After eating the jujube, hold the pit in your mouth for 10 minutes.
It's the season for jujubes to ripen. The jujube, known for its benefits of tonifying the middle jiao, replenishing qi, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit, has become a "frequent guest" on dining tables. However, when eating jujubes, most people spit out the pit immediately after eating the flesh, and some simply buy seedless varieties. This method only utilizes the nourishing function of the jujube flesh but fails to take advantage of the "promoting saliva production" function of the pit.
As early as over 400 years ago, Li Shizhen advocated the health-preserving method of "often holding the jujube pit in the mouth to promote the flow of saliva, which is excellent when swallowed." Practice has shown that holding the jujube pit in the mouth after eating the fruit helps promote saliva secretion. Modern research shows that saliva contains various enzymes that aid digestion and enhance the body's immune function. Swallowing saliva is a health-preserving method advocated by health experts throughout history. Consistent practice can alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, dry skin, and constipation, and also has a beautifying effect. For elderly friends with weak spleen and stomach, it can moisten the gastrointestinal tract and promote digestion.
With the arrival of autumn, people are easily troubled by "autumn dryness," showing symptoms such as a dry mouth, constipation, and nosebleeds. Adhering to the health-preserving method of swallowing saliva can, to a certain extent, relieve the various discomforts caused by autumn dryness.
Therefore, after eating the jujube flesh, don't rush to spit out the pit. Hold the pit in your mouth for 10-15 minutes, constantly move it with your tongue. When you have a good amount of saliva in your mouth, swallow it slowly. Then repeat the process. Be careful not to swallow the pit along with the saliva. This method is not suitable for children or people with swallowing disorders. There is a folk saying that "jujubes benefit the spleen but harm the teeth." The high sugar content of jujubes is not good for dental health. Therefore, patients with cavities should not hold the jujube pit in their mouth for a long time. Even for people with healthy teeth, it is best to rinse your mouth promptly after holding the pit, and if possible, brush your teeth.