Can a 12-year-old child take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Generally speaking, 12-year-old children can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but it should be done under the guidance of a physician. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Cornus officinalis has functions including nourishing the liver and kidneys and astringing to relieve symptoms such as excessive sweating and seminal emission. If a 12-year-old child experiences symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees caused by liver and kidney deficiency, or suffers from persistent night sweats, nocturnal emission, or spermatorrhea, and has been diagnosed and advised by a physician, they may take an appropriate amount of Cornus officinalis as an adjunct treatment. In such cases, taking Cornus officinalis may help improve the child's physical condition.

However, excessive consumption of Cornus officinalis may lead to adverse reactions such as heatiness, aggravation of damp-heat, and damage to the spleen and stomach. Children should strictly follow the dosage instructions provided by a physician when taking it. Moreover, if the child has a constitution tending towards internal heat or has damp-heat accumulation, Cornus officinalis is not suitable for consumption. Before administering Cornus officinalis to a 12-year-old child, it is recommended to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to make an individualized assessment and receive guidance based on the child's specific health condition.

During the period of treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, parents should also pay attention to the child's physical reactions. If symptoms such as rashes or diarrhea occur, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.