This paper summarized the clinical experience of ZHANG Zhiyuan in using Suanzaoren （

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae

）. It is believed that the basic effect of Suanzaoren is to nourish the blood and supplement deficiency， and it can be used to treat various diseases caused by blood deficiency. In clinical practice， raw products of Suanzaoren are preferred， with a dosage in relation to the degree of blood deficiency ranging from 15 g to 50 g. Suanzaoren in combination with Longyanrou （Arillus Longan） has powerful effect of nourishing the blood and calming the mind， which is mainly used for fright， palpitations and fear， and lays the basis for

Zhengshen Decoction

（正神汤） and

Wuzaolong Decoction

（乌枣龙汤）. The combination of Suanzaoren and Baihe （

Bulbus Lilii

） can harmonize

ying

（营） and

wei

（卫）， and can be used for neurosis caused by blood deficiency and internal heat， based on which

Xiangji Decoction

（相济汤） is prepared. For insomnia with hyperactivity of heart fire and failure of the heart and kidney to interact type， and heart-liver blood deficiency and failure of nourishment of spirit and ethereal soul type， Huanglian Ejiao Decoction （黄连阿胶汤） plus Suanzaoren and modified

Suanzaoren Decoction

（酸枣仁汤） is suggested， respectively. For Meniere's disease with blood deficiency syndrome，

Wuwei Zaogui Mixture

（五味枣桂合剂） was used， while for palpitations with blood deficiency syndrome，

Suanzaoren Decoction

and

Modified Linggui Ganzao Decoction

（苓桂甘枣汤加味） are commonly used. In terms of spontaneous sweating and night sweat caused by blood deficiency， Suanzaoren as the chief herb is used together with other medicinals that can subdue Yang and consolidate and astringe essence to prepare

Anshen Mixture

（安神合剂） and

Zaoling Mayu Longmu Mixture

（枣苓麻萸龙牡综合剂）. For chronic fatigue syndrome，

Suanzaoren Decoction

is often used in combination with

Danggui

（

Radix Angelicae Sinensis

）

and

Shudihuang

（Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata）， and Qi Xian Decoction

（七仙汤） is prepared.