Date palm was introduced to China in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). It grows in Guangdong, and Yunnan provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is high in calories and is made into a paste for external use to relieve inflammation and ulcers. 

 

Da zao

The dark red Chinese date is most commonly used in TCM, especially to reinforce energy and aid digestion(digestion is the process of digesting food). It is nutrition(nutrition is the process of taking food into the body and absorbing the nutrients in those foods)-dense and contains more vitamin C per unit than apples and peaches.

It has high sugar content, 20-30 percent in fresh dates, 55-80 percent in dried fruit. Those with blood sugar problems should avoid it.

Chinese dates grows in most part of north China, including Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Gansu provinces. These are large and sweet, but smaller dates grown around Tianjin are considered more effective in TCM prescriptions, according to Xia.

Dong zao

The Winter jujube(冬枣dōngzǎo), another type, usually grows in Hebei and Shandong(山东Shāndōng) provinces. It’s rich in vitamin C and is believed to help prevent hardening of blood vessels and arteries, aiding cardiovascular health.

Suan zao

Ziziphus jujube(金丝枣jīnsīzǎo) is a “neutral” energy herb in TCM that helps soothe nerves, nourishes the heart and stops sweating. It is often prescribed for insomnia and night sweats.

It is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, phosphorous and recommended for growing children. It is considered an anti-aging food and helps reduce blood fat and prevent hardening of the arteries.

Hei zao

Black jujubes are fresh Chinese dates that have been smoked. This is a “warm” (yang) food that helps nourish yin and reinforce blood; it more effective in blood reinforcement than fresh jujubes. Eating a few every day are good for the kidneys (which control the reproductive system) and liver.
Other fruits

Sha zao

Oleaster is a neutral herb that benefits the spleen, stops diarrhea, regulates menstruation and acts as a diuretic. It is prescribed for patients suffering stomach pain, diarrhea and coughing due to pathogenic heat.

Ye zao