Can a person with heatstroke take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended for individuals suffering from heatstroke to consume cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu). Heatstroke is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation system, and resulting in a series of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. At this time, cooling measures should be taken as soon as possible, such as moving to a cool place, replenishing fluids, and using physical cooling methods, to alleviate symptoms.

Generally speaking, it is not recommended for individuals suffering from heatstroke to consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). The detailed explanation is as follows:

  

Heatstroke primarily results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to a disruption of the body's temperature regulation mechanism and causing a series of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. At this time, cooling measures should be promptly taken, such as moving to a cool place, replenishing fluids, and applying physical cooling methods to alleviate symptoms.

Although Cornus officinalis is a traditional Chinese herb known for its functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys and astringing to relieve symptoms like excessive perspiration, it is not suitable for treating heatstroke. Cornus officinalis is slightly warm in nature, with a sour and astringent taste, and acts on the liver and kidney meridians. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as deficiency of the liver and kidneys, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, impotence, and spermatorrhea. It does not possess the function of clearing heat and relieving summerheat, and therefore cannot be used to alleviate symptoms of heatstroke.

In cases of heatstroke, mistakenly consuming Cornus officinalis may increase the body's burden and hinder recovery. The correct approach is to implement cooling measures as soon as possible after heatstroke occurs and appropriately replenish water and electrolytes to maintain normal physiological functions. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, timely medical attention should be sought for professional treatment.

References:

[1] Effects and Functions of Cornus officinalis [J]. Forestry and Ecology, 2017, (03):26.

[2] Yi Xiaowei, Zhang Baoshan, Yan Yalan. Nutritional Functions of Cornus Officinalis and the Current Research Status of Its Health Foods [J]. Food Research and Development, 2002, (01):45-47.

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