Jujube (Chinese Date)
<Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing>
Root of a perennial herbaceous plant of the Umbelliferae family, Angelica sinensis.
Alternative Names: Western Angelica, Qin Angelica, Tai Qin, Dry Angelica, Dry White, Wen Wu.
Prescription Names: Angelica, Whole Angelica, Angelica Root, Angelica Tail, Wine-processed Angelica, Qin Angelica.
Flavor and Nature: Sweet, pungent, warm.
Meridian Affinity: Enters heart, liver, and spleen meridians.
Functions: Tonifies blood, activates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, moistens intestines and promotes bowel movement.
Indications and Applications:
1. Used for blood deficiency syndrome; often combined with Astragalus membranaceus for effective treatment.
2. Used for menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea—essential herb in gynecology. Combined with Ligusticum chuanxiong, Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared), and Paeonia lactiflora, forms Si Wu Tang, the fundamental formula for regulating menstruation in gynecology. For amenorrhea, add Persica seed and Carthamus flower to remove stasis and promote menstruation. For painful menstruation, add Cyperus rotundus and Corydalis yanhusuo to regulate qi and relieve pain.
3. Used for injuries from falls or blows, abscesses, ulcers, and arthralgia due to wind-damp. Often used with Frankincense, Myrrh, Persica seed, and Carthamus flower.
4. Used for constipation due to blood deficiency and intestinal dryness; commonly combined with Hemp Seed, Raw Fo-ti, and Cistanche tubulosa.
Dosage and Administration: 5–15 grams. Use Angelica root for tonifying blood, Angelica tail for breaking blood stasis, whole Angelica for harmonizing blood. Wine processing enhances its blood-activating effect.
Caution: Avoid in cases of excessive dampness, fullness in the middle energizer, or diarrhea.
<Jujube>