Can I eat cornus fruit (Cornus officinalis) during the postpartum confinement period?

The postpartum period refers to the puerperium. Under normal circumstances, cornus (Cornus officinalis) can be consumed during the pueperium, but the dosage should be appropriately controlled under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows: After childbirth, a woman's body is typically weak and requires proper nutritional supplementation. Cornus, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has functions such as nourishing the spleen and stomach, benefiting the lungs, and relieving coughing. Appropriate consumption can help mothers regain strength. Moreover, some women may experience symptoms of yin deficiency with fire exuberance during the puerperium, such as night sweats and flushed cheeks. Cornus has effects of nourishing yin and clearing heat, and appropriate use can help alleviate these symptoms. However, cornus has a strong astringent effect. Overconsumption may hinder the discharge of lochia, potentially causing infection and affecting uterine recovery, which can be detrimental to the mother's health. Additionally, since each mother's constitution and recovery status are different, excessive consumption of cornus may cause excessive internal heat in mothers with a naturally heat-prone constitution, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and constipation. During the puerperium, mothers should maintain a balanced diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and supplement with adequate protein to promote physical recovery. References [1] Yu Hongwei. Cornus Officinalis as Both Medicine and Food [J]. Henan Agriculture, 2024, (15):2. [2] Zhang Ying, Wang Rui, Li Yifang. Discussion on the Application of Cornus Officinalis in "Medical Records Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine" [J]. Fujian Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 55(11):40-42.