Can Salvia miltiorrhiza be used together with Cornus officinalis?

Mar 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Danshen has functions including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, unblocking meridians to relieve pain, clearing the mind to alleviate irritability, and cooling the blood to reduce abscesses and sores. Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), on the other hand, has effects such as nourishing the liver and kidneys, astringing and consolidating essence, strengthening the heart, lowering blood lipids, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actions. When patients present with conditions requiring treatment through promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, nourishing the liver and kidneys, or calming the mind and relieving anxiety, Danshen and Shanzhuyu can be used together in combination.

Generally, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Cornus officinalis can be used together in most cases to achieve synergistic effects. However, if a patient's constitution is unsuitable or there is a potential drug interaction, these two herbs should not be used together. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Salvia miltiorrhiza has functions including promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, clearing heat to relieve irritability, cooling blood to reduce abscesses and sores. Cornus officinalis can nourish the liver and kidney, consolidate and astringe bodily fluids, strengthen the heart, lower blood lipids, and exert anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. When patients require treatment involving blood activation, liver and kidney nourishment, or calming the mind, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Cornus officinalis can be used together.

However, patients with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat or damp-heat constitution should not use Cornus officinalis, as it is relatively warm in nature and may exacerbate symptoms such as yin deficiency fire hyperactivity or damp-heat. If a patient is taking other medications, especially those that may interact with either Salvia miltiorrhiza or Cornus officinalis, they should also use these herbs cautiously under the guidance of a physician to avoid adverse drug reactions.

When using Salvia miltiorrhiza and Cornus officinalis together, it is important to follow medical instructions and use the correct dosage and method to avoid adverse reactions caused by overdose or improper usage.

References

[1] Pan Xuege. Studies on the Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Traditional Chinese Medicines Cornus officinalis and Salvia miltiorrhiza [D]. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 2018.

[2] Zhang Yanyan, Huang Yigang. Research on the Bioactivities of Cornus officinalis [J]. Modern Food, 2024, 30(20): 76-78.

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Which three types of people should not consume Cornus officinalis (Chinese cornel)?

Generally speaking, there is no specific saying that "three types of people should not consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). However, individuals with excessive internal heat and dampness, those experiencing painful and difficult urination, individuals suffering from constipation, people with cold or fever symptoms, and those allergic to Cornus officinalis should avoid its consumption. Cornus officinalis is warm in nature and has a sour taste, offering functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys and promoting astringency and consolidation. Consumption by these groups may exacerbate their existing discomforts.