Can Foshou (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) and Shan Zhuyu (Cornus officinalis) be steeped together?
Mar 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, fingered citron (Buddha's hand) and cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu) can be steeped together; however, if you have specific medical needs, it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a physician. Fingered citron is commonly used to treat symptoms such as liver qi stagnation, distension and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, abdominal fullness, stomach pain, gastric distension, phlegm-damp cough, palpitations, and insomnia. It can help relieve emotions, regulate liver qi, and may aid in reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
Generally speaking, fingered citron (Buddha's hand) and cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu) can be steeped together. However, if you have specific medical needs, it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Fingered citron is commonly used to treat symptoms such as liver qi stagnation, distention and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, abdominal fullness and distention, stomach pain, stomach distention, phlegm-damp cough, palpitations, and insomnia. It can help relieve emotions, regulate liver qi, and assist in stress relief and improvement of sleep quality. Cornus fruit is commonly used to treat symptoms such as liver and kidney deficiency, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, blurred vision, seminal emission and spermatorrhea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and metrorrhagia with leukorrhea. It can enhance liver and kidney function, consolidate the body's essential qi, and prevent its loss.
Fingered citron and cornus fruit have a certain degree of complementary effects. Fingered citron primarily focuses on soothing the liver, regulating qi, and managing emotions, whereas cornus fruit mainly emphasizes nourishing the liver and kidneys and consolidating essential qi. When used together, they can regulate both the liver and kidneys simultaneously, achieving better health benefits. This combination is suitable for various populations, such as those with liver and kidney deficiency, emotional instability, or excessive sweating. Long-term consumption of water or alcohol infused with fingered citron and cornus fruit can gradually improve physical constitution and enhance quality of life.
Although water or alcohol infused with fingered citron and cornus fruit offers certain health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive intake. Individuals differ in body constitution and may react differently to fingered citron and cornus fruit. Before consumption, one should understand their own constitution or consult a physician or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for guidance.
