Jujube: Temperament, Benefits and Cautions

Farzollah Gholizadeh and Fariba Bayrami

Jujube’s profile, near-moderate temperament, correctives by temperament, traditional uses and Dr Kalan’s advice.

Jujube generally clears gas and bloating from the stomach, but in cold temperaments it can have the opposite effect. People with intestinal parasites, phlegm or bloating should use it cautiously and under expert guidance. Those with reflux, heartburn or indigestion should eat it with its corrective.

Profile

• Latin: Ziziphus jujuba
• German: Jujube, Chinesische Dattel
• English: jujube, red date, Chinese date
• Spanish: azufaifa
• French: jujube
• Family: Rhamnaceae (buckthorn family)
• Genus: Ziziphus
• Temperament: moderate, leaning slightly towards cold and moist
• Correctives (muslih): for cold temperaments, honey and wild mint (pennyroyal); for hot temperaments it is a natural sweetener
• Constituents: the leaves contain phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic and chlorogenic acid); the fruit contains coumaric, ellagic and vanillic acid, epicatechin, quercetin, rutin and procyanidins; the seeds contain saponins and flavonoids such as spinosin and vitexin. It also contains tannins, sugars, mucilage, B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine), vitamins A and C, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc, plus antioxidant flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides.
• Native range: South-East Asia and China
• Grown in: China, Japan, Russia, India, southern Europe (including Italy) and North Africa
• Soil: a temperate plant that tolerates temperatures down to -20 °C; it prefers sandy, well-drained, fertile soil rich in humus and lime, and copes with heavy rain and drought
• Names and types: in China it is called “the fruit of life”; in some regions it is known as “ünnap” or “çiğde”, and also as red date, Chinese date or Indian date. There are close to 400 varieties.
• Harvest: from late September to mid-November; in cold climates from October
• Parts used: the fruit and leaves
• Forms of use: food, tea, hydrosol and extract; in pharmaceuticals and industry; in skincare products; as a gum; and as molasses (pekmez)

Traditional uses

• Drying and astringent
• Prevents hair loss
• Jujube gum prevents dandruff and gives hair a reddish tint
• The leaves soften abscesses
• Good for asthma and lung complaints
• Strengthens the stomach
• In excess it can cause constipation or diarrhoea
• Helpful in post-partum and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Used for intestinal ulcers and uterine discharge
• Boiled with thyme, it is traditionally said to thin the blood, ease palpitations and chest pain, relieve itching and help hardened arteries
• Used as a remedy for insomnia
• Reduces oxidative stress

Dr Kalan’s advice

Very hot temperaments, people with diabetes and those with blood-clotting problems should take jujube with dried yellow plums. It is good for itching caused by bile (safra), but not for itching caused by black bile (sawda).

Long-term use by cold temperaments can increase sexual problems, so they are advised to take it with a mix of ginger, cinnamon, saffron and galangal. This mix also helps burn fat, curbs appetite and supports weight loss. Jujube is used with its corrective in detox programmes.

Traditionally it is also used for high bilirubin in adults. It is rich in saponins, which strengthen immunity and the muscles. People with a melancholic (sawda) temperament are advised to eat jujube with dried yellow plums and figs.

Because it speeds blood flow, excessive use can cause allergic reactions and diarrhoea.

Safety

• Newborn jaundice needs a doctor. Do not give jujube water or any other herbal drink to newborn babies; jaundice in a baby must be assessed and treated medically.
• Jujube seed may add to the effect of sedatives and sleeping pills.
• People with diabetes should count jujube (especially dried fruit and molasses) as a source of sugar.