Ziziphus spina-christi

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Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Rhamnaceae

  • Christ's Thorn
  • Christ's Thorn Jujube
  • Nabk Tree
  • sheizaf matzuy
  • שֵׁיזָף מָצוּי
  • dom دوم
  • nabq نبق
  • sidr سدر

Tree

  • Desert
  • Humid habitats
  • Mediterranean grasslands
  • Shrub-steppes
  •  Thermophilous plants
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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Dermatological

Abscess

Anti-Infective, Vulnerary

Grind 300 gm leaves, knead + 1 cup vinegar & apply as paste x2/day.

Leaf B
Dermatological

Hair loss

Hair restorer

1. Decoct branches & apply externally by washing hair. (B)
2. Decoct leaves & rinse hair with liquid.

Branch /twig, Leaf B, Z
Gastrointestinal

Abdominal pain

Carminative

Soak fruit & leaves in water for 11 days, boil soaked material, filter & drink x1 cup as needed (+ sugar can be added).

Fruit, Leaf B
Gastrointestinal

Constipation

Laxative

Soak fruit & leaves in water for 11 days, boil soaked material, filter & drink x1 cup as needed (+ sugar can be added).

Fruit, Leaf B
General

Fever

Anti-pyretic

1. Decoct leaves & drink x3/day.
2. Eat 10-15 fresh leaves as needed.

Leaf B
General

Swelling

Anti-hydropic

Prepare compress /formentation (hot poultice) from powdered tree core & apply locally.

Wood Z
Helminth infections

Worms

Anthelmintic, Vermifuge

Soak fruit & leaves in water for 11 days, boil soaked material, filter & drink x1 cup as needed (+sugar can be added).

Fruit, Leaf B
Oral Health

Toothache

Analgesic

1. Wash & dry plant roots, grind till powder & apply to teeth as needed.
2. Soak bark in water, boil & use as mouth rinse x1-2/day.

Bark, Root B
Respiratory

Cough

Anti-tussive

Decoct ground fruits + chamomile (Matricaria aurea) + fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) & drink 1 cup x2/day.

Fruit B
Surgical/ Trauma

Haemorrhage

Haemostatic

Use powdered tree core. (Preparation/ Admin. not specified.)

Wood Z

Notes

Cautions

Zizyphus spina-Christi can lower blood sugar therefore caution if on diabetic medication.

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.