Can Rehmannia be combined with Cornus officinalis?

Rehmannia glutinosa is usually combined with Cornus officinalis. However, it should be used under the guidance of a physician.

Rehmannia glutinosa has a sweet, slightly bitter, and cold property, and enters the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. It functions to nourish yin and benefit the kidneys, as well as cool the blood and promote body fluid production. Cornus officinalis has an acidic, astringent, and slightly warm property, and enters the liver and kidney meridians. It functions to nourish the liver and kidneys and has effects of consolidation and astringency. These two herbs are often used together to enhance the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and are suitable for symptoms such as vertigo, blurred vision, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and seminal emission caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys.

Both prepared Rehmannia glutinosa and Cornus officinalis enter the liver and kidney meridians. When used together, they can nourish the liver and kidneys and enhance liver and kidney function. They can provide some relief for symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, and impotence or seminal emission caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys. Both prepared Rehmannia glutinosa and Cornus officinalis contain multiple active ingredients that can enhance human immunity and improve resistance. They offer certain health benefits for individuals with weakened immune function, such as middle-aged and elderly people or those who are frail and frequently ill.

If long-term use is required or if there are multiple concurrent conditions, it is recommended to consult a TCM practitioner for syndrome differentiation and guidance on appropriate medication use, avoiding arbitrary combinations.

References:

[1] Chen Ni, Liu Qianqian, Deng Yingying, et al. Research on the Current Application of Health Products Containing Cornus officinalis [J]. Chinese Patent Medicine, 2024, 46(11): 3768-3771.

[2] Huang Weibo, Guo Shuangyan, Lyu Jiali, et al. Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Cornus officinalis [J]. Journal of Xinxiang Medical University, 2025, 42(01): 79-84.