In the Chinese Medical system, Ziziphus is held to be the most sedative of the plants used. It is held in high regard for this effect, being the primary ingredient in many formulas that are geared towards insomnia. In fact, Xu Dachun, a Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) physician claimed, “Everyone knows that one employs ziziphus and fu-shen if one can not sleep.” It is believed that its sedative effects extend primarily from the high concentration of jujubesides. These triterpenoid saponins are found in many adaptogenic plants and are collectively thought to be why they are classified as such. An adaptogen works on the nervous system to modulate the stress response. While ziziphus is not classified as an adaptogen, its great sedative powers may stem from this fact. Ziziphus has been shown to increase the amount of REM sleep in individuals, though science cannot say either way if this is a good or bad thing. This herb has also been used for a very long time with insomniacs because of its ability to keep an individual in a state of deeper sleep. This may have to do with its effects on the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is essential for sleep because it basically turns everything ‘OFF.’ As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, the more of this in the brain compared to acetylcholine, the more likely you will be asleep. Ziziphus has been found to promote GABA receptor expression, thus increasing GABA’s inhibitory actions on the arousal (wake) system. In fact, Ziziphus is such a good herb for insomniacs that its metabolic pathways for helping with insomnia have been mapped as possible areas to create new sleep drugs. Please note: This herb is NOT a sleep aid in falling asleep in as much as it is in having more restful sleep. Also, REM sleep is the time we remember and have the most vivid of our dreams. Taking Ziziphus may result in a greater frequency and/or more intense dreams.
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