Heart Nourishing Herb: Suan Zao Ren
According to Chinese medicine, the heart houses the mind. When the mind is at rest we drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Suan zao ren is the seed of the Chinese jujube (da zao). Being one of the heart nourishing herbs, suan zao ren is used in formulas to treat symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, agitation, and palpitations.
According to Chinese medicine, the heart houses the mind. When the mind is at rest we drift off into a peaceful slumber. Like many seeds, suan zao ren is considered slightly sour and oily in nature. It nourishes the heart and sedates the spirit.
Suan zao ren contains jujubosides, specific triterpenes that produces sedative effects. Triterpenes are also found in ginseng and ganoderma which have sedative properties similar to suan zao ren.
The famous Ming Dynasty physician, Zhang Jingyue writes, “When the heart is disturbed by worry and shakes the spirit, restlessness occurs, which generates insomnia.”
Suan zao ren helps create a restful space in the heart so that the mind is settled and sleep occurs.
