Can people with cold hands and feet take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Apr 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

When cold hands and feet are caused by a cold body constitution due to kidney yang deficiency or insufficient qi and blood, moderate consumption of Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) may be beneficial. Cornus officinalis has functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys and consolidating vital essence, which can help improve symptoms such as cold hands and feet, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and sensitivity to cold caused by kidney yang deficiency. In such cases, Cornus officinalis can be used as an auxiliary medicinal herb to help warm and nourish the body.

Generally, individuals who experience cold hands and feet due to kidney yang deficiency or insufficiency of qi and blood may take cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu) in moderation under medical guidance. However, it is not recommended for those with internal damp-heat or weak spleen and stomach function. If symptoms persist, prompt medical consultation is advised. Detailed explanation is as follows:

When cold hands and feet are caused by a cold constitution due to kidney yang deficiency or insufficiency of qi and blood, moderate consumption of cornus fruit might be beneficial. Cornus fruit has functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys and consolidating vital essence, which may help alleviate symptoms such as cold extremities, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, cold intolerance, and aversion to cold caused by kidney yang deficiency. In such cases, cornus fruit can serve as an auxiliary medicinal herb to warm and nourish the body, but attention should be paid to controlling the dosage to avoid excessive greasiness that may impair the stomach or cause other discomforts.

If cold hands and feet are accompanied by symptoms of internal damp-heat or weak spleen and stomach function, cornus fruit is not suitable for consumption. Cornus fruit has a greasy nature that may exacerbate internal accumulation of dampness and heat, manifesting as symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, thick greasy tongue coating, or sticky stools. Furthermore, individuals with weak spleen and stomach may experience indigestion or abdominal distension after consuming cornus fruit, further impairing digestive and metabolic functions. Particularly when cold hands and feet are caused by cold-damp obstruction rather than kidney yang deficiency, cornus fruit may fail to improve symptoms and could potentially worsen the discomfort.

Whether to consume cornus fruit should be determined based on individual constitution and health condition, and medical advice should be sought when necessary to ensure safe and effective use.

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Can I eat cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu) if I have inflammation?

In general, if there is inflammation that is determined to be a deficiency pattern (deficient immune response),山茱萸 (Cornus officinalis) may be taken as directed by a physician. However, it is not recommended for cases of excess-pattern inflammation or severe damp-heat conditions. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Before consuming Cornus officinalis, the type of inflammation should be clearly identified, and its suitability should be assessed according to one's individual constitution. Special populations should use it only under the guidance of a physician to ensure dietary safety.

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Are Cornus officinalis berries safe for minors to consume?

If the minor is an older child presenting with symptoms of liver and kidney deficiency such as dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, he or she may, under the guidance of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) physician, take a proper amount of Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) to nourish the liver and kidneys. When taking Cornus officinalis, strictly follow the dosage recommendations provided by the physician and closely monitor the minor's physical response. Some minors with weak constitutions and the aforementioned symptoms may benefit from this treatment.

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Can patients with Yin deficiency and damp-heat syndrome consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Under normal circumstances, patients with yin deficiency and damp-heat are advised to take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). Cornus officinalis can nourish the liver and kidneys, consolidate essence to prevent its loss, and relieve sweating. It is primarily used to treat symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys. However, for patients with yin deficiency and damp-heat, there is an internal accumulation of damp-heat pathogens. After taking Cornus officinalis, its astringent effect may hinder the elimination of damp-heat pathogens, potentially leading to a worsening of internal damp-heat retention.

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Is it okay to take Cornus officinalis powder?

Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to consume Cornus officinalis (Chinese cornel) in powdered form. Cornus officinalis consists of the dried ripe pulp of the fruit from the plant Cornus officinalis, and it possesses certain medicinal values. It can be consumed in various ways, including direct consumption, steeping in water for drinking, and grinding into powder. Taking Cornus officinalis in powdered form is a common and effective method of administration, particularly suitable for long-term regulation and conditioning.