Tonic herbTraditional use
Jujube
Ziziphus jujuba (red date, daechu)
- Category
- Tonic herb
- Evidence
- Traditional use
- Used
- In the kitchen
- In the library
- Book II, Chapter 10
- Pairs with
- Goji Berry, Ginseng
Overview
The red date of Chinese and Korean tradition — brewed as a calming, blood-nourishing tea and simmered into broths and porridges.
What it is
Jujube, or red date, is one of the most used foods in traditional Asian medicine. In Korea, daechu-cha (jujube tea) is a morning ritual; in China it is added to nearly every tonic soup.
Traditionally it 'nourishes the blood and calms the spirit' — associated with a rosy complexion, better sleep, and steady energy.
How it works
- Contains flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides studied for antioxidant activity.
- Small studies have explored jujube's effects on sleep quality and digestion; skin-specific research is limited.
Potential benefits
- A gentle, naturally sweet daily tea
- Traditional association with calm and restful sleep
- Antioxidant compounds
Potential benefits describe what research and use suggest may occur for many people — not guaranteed outcomes. Individual responses vary.
Who might consider it
- Readers looking for a caffeine-free evening ritual
- Anyone exploring broths and tonic soups
How it’s used
- Simmered into tea (often with ginger), or added whole to broths and congee.
- Dried jujubes keep for months; refrigerate once opened.
Pairing with other ingredients
- Goji BerrySweet, nourishing, and traditionally paired.
- GinsengJujube softens ginseng's bitterness in samgyetang and tonic teas.
Things to know
- Naturally high in sugar; a few dates per serving is traditional.
- Remove pits before simmering for long periods.
Research
References & further reading
- 01
Ziziphus jujuba: a review of nutrition and health benefits
Journal of Food Science
Most evidence is preclinical.
Art of Radiance distinguishes established evidence from emerging research and traditional practice. Read our science & sources approach.