Eclipta and Jujube Blood-Nourishing Decoction: Recipe & Benefits

Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta) and Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, Red Date) Blood-Nourishing Decoction – Medicinal Diet Education

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Eclipta and Red Date Blood-Nourishing Decoction is a classic restorative medicinal diet with a long lineage and simple ingredients, traditionally praised in folk medicine as “suitable for frequent consumption in Blood Deficiency.” This decoction combines the cooling, moistening nature of Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta) with the sweet warmth of Ziziphus jujuba (red date). Together, they capture the essence of herbs and the rich flavor of fruit. After simmering, the soup becomes clear and reddish in color, with a slightly sweet taste and a light herbal freshness, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals.

Eclipta (Herba Ecliptae), also known as Mo Han Lian or Jin Ling Cao, was first recorded in the *Tang Materia Medica* (*Tang Ben Cao*). Throughout successive dynasties, herbal classics have listed it as an essential herb for nourishing the Liver and Kidneys, and for cooling blood and stopping bleeding. Jujube (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae), honored as the “King of Fruits,” was classified as a top-grade herb in the *Shen Nong’s Classic of the Materia Medica* (*Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*), stating that it “calms the Middle and nourishes the Spleen, assists the twelve channels, harmonizes Stomach Qi, and opens the nine orifices.” When combined, these two herbs—one clearing and one supplementing, one moistening and one nourishing—mutually enhance their effects to nourish blood and enrich Yin, and harmonize the Nutritive (Ying) and Defensive (Wei) Qi. This combination is particularly suitable for daily regulation of a constitution characterized by depletion of Yin and Blood with internal disturbance of Deficiency Heat.

Formula Name Interpretation

“The name ‘Hanliancao’ (Eclipta prostrata, commonly known as Eclipta or False Daisy) derives from its stems and leaves being soft and pliable like a lotus yet growing in dry land. ‘Hongzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as Red Date or Chinese Date) is named for its red color resembling a date and its sweet flavor entering the Spleen. ‘Yangxue’ (nourishing Blood) directly indicates the core action of this formula. The full name is concise and clear, highlighting the main herbs while specifying the therapeutic direction, making it easy to understand at a glance.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

This decoction’s most significant effect lies in nourishing Liver Blood and supplementing the Heart and Spleen. It provides beneficial improvement for blood deficiency signs such as sallow complexion, dizziness and vertigo, palpitations and insomnia, and brittle nails caused by excessive worry and overthinking, overwork and staying up late, or prolonged illness with loss of nourishment. Eclipta prostrata (旱莲草) is cool and moistening in nature, able to clear vacuity heat and stop abnormal bleeding, and is particularly effective for various bleeding disorders due to yin deficiency with blood heat, such as gingival bleeding, epistaxis, and menorrhagia. Jujube (红枣) excels in supplementing the center and boosting qi, as well as nourishing blood and calming the spirit. Their combination ensures supplementation without causing stagnation and enrichment without greasiness, skillfully achieving the principle that “to nourish blood, first supplement qi; to nourish blood, first calm the heart.”

From a modern nutritional perspective, Herba Ecliptae (旱莲草, *Eclipta prostrata*) is rich in flavonoids, coumarins, and multiple trace elements, exhibiting significant antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and hepatoprotective effects. Fructus Jujubae (红枣, *Ziziphus jujuba* Red Date) is abundant in iron, vitamin C, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); vitamin C substantially enhances iron absorption, so its “blood-tonifying” effect is not unfounded but supported by solid scientific evidence. Regular consumption of this decoction can significantly elevate hemoglobin levels, improve peripheral microcirculation, and promote a rosy complexion and robust vitality.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In the theoretical framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Eclipta-Jujube Decoction for Nourishing Blood (Hànliǎncǎo Hóngzǎo Yǎngxuè Tāng) primarily acts on the Liver (Gàn, LR), Kidney (Shèn, KI), Heart (Xīn, HT), and Spleen (Pí, SP) meridians. Eclipta (Hànliǎncǎo, Herba Ecliptae) is sweet and sour in flavor, cold in nature, and enters the Liver (LR) and Kidney (KI) meridians specifically. Its functions are to nourish and supplement the Liver and Kidneys (zī bǔ gān shèn), cool the blood, and stop bleeding (liáng xuè zhǐ xuè). As recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* (Běncǎo Gāngmù), it is said to “darken the beard and hair, and supplement Kidney yin.” Conditions arising from Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency (gān shèn yīn xū) such as premature graying of hair and beard, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees (yāo xī suān ruǎn), and dimming of vision with blurred sight (mù àn hūn huā), can all be treated with this herb. Jujube (Hóngzǎo, Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae) is sweet in flavor, warm in nature, and enters the Spleen (SP), Stomach (Wèi, ST), and Heart (HT) meridians. It excels at supplementing the middle Jiao and boosting Qi (bǔ zhōng yì qì), nourishing the blood and calming the spirit (yǎng xuè ān shén), and is known as the “fruit of the Spleen” (pí zhī guǒ).

The combination of these two herbs—one cold and one warm, one clearing and one tonifying—achieves the exquisite effect of “sweet-moist mutual assistance.” The cool nature of Eclipta prostrata (旱莲草) counteracts the warmth of Jujube (红枣), preventing it from generating heat and fire; while the sweetness of Jujube moderates the cold of Eclipta prostrata, protecting the yang qi of the Middle Burner (中焦). Together, they produce the effect of “nourishing without cloying, tonifying without drying”—simultaneously supplementing the yin of the Liver (肝) and Kidney (肾), and benefiting the blood of the Heart (心) and Spleen (脾). This formulation is especially suitable for patterns of dual deficiency of yin and blood (阴血两虚) with floating of deficient fire (虚火浮越). For women, this soup is an excellent remedy for regulating menstruation and beautifying the complexion, effectively addressing conditions such as early menstruation (月经先期) due to blood deficiency with heat (血虚夹热), heavy menstrual flow with bright red color, and irritability during menstruation.

Essentials of Herbal Compatibility

In the formula, *Eclipta prostrata* (Hanliancao) serves as the principal herb with a notably heavy dosage, leveraging its property of nourishing yin and cooling blood. *Ziziphus jujuba* (Hongzao, red date) acts as the adjuvant herb with a secondary dosage, utilizing its function of tonifying the spleen and nourishing blood. These two herbs are used synergistically, complemented by small amounts of *Zingiber officinale* (Shengjiang, fresh ginger) and brown sugar to harmonize the stomach and aid transportation, rendering the entire formula’s medicinal effect gentle yet sustained. If blood deficiency is more pronounced, *Angelica sinensis* (Danggui, Chinese angelica) and *Rehmannia glutinosa preparata* (Shudihuang, prepared rehmannia) may be added as appropriate. If deficient heat is prominent, *Lycium chinense* root bark (Digupi, wolfberry root bark) and *Cynanchum atratum* (Baiwei, swallowwort root) can be incorporated.

Suitable Individuals

This product is especially suitable for the following groups for daily conditioning: first, mental workers who are engaged in long-term desk work, overuse their brains, and frequently stay up late. This group is most prone to stealthily depleting yin and blood, presenting with symptoms such as dizziness, forgetfulness, pale complexion, and dry eyes. Second, women in the post-menstrual phase, postpartum period, or menopause, at which times yin and blood deficiency is more pronounced, often manifesting as scanty menstruation with pale, thin discharge, sallow complexion, dry skin, and irritability. Third, patients with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or recurrent bleeding disorders (such as thrombocytopenic purpura, gingival bleeding, epistaxis, etc.) may use this soup as an adjuvant nourishment during the stable phase of the illness, to aid the regeneration of yin and blood and allow deficiency heat to subside naturally.

Furthermore, for middle-aged and elderly individuals presenting with signs of premature aging due to gradual Liver and Kidney deficiency—such as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, weakness of the legs and feet, premature graying of hair, and memory decline—this soup may also be consumed in small amounts over a long period to achieve the effect of “moderating the center, supplementing deficiency, and prolonging life.” For adolescents who experience insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep and poor concentration due to academic pressure, after ruling out an Excess Heat pattern, this soup may also be taken in appropriate amounts, but the dosage should be reduced by half.

Contraindications

All medicated diets have certain properties and should not be taken indiscriminately. The following individuals should use this formula with caution or avoid it entirely: First, those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold presenting with loose, unformed stools—Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata) is cold in nature and may easily impair Spleen Yang, potentially exacerbating diarrhea and abdominal pain after consumption. Second, those with unresolved External Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat Exterior Patterns—the exterior must be released before addressing supplementation; otherwise, there is a risk of “locking the pathogen inside,” allowing pathogenic factors to linger. Third, those with internal exuberance of Phlegm-Dampness, accompanied by epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, along with a thick, greasy tongue coating—Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is sweet and moistening, thus promoting Dampness, while Eclipta is cold and may obstruct the Stomach; after ingestion, Dampness and turbidity may become more pronounced, leading to poor appetite, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting.

Furthermore, women experiencing menstrual blood with heavy clotting, abdominal pain that refuses pressure, and dark purple blood due to blood stasis excess pattern should avoid this decoction, as its astringent properties may impede the expulsion of stagnant blood. Pregnant women should only use it under the guidance of a TCM practitioner and must not take it arbitrarily. Diabetic patients who need to consume this decoction should strictly control the dosage of Ziziphus jujuba (red dates) and monitor blood glucose levels, or may substitute part of the red dates with Stevia rebaudiana (stevia) for flavoring.

Ingredient Formula Proportions

Main Ingredients: 15–30 g of dried Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta, Herba Ecliptae), or 50–80 g if using fresh herb.
Supplementary Ingredients: 8–12 pitted Chinese red dates (Fructus Jujubae, Ziziphus jujuba), approximately 30–40 g.
Seasoning: 2–3 slices (about 3–5 g) of fresh ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Zingiber officinale), and an appropriate amount of brown sugar (approximately 10–15 g, adjustable to taste).
Water Ratio: 1200–1500 mL of clean water; yields approximately 800–1000 mL of finished decoction. This is a daily dose for 1–2 persons.

The above are the standard adult dosages. For children and adolescents, reduce the dosage proportionally, calculated as 2 grams of Eclipta (herba ecliptae, dried) and 1 red date (fructus jujubae) per year of age. For those with a Cold pattern constitution, increase Ginger (rhizoma zingiberis) to 5 slices and add 5–6 pieces of Longan meat (arillus longan) to enhance warming and tonifying effects. For those with pronounced Deficiency-Heat, omit Ginger and add 10 grams of Ophiopogon root (radix ophiopogonis) and 10 grams of Solomon’s seal (rhizoma polygonati odorati) to strengthen nourishing yin and moistening dryness.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Quickly rinse the dried Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta) in clean water to remove dust; if using fresh Eclipta, rinse it thoroughly three to four times, remove old stems and withered leaves, then cut into one-inch sections. Soak the Ziziphus jujuba (red dates) in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then wash and remove the pits—jujube pits are relatively drying and hot in nature, so removing them makes the soup’s property more balanced. Wash the Zingiber officinale (ginger) and slice thinly without peeling.

Step 2: Decoction Preparation. Take a clean earthenware or ceramic pot (avoid iron or aluminum pots to prevent compromising efficacy). Add together Herba Ecliptae (Eclipta prostrata, false daisy), Fructus Jujubae (Chinese red dates, jujube), and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (fresh ginger). Pour in 1200–1500 ml of clean water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then skim off any foam. Reduce to a low heat and simmer for 40–50 minutes to fully extract the active constituents. If fresh herbs are used, the decoction time may be shortened to 25–30 minutes.

Step 3: Adjust the flavor and finish the decoction. When the medicinal decoction has reduced to approximately 800–1000 ml, use a strainer to remove the dregs (or alternatively, drink directly without straining). Add brown sugar (brown sugar / raw sugar) and stir until fully dissolved. The brown sugar should be traditionally crafted unrefined brown sugar or black sugar (black sugar); avoid using red granulated sugar (refined brown sugar substitute) or white sugar. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then ladle into a bowl and serve.

Tips for Taking

1. Optimal Consumption Time and Frequency: It is recommended to consume warm (heated) in the afternoon between 3:00–5:00 PM (when the Bladder Meridian [BL] is in command) or 1–2 hours before bedtime, as the body’s Yin energy gradually flourishes at these times, most conducive to nourishing blood and calming the spirit. Consume 3–4 times per week for best results; a treatment course consists of four consecutive weeks of consumption, with an optional one-week pause before resuming. Do not consume multiple times within a single day, as this may cause a cloying, dampening quality that impairs the stomach.

2. Differentiation and adjustment based on Cold, Heat, Deficiency, and Excess: If after consumption there appears a bland taste in the mouth, loose stools, or a cold sensation in the abdomen, it indicates a Cold constitution. In such cases, increase the amount of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and reduce the amount of Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata). If there appears a bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, or irritability and insomnia, it indicates more pronounced Deficiency-Heat. One may add 10g of Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus) and decoct together, and reduce the amount of brown sugar. If the patient is taking other medications (especially anticoagulants or antihypertensives), it is recommended to consult a physician before deciding whether to consume.

3. Storage Method and Contraindicated Combinations: This decoction should be prepared and consumed on the same day; it is not suitable for overnight storage, nor should it be refrigerated and then consumed cold, as this would both diminish its medicinal efficacy and harm the spleen and stomach. If consumption in portions is necessary, the decoction may be placed in a thermos and consumed within 6 hours. During the period of consumption, avoid pungent, hot, and drying foods (such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, lamb, and alcoholic beverages), as well as raw, cold, and cooling items (such as ice cream, watermelon, and bitter melon), to prevent counteracting the medicinal effects or damaging the middle yang.