Jujube: use, properties, and tradition

Jujube, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, is a small thorny tree native to China and introduced to Europe at the beginning of the Christian era, not exceeding 10 meters in height.

Its name comes from the Greek word zizyphon, meaning to move in a zigzag, and indeed, its branches grow in such a manner, slowing down its growth rate.

The wood is very hard and durable, with contorted spiny branches.

The deciduous, oval-shaped leaves have a pale green color. The small white flowers are grouped in 3 to 6 in a small cluster at the leaf axil.

The fruits (jujubes), oval or round depending on the cultivar, are brown and have a tangy taste when harvested immature. When fully ripe, they become sweet, resembling dates.

The species can withstand temperatures as low as -4°C.

Each fruit contains a large seed whose components aid in relieving anxiety and insomnia-related issues.

The major components of the seeds include triterpenic saponins like jujubosides A1 and C, and acetyl jujuboside B, betulinic acid, betulin, vitamins A, B2, C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The fruits contain some of the compounds isolated in the seeds and have shown a similar sedative effect.

Thanks to the content of triterpenic saponins, Jujube seed extract has demonstrated activity against anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, excessive irritability, anoxia, neurasthenia, palpitations, night sweats, and excessive perspiration. Some studies also report an antioxidant effect.

Jujube’s small, sweet fruits can be eaten and used to make jams, syrups, and liqueurs, including the well-known jujube broth.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Jujube acts on the channels of the liver and heart. It nourishes the heart, calms the spirit, and is thus recommended for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. It reduces excessive perspiration, tones the spleen, stomach, and is used to decrease respiratory rate.

Jujubes are part of the composition of the “four chest fruit” herbal tea, also known as the expectorant fruit tea. It is prepared by decocting an equal mixture of jujubes, pitted dates, dried figs, and raisins. The taste is pleasant, with a dosage of 50 grams per liter of water, simmered gently for half an hour. Effective for colds, bronchitis, and respiratory system disorders in general.

Zizyphus jujuba (buds) – (seeds) Glycerin Macerate 1 DH:

Jujube buds are indicated for neurovegetative dystonia, anxiety neuroses, and muscle spasms. Prescribed for insomnia with sleep disturbed by nightmares, as well as in allergic reactions and anaphylactic disorders with nonspecific immune disturbances.

The seeds are active in concentration disorders and memory decrease. They are also useful in neurasthenia, insomnia, palpitations, and night sweats.

These gemmotherapy remedies are still in the experimental phase. (F. Piterà – M. Rossi).

GIULIA CALDARELLI