Wild Jujube Seed

산조인 (酸棗仁) · Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F.Chow

Mind-calming herb Neutral Sweet Heart, Liver, Gallbladder

NatureNeutral

TasteSweet

MeridiansHeart, Liver, Gallbladder

Part usedSeed (kernel), from a distinct wild, thorny jujube tree

FamilyRhamnaceae

CategoryMind-calming herb

Find by concern: Insomnia Anxiety Spontaneous sweating

Overview

Wild jujube seed comes from a different tree than the sweet jujube eaten as food — a smaller, thornier wild relative whose fruit is prized not for its flesh but for the seed within. The Donguibogam records it as the herb for a heart too restless to let its owner sleep.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平, 味甘, 無毒. 主煩心不得眠, 臍上下痛, 血泄, 虛汗. 益肝氣, 堅筋骨, 令人肥健.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It chiefly treats a vexed heart that cannot find sleep, pain above and below the navel, blood leakage, and deficient sweating. It boosts liver qi, firms the sinews and bones, and makes a person robust.

Traditional functions

Nourishes the heart, calms the spirit
Treats restless insomnia
Astringes sweat
Strengthens the liver and sinews

Traditional applications

Insomnia with a restless, vexed heart
Anxiety and palpitations
Night sweats
Fatigue with poor sleep

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g, typically roasted for insomnia; often combined with poria and licorice.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam notes that raw seed is used when sleep is excessive, while roasted seed is used for insomnia — a processing distinction worth confirming with a professional. Caution with acute infections marked by excess phlegm-heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same plant as the jujube fruit (daechu)?

A close relative but a distinct plant — wild jujube is a smaller, thornier tree, and unlike the fruit-focused daechu, its medicinal value lies specifically in the seed kernel, not the flesh.

Does raw or roasted seed matter?

The Donguibogam distinguishes them: raw seed was traditionally noted for excessive sleepiness, while roasted seed was used for insomnia — opposite indications from the same seed depending on processing, so professional guidance on form matters.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.