Recently, a traditional Chinese medicine called sour jujube kernel has attracted attention from all walks of life. It is reported that the upstream raw material of sour jujube kernels, sour jujube, has increased in price from 5 yuan/jin to over 15 yuan/jin within two months, which has doubled and the supply is in short supply
Recently, a traditional Chinese medicine called sour jujube kernel has attracted attention from all walks of life. It is reported that the upstream raw material of sour jujube kernels, sour jujube, has increased in price from 5 yuan/jin to over 15 yuan/jin within two months, which has doubled and the supply is in short supply.According to media reports, the price of sour jujube kernels has skyrocketed from 500 to 600 yuan/kg to 1000 yuan/kg since the second half of last yearIn some places, there have even been phenomena such as youth grabbing and illegal mining. So, what exactly is sour jujube kernel? Why is it so hot? What are its functions and uses?
Sour jujube kernel is the mature seed of the Rhamnaceae plant, Sour jujube. Sour jujube is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows on slopes, valleys, hills, plains, and other places. Harvest the autumn fruits when they are ripe. Soak the fruits overnight, rub off the flesh, remove them, crush the stones with a stone mill, remove the seeds, and dry them in the sun. Sour jujube kernels are oblate or oblate in shape, with a purple red or purple brown color. They are shiny, slightly flavored, and have a light taste.
Sour jujube kernel is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb with functions such as nourishing the liver, calming the heart, calming the nerves, and reducing sweating. Mainly used for treating symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, excessive dreaming, excessive sweating due to body deficiency, and thirst due to fluid injury. Suanzaoren also has pharmacological effects such as sedation, hypnosis, analgesia, anticonvulsant, blood pressure lowering, blood lipid lowering, anti arrhythmia, and anti myocardial ischemia.
Sour jujube kernels can be decocted separately in water or used in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines. Common formulas include sour jujube kernel soup, sour jujube kernel pill, sweet wheat and jujube soup, etc. In addition to being sold as a traditional Chinese medicine, the flesh of jujube also has high nutritional value, which can be processed into jujube juice, jujube powder, jujube cake, jujube wine, etc. Sour jujube leaves and tender stems can be processed into sour jujube tea, which is commonly referred to as the "Oriental Sleeping Leaf".
So, why does the price of sour jujube kernels skyrocket and the imbalance between supply and demand occur?
According to analysis, there are several main reasons:
One is the impact of climate change. In recent years, many areas in China have experienced severe weather conditions such as drought, hail, and low temperatures, resulting in reduced or failed harvests of sour jujube in some production areas. Meanwhile, factors such as global warming and environmental pollution have affected the flowering, pollination, and fruit quality of jujube.
The second is stimulated by market demand. Due to the impact of the COVID-19, people's recognition and demand for traditional Chinese medicine have increased significantly, especially for traditional Chinese medicine with health care functions. Sour jujube kernel, as a sedative, can alleviate people's anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and other emotions, so it has been widely welcomed and pursued. At the same time, Semen Ziziphi Spinosae is also an important raw material for some traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, such as Angong Niuhuang Pill, Anshen Bunao Liquid, Liuwei Dihuang Pill, etc. The sales of these traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations are also growing.
Thirdly, it is influenced by the industrial chain. The industrial chain of sour jujube kernels is relatively long, involving planting, picking, processing, transportation, sales, and other links. Among them, planting and picking are the most critical steps and are also the most susceptible to external factors. Due to the long growth cycle, low yield, and high demand of sour jujube, the market for sour jujube is in short supply. Moreover, the picking time of sour jujube is relatively short, usually between September and October. If this time period is missed, it will affect the quality and quantity of sour jujube kernels. In addition, the rise in the price of sour jujube kernels has also attracted some illegal elements to engage in activities such as snatching, poaching, and counterfeiting, posing a serious threat to the ecological protection and quality safety of sour jujube kernels.
In short, as a precious traditional Chinese medicine and health food, jujube kernel should be reasonably developed and effectively protected. Only in this way can sour jujube kernels, a precious treasure of the Chinese nation, continue to exert their unique value and charm.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])
