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Sour-jujube-seed decoction — the classic insomnia formula 酸枣仁汤
Sleep & Calm 安神助眠 early evidenceWhat the evidence says:
Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) trials and meta-analyses suggest improved sleep quality; studies are small and quality mixed. Mechanistically plausible (saponins act on GABA pathways).
Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) trials and meta-analyses suggest improved sleep quality; studies are small and quality mixed. Mechanistically plausible (saponins act on GABA pathways).
How to make it
Classically 酸枣仁 15 g (crushed) + 茯苓 + 知母 + 川芎 + 甘草 decocted; drunk an hour before bed. Pharmacy granules exist. (酸枣仁 itself will be added to the herb library next.)
Why it works
Combine with a fixed wake time and no late caffeine — the formula calms, routine cures.
Classical source
From the Jingui Yaolue 金匮要略 (~200 CE): "deficiency-restlessness with inability to sleep, Suan Zao Ren Tang governs it."
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Cautions: See a doctor for chronic insomnia — it can hide sleep apnoea or depression.