

Wen Dan Jia Ban Xia Chai Hu Tang (Warm Gallbladder plus Pinellia and Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Xu Ming Yi Lei An by Wei Zhixiu (1863)

Wen Dan Qu Zhu Ru Tang (Warm Gallbladder minus Bamboo Decoction)
From: Gu Jin Yi An An by Yu Zhen (1778)

Wen Dan Tang (Warm Gallbladder Decoction)
From: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Etiologies by Chen Yan (1174)

Wu Hu Tang (Five Tiger Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Wu Xu Jiu (Black Beard Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Wu Yao Shun Qi San (Lindera Powder to Smooth the Flow of Qi)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xia Ku Cao Gao (Prunella Syrup)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (Cyperus and Fritillaria Decoction to Nourish Luxuriance)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Xiang Sha Jiu (Auklandia and Amomum Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang (Nourish the Stomach Decoction with Auklandia and Amomum)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Lesser Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xin Jia San Ao Tang (Newly Augmented Three Unbinding Decoction)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Xing Su San (Apricot Kernal and Perilla Leaf Powder)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xiong Gui Tiao Xue Yin (Chuanxiong and Tangkuei Drink to Regulate the Blood)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang (Inula and Hematite Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Yang Xin Tang (Nourish the Heart Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
From: Researching Original Formulas (1213)

Yue Bi Jia Ban Xia Tang (Maidservant from Yue's Decoction with Pinellia)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang (Maidservant from Yue's Decoction with Atractylodes)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Yue Bi Tang (Maidservant from Yue's Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zai Zao San (Renewal Powder)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Prepared Licorice Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang (Bamboo Decoction to Warm the Gallbladder)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang (Warm Gallbladder with Bamboo Shavings Decoction)
From: Xu Ming Yi Lei An by Wei Zhixiu (1863)

Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang (Decoction to Enrich Yin and Direct Fire Downward)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Zong Zi Yao Jiu (Boosting Progeny Medicinal Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

大 枣  Da Zao

Pharmaceutical: Fructus Jujubae

Other names: Jujube Berry / Black Date / Chinese Date

Category: Herbs that Tonify Qi

Research Links:

Reference Notes: