Can patients with liver yin deficiency consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Generally speaking, whether patients with liver yin deficiency can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) mainly depends on their individual constitution. If the patient is diagnosed with liver-kidney yin deficiency, they can usually take Cornus officinalis under the guidance of a physician. However, if the patient suffers from excessive internal damp-heat or fire, it should not be used. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Cornus officinalis has a sour and astringent taste and is slightly warm in nature. It acts on the liver and kidney meridians, and has functions of nourishing the liver and kidney, and astringing and consolidating essence. If symptoms of liver yin deficiency such as dizziness, blurred vision, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and tinnitus are diagnosed as liver-kidney yin deficiency by TCM syndrome differentiation, then moderate use of Cornus officinalis can be beneficial. Cornus officinalis can nourish the yin of the liver and kidney, helping to alleviate these discomforts.

However, if the patient has internal damp-heat or excessive fire, due to its warm nature, excessive or improper use of Cornus officinalis may aggravate symptoms of damp-heat or burden the spleen and stomach. Additionally, the flesh of Cornus officinalis is relatively tough; before use in medicine, it should be stir-fried over a gentle heat until wrinkled and blistered to facilitate the extraction of active ingredients during decoction.

In daily diet, it is important to maintain a balanced intake of various nutrients, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain good lifestyle habits to promote overall health.

References

[1] Wang Jiajun, Wang Zeping, Wang Xuelian, et al. Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Cornus officinalis [J]. Chinese Herbal Medicines, 2025, 56(03): 1088-1103.

[2] Wen Xilian, Wang Pinjie, Liu Hailin, et al. Development of Cornus officinalis Beverage and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity [J]. China Fruits & Vegetables, 2024, 44(12): 25-30.