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Prescriptions for tranquilizing the Mind with Tonic Sedatives

Suanzaoren Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Suan Zao Ren Tang 酸枣仁汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Wild Jujube Seed Decoction

The Prescription of Suanzaoren Tang

Source

The book Jin Gui Yao Lue

Ingredients

Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae stir-fried) 15-18 g,Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 3 g,Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) 8-10 g,Fu Ling (Poria) 10 g,Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) 3-5 g.

Explanation

Suan Zao Ren: The principal drug, being sweet and sour in taste and neutral in nature, nourishing the liver-blood and calming the mind.

Chuan Xiong: Regulating and nourishing the liver-blood.

Fu Ling: Relieving mental stress.

Zhi Mu: Being moist in nature, clearing away heat and purging fire.

Gan Cao: Removing pathogenic heat and tempering the actions or all the other ingredients.

The Effect of Suanzaoren Tang

Effect

Nourishing blood to tranquilize the mind, clearing away pathogenic heat to relieve restlessness.

Indications

Syndrome of insomnia due to restlessness of deficiency type or consumption, marked by palpitation, night sweat, dizziness, vertigo, dry mouth and throat, and thready rapid pulse; including neurosism, etc. with the above symptoms.

Administrations

Suan Zao Ren is decocted first and then the other ingredients are added for the decoction to be taken 3 times.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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