Is it safe to consume black mulberry paired with Cornus officinalis?
Apr 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, black mulberries can be consumed with cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). When combined in traditional Chinese medicinal diets, they have multiple functions including nourishing the liver and kidneys, moistening dryness, and promoting body fluid production. This combination can enhance the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, improving symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency, such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, heat in the palms and soles, night sweats, and hot flashes. It is recommended to appropriately combine ingredients and control the dosage according to individual conditions, avoiding excessive consumption.
Generally speaking, black mulberries can be consumed with cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu), but should not be eaten in excess. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Mulberries have a sweet and sour taste and are cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. They function to nourish yin, enrich blood, promote the production of body fluids, and moisten dryness. Cornus fruit has a sour and astringent taste, is slightly warm in nature, and affects the liver and kidney meridians. It is used for nourishing the liver and kidney and for astringency and preventing prolapse. When combined in traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy, these two ingredients offer multiple benefits, including nourishing the liver and kidney, moistening dryness, and promoting body-fluid production, thereby enhancing the effect of nourishing yin and benefiting the kidneys. They can help alleviate symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency such as lumbago and sore knees, heat in the palms and soles, night sweats, and hot flashes.
However, cornus fruit is warm in nature and excessive consumption may cause internal heat, leading to symptoms of excessive internal heat such as mouth ulcers, swollen and painful gums, dry throat, and constipation. Mulberries are cold in nature and should be consumed cautiously by individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach. Overconsumption of mulberries may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, while excessive intake of cornus fruit may cause discomforts such as dry mouth and bitter taste. Therefore, it is recommended to appropriately combine these ingredients and control the amount consumed based on individual conditions.
In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced combination of foods, pay attention to portion control, and avoid excessive consumption of any single food item, which helps maintain good health.
