Can patients with wind-cold感冒 (common cold with cold symptoms) drink Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

In general, patients with wind-cold感冒 (wind-cold感冒 refers to a type of common cold caused by exposure to cold and wind, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine) are not advised to consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). Wind-cold感冒 is a cold caused by external contraction of wind and cold, and treatment usually requires pungent-warm diaphoretic medications to dispel the cold from the body. Although Cornus officinalis has various effects, its primary functions are nourishing the liver and kidneys and astringing to relieve symptoms such as excessive sweating or diarrhea—it does not have the effect of pungent-warm diaphoresis.

Generally, patients with wind-cold common cold are not advised to consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). The detailed explanation is as follows:

Wind-cold common cold is caused by an external contraction of wind and cold, with main symptoms including severe chills, mild fever, and absence of perspiration. Treating wind-cold common cold usually requires pungent-warm exterior-releasing medicines to dispel the cold from the body. Although Cornus officinalis has multiple effects, its primary functions are nourishing the liver and kidneys and astringing essence; it lacks the effect of pungent-warm exterior-releasing. Therefore, patients with wind-cold common cold caused by external contraction of wind and cold are not advised to take Cornus officinalis.

In addition, since Cornus officinalis is warm in nature, for patients who already have internal heat manifestations, such as red tongue and dry mouth, excessive or improper use of Cornus officinalis may exacerbate internal heat symptoms, thus being unfavorable to recovery from the common cold. Before taking any traditional Chinese medicine, one should consult a qualified physician to avoid self-medicating blindly, ensuring both efficacy and safety.

During the period of wind-cold common cold, it is recommended to maintain good lifestyle habits, such as adequate rest, increased water intake, and a balanced diet, all of which can aid in recovering from the common cold.

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] Yu Hongwei. The dual use of medicine and food—Cornus officinalis [J]. Henan Agriculture, 2024, (15): 2.

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What medication should be taken for a cold caused by wind-cold?

In general, colds caused by wind-cold invasion commonly occur during the autumn and winter seasons, and patients may experience symptoms such as chills, absence of perspiration, and a runny nose with clear mucus. Under the guidance of a physician, medications such as Ganmao Qingre Granules, Zheng Chaihu Yin Granules, Fenghan Ganmao Granules, Jingfang Granules, and Waigan Fenghan Granules may be used, which can be effective to some extent in relieving wind-cold type colds.