Description
Warm in nature and sweet in taste. It enters spleen, stomach and heart meridians.
Candied dates are a premier Qi and Blood Tonic.
Health Benefits
Tonify the spleen and stomach Qi, nourishes the blood and calms the spirit, moisten and alleviate dryness.
Strongly Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi : Their intense sweetness directly targets the Spleen, which is responsible for transforming food into energy (Qi) and Blood. This makes them excellent for:
· Fatigue, low energy, and weak limbs (from Qi Deficiency)
· Poor appetite and loose stools
Nourishes the Blood and Calms the Spirit : By strengthening the Spleen, they promote the production of Blood. Well-nourished Blood calms the “Shen” (Spirit) housed in the Heart. This helps with:
· Insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety
· Pale complexion (a sign of Blood deficiency)
· Emotional instability and irritability (often associated with the “Blood deficiency” pattern in women)
Moistens and Harmonizes : The sugar/honey coating gives them a moistening quality. This makes them more beneficial for :
· Soothing a dry cough or dry throat.
· Counteracting the drying side effects of other, harsher herbs in an herbal formula. They are famous in TCM for “harmonising” the properties of other ingredients in a formula.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
Candied dates are used for patterns of Qi and Blood Deficiency, especially when there is also some dryness.
· General debility and chronic fatigue
· Poor appetite and digestive weakness
· Insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety due to Blood deficiency
· As a gentle, food-based tonic for recovery from illness or for the elderly.
· To add a sweet, harmonising flavor to herbal decoctions.
Precautions
Due to their very sweet, warm, and moistening nature, candied dates are not suitable for everyone. Overconsumption can easily cause problems.
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Dampness or Phlegm : Use with caution or avoid entirely. The sweetness can “create Dampness” and the moistening quality can exacerbate Phlegm. Symptoms include:
· Diabetes/Blood Sugar Concerns : Use in moderation as it is high in natural sugars.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary.
Common Usage and Preparation
· Culinary Use : Added to soups and herbal tea for a tonic effect.
