Sheng Jiang and Da Zao in the Kitchen of Herbal Medicine
When you look at the ingredient lists of classical Chinese formulas, you’ll see two names appearing with remarkable frequency, often at the very end:Sheng Jiang(Fresh Ginger) andDa Zao(Chinese Date or Jujube). They may seem like simple additions, but their role is essential for the balance of the formula.
Sheng Jiang (Verse Gember)
Ginger is sharp and warm.
Role:It helps activate the stomach and ensures proper absorption of other herbs. It also helps slightly open the body’s surface, promoting the distribution of the herbal power.
Da Zao (Jujube)
The Chinese date is sweet and nutritious.
Role:It protects the stomach lining and nourishes energy (qi) and fluids. It softens the sharp edges of other, more potent herbs in the mix.
The Golden Duo
Together they form a harmonizing pair. Ginger promotes movement and protection against the cold, while Jujube provides calm and protection against dehydration. In a formula, they ensure that the digestive system where the herbs are processed continues to function optimally. They make the formula gentler on the stomach and more effective for the body