Can patients with cold-dampness and yang deficiency consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?
Mar 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with cold-dampness and yang deficiency can consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). However, if a patient exhibits significant excess-heat symptoms, excessive consumption should be avoided, and it is recommended to use Cornus officinalis under the guidance of a physician. In daily diet, patients should also maintain balanced nutrition, avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, and maintain good lifestyle habits to promote overall health.
Generally, patients with cold-dampness and yang deficiency can consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). However, if patients exhibit significant excess-heat symptoms, excessive consumption should be avoided. It is recommended to consume Cornus officinalis under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Cornus officinalis is slightly warm in nature, with a sour and astringent taste, and it enters the liver and kidney meridians. It has functions including nourishing the liver and kidney, consolidating essence to prevent spermatorrhea, and astringing blood to stop bleeding. Additionally, Cornus officinalis contains various active substances, such as monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and organic acids, which can nourish and enhance liver and kidney function. For patients with yang deficiency, especially those with kidney yang deficiency, Cornus officinalis can replenish kidney essence and improve symptoms caused by kidney deficiency, such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, impotence, and nocturnal emission.
However, if patients also have significant excess-heat symptoms, such as dry mouth and throat or constipation, or if they have spleen-stomach weakness and indigestion, excessive consumption of Cornus officinalis may exacerbate internal damp-heat symptoms and be detrimental to health. Furthermore, pregnant women and individuals with allergic constitutions should use it cautiously.
In daily diet, patients should also focus on balanced nutrition, avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to promote overall health.
References
[1] Wen Xilian, Wang Pinjie, Liu Hailin, et al. Development and antioxidant activity evaluation of Cornus officinalis beverage [J]. China Fruits & Vegetables, 2024, 44(12): 25-30.
[2] Chen Ni, Liu Qianqian, Deng Yingying, et al. Study on the current application status of health foods containing Cornus officinalis [J]. Chinese Patent Medicine, 2024, 46(11): 3768-3771.
