Suan Zao Ren Tang   酸枣仁汤
Sour Jujube Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Essentials of the Golden Cabinet (c. 220)

Preparation:

Decoction. Crush the seeds prior to boiling.

Function:

Nourishes Heart and Liver Blood, Clears Deficient Heat, Calms the Spirit

Use:

Red and dry tongue, dry mouth, night sweats, thin and rapid pulse
1. Insomnia
2. Excess Dreaming
3. Nightmares
4. Palpitations
5. Anxiety
6. Dizziness and Vertigo
7. Forgetfulness
8. Hyperthyroidism
9. Menopausal Syndrome

Dose:

The above is decocted to be taken over the coarse of a day.

Cautions:

Only used in deficient patients.

Modifications:

1. Qi Deficiency, add Ginseng
2. More severe Blood deficiency, add Dang Gui, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang
3. More severe Heat, add Coptis Huang Lian
4. Insomnia:
i. add Mother of Pearl (Zhen Zhu Mu), Oyster shell (Mu Li)
ii. from Liver Heat, add Gentiana Long Dan Cao, Gardenia Zhi Zi
5. Night Sweats, add Oyster shell (Mu Li) and Schisandra Wu Wei Zi
6. Palpitations:
i. add Salvia Dan Shen, Oyster shell (Mu Li)
ii. add Fossil Bones (Long Gu), Oyster shell (Mu Li)
iii. add Polygala Yuan Zhi, Calamus (Shi Chang Pu)
iv. use Poria Fu Shen in place of Poria Fu Ling, add Paeonia Bai Shao, Platycladus Bai Zi Ren
v. with Anxiety and Neurosis, take with Yi Guan Jian
7. Anxiety, take with Xiao Yao San
8. Heart and Spleen Deficiency, take with Gui Pi Tang

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