Have you noticed the weather starting to shift lately? The mornings feel cooler, the evenings come quicker, and maybe—just maybe—you’re already starting to reach for that cozy blanket or crave something warm to drink. That’s how you know early fall is quietly settling in.
With these seasonal changes come subtle shifts in how our bodies feel, too. Maybe you’re a little more tired, your sleep isn’t as deep, or your hands and feet feel colder than usual. It’s all completely normal during this transitional time of year. But it also means it’s the perfect time to start leaning into foods and habits that support your body from the inside out.
One of my favorite ways to do that? Jujube tea. Yes, jujube—also known as red date—isn’t just a sweet little fruit. It’s been a staple in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries, and it turns out, modern science has a lot of good things to say about it too. Let’s take a look at why this humble fruit might just be the perfect thing to add to your early fall wellness routine.
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Why Early Fall Is the Ideal Season for Jujube
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), early fall is considered a time when our bodies begin to conserve energy and shift from the expansive energy of summer to a more inward, grounding state. That’s why supporting digestion, calming the nervous system, and gently boosting immunity are key this time of year.
Jujube, known in TCM as da zao, is considered a warming food that helps “tonify Qi” (think: replenishing your life force), nourish the blood, and harmonize the digestive system. And the best part? It does all this in a gentle, non-stimulating way, making it ideal for those who are easily fatigued, stressed, or dealing with sleep issues as the seasons shift.
The Nutritional Power Behind Jujube
You don’t have to believe in herbal traditions to appreciate the science behind jujube. This fruit is packed with vitamin C, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and saponins. Let’s break down what that means for your body:
Jujube’s high antioxidant content, especially from vitamin C and flavonoids, helps fight oxidative stress—that’s the process that accelerates aging and wears down your immune system. So drinking jujube tea regularly can help keep your defenses strong, especially as cold and flu season approaches.
Saponins, naturally occurring compounds in jujube, are known to have calming effects on the nervous system. This makes them particularly helpful for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing sleep quality. If you’ve ever had trouble winding down at night, a warm cup of jujube tea could be a game changer.
The calcium in jujube also plays a role in regulating melatonin production, your body’s sleep hormone. That’s one more reason why jujube is considered such a great bedtime companion.
And let’s not forget your gut. Jujube has traditionally been used to soothe the digestive system, and modern studies suggest it may help with gastrointestinal inflammation. If you tend to feel bloated or sluggish during seasonal transitions, this gentle fruit could help get things moving again.
How to Enjoy Jujube the Right Way
Jujube can be enjoyed in many forms—dried as a snack, cooked into porridge, added to soups—but perhaps the most comforting way, especially in early fall, is as a tea.
To make jujube tea, simply take a few dried jujubes (you can find them at most Asian markets or online), slice or lightly crush them, and simmer in hot water for about 10–15 minutes. You’ll end up with a naturally sweet, soothing brew that’s perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
You might notice a bit of foam forming while the tea is simmering—that’s just the saponins being released. Totally safe, and actually a sign that you’re unlocking some of jujube’s best properties.
That said, moderation matters. Jujubes are high in natural sugars, so while they’re generally healthy, they’re best enjoyed in small amounts. If you have diabetes or are watching your blood sugar, be sure to consult your doctor before adding it to your routine.
Also, while fresh jujubes can be eaten raw, they’re more commonly dried when used medicinally. If you’ve never tried them before, think of them as slightly chewier and sweeter than a date, with a hint of apple.
Dr. Coucou Vitam
As we transition into early fall, it’s the perfect time to turn toward warm, nourishing habits that support our bodies and minds. Jujube tea offers a beautiful combination of tradition, flavor, and function—it’s warming, calming, and easy to enjoy.
Why not try adding a cup of jujube tea to your nightly wind-down routine this week? It might just become your new favorite ritual for better sleep, improved digestion, and a little extra peace of mind.
Take care of yourself, especially now. A little warmth goes a long way.
