← Reference library
    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Spleen-Tonifying, Qi-Augmenting, Blood-Nourishing & Spirit-Calming Sovereign (补中益气 / 养血安神和解百药生津润燥解毒 — 历代补气养血第一大枣 / 调和诸药之母 / 脾胃虚弱与心悸失眠圣果)

    大枣 / 红枣 / 美枣 / 良枣 / 刺枣 / 胶枣 — Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (syn. Ziziphus vulgaris)

    Pinyin: Dàzǎo / Hóngzǎo / Měizǎo · Malay: Kurma Cina / Buah Kurma Merah / Hong Zao / Da Zao / Chinese Date · Family: Rhamnaceae (鼠李科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (温 / 甘温)

    Flavor

    Sweet, rich, caramel-honey like (大甘、温、甘美滋腻)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Heart (心)

    Traditional Edict

    Chinese Date / Red Jujube (Da Zao / Hong Zao / Kurma Cina). Plump sweet ruby-red fruits. Mother of Formula Harmonizers: strengthens Spleen-Stomach Qi, nourishes Blood for palpitations and anemia, harmonizes harsh herbs, calms emotional hysteria (Gan Mai Da Zao Tang).

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Paozhi Mandate: Deseed (Qu He) before boiling in tonic broths. CONTRAINDICATED in severe damp-heat fullness, epigastric distension, and pediatric dental caries.

    Clinical Applications

    • Spleen-deficiency chronic fatigue and anorexia, iron-deficiency anemia, psychogenic emotional liability/hysteria (Zang Zao), chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, and harmonizing formula toxicity.

    Quality Markers

    Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) >= 0.15%, Jujubosides A & B, Betulinic Acid & Polysaccharides >= 6.0% (HPLC ChP standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. High natural cAMP acts as a cellular second messenger, stimulating bone marrow hematopoiesis and platelet production. 2. Jujubosides modulate GABAA receptors to calm emotional anxiety.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN DESEEDED DECOCTION MANDATE: Always split fruits open and deseed (Qu He) before boiling (prevents internal heat dryness). Take 5 to 10 deseeded fruits (15-30 g) boiled in herbal formulas or soups. Emotional hysteria (Gan Mai Da Zao Tang): 10 dates with Licorice & Wheat.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Classical Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Master Emotional Hysteria Formula) with Licorice and Triticum. 2. Postpartum Qi & Blood Replenishing Confinement Broth with Dang Gui and Astragalus.

    Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only