Home
Articles
Q&A

Is it safe to consume licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao) together with Cornus officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu)?

Apr 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, processed licorice (Zhi Gan Cao) can be used together with cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu). Processed licorice has a sweet and neutral property, and functions to tonify the spleen and益气 (enhance qi), relieve acute pain. Cornus fruit is warm in nature with a sour and astringent taste, and can nourish the liver and kidneys, and help retain essence and reduce urination. When used together, they are commonly employed in treating conditions such as spleen and stomach weakness or insufficiency of the liver and kidneys. It is recommended to use under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Generally speaking, processed licorice (Zhi Gan Cao) can be taken with cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu). However, it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Processed licorice has a sweet and neutral property and functions to tonify the spleen, enhance qi, relieve spasms, and alleviate pain. Cornus fruit is sour, astringent, and warm in nature, and can nourish the liver and kidneys while helping to consolidate essence and reduce urination. When used together, these herbs are commonly employed in treating conditions such as spleen and stomach weakness and insufficiency of the liver and kidneys. According to TCM theory, there are no contraindications for combining these two herbs. If a TCM practitioner determines that this combination is suitable for the patient after diagnosis, they can be taken together.

However, individuals differ in constitution and may respond differently to herbal medicines. People with excessive damp-heat or phlegm-dampness in their bodies, or those experiencing an acute inflammatory response, may not be suited for large amounts of processed licorice, as it might promote dampness and phlegm formation. Therefore, when taking these two herbs, one should closely monitor bodily reactions and discontinue use immediately if adverse effects occur, seeking medical attention promptly.

When using traditional Chinese herbs, one should also maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid consuming foods that may interfere with treatment to promote recovery.

Related Articles

View All
Is Quanlu Dabao Pill genuine?
Quanlu Dabu Pills mainly contain various traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients such as dried whole deer, red ginseng, prepared rehmannia root, cornus fruit, Lycium barbarum, among others. They are effective in nourishing the blood and vital essence, replenishing qi, and fortifying the body's foundation. These pills can help alleviate symptoms such as impotence and excessive uterine bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge. They can also effectively improve symptoms caused by deficiencies in qi and blood, such as dizziness, tinnitus, and mental confusion. Additionally, they provide beneficial regulatory effects for individuals with weak constitutions and poor resistance.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
Is it safe to take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for three months without harming the body?
Under normal circumstances, individuals with a normal constitution and appropriate symptoms typically experience no adverse effects after taking Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill) for three months. However, if the person does not have a kidney yin deficiency constitution or has other underlying health conditions, taking Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for three months may potentially cause harm to the body. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan consists of six Chinese herbs: prepared rehmannia root, cornus fruit, chinese yam, water plantain rhizome, tree peony bark, and poria, and it functions to nourish yin and support kidney health.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can Aconite Root be combined with Cornus Fruit?
Aconite (Fuzi) has the effects of warming yang and dispersing cold, and restoring yang to rescue from reversal, commonly used in treating conditions of insufficient yang qi or excessive internal cold pathogens. Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), on the other hand, primarily functions to nourish the liver and kidneys and to consolidate and retain body essence. It is suitable for individuals with deficiency of liver and kidney or insufficiency of qi and blood. When used together, the yang-warming properties of aconite can work synergistically with the nourishing effects of cornus, achieving a better regulatory effect.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
Can women drink raspberry, Psoralea fruit, or Cornus officinalis?
Raspberry, Cynomorium songaricum, and Cornus officinalis all possess certain nourishing effects. Raspberry can benefit the kidneys, consolidate essence, nourish the liver, and improve vision; Cynomorium songaricum warms the kidneys, strengthens yang energy, improves vision, and calms the mind; Cornus officinalis warms and nourishes the liver and kidneys while exerting an astringent and consolidating effect. These herbs are suitable for symptoms caused by kidney deficiency such as weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus, as well as discomforts like hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
How long should Cornus officinalis be boiled to remove the seed?
If the cornus fruit is fresh or relatively moist, and the flesh is not tightly attached to the pit, boiling in water for 5–15 minutes may cause the flesh to begin loosening, making it easier to remove the pit manually. For dried cornus fruit, a longer time may be required to soften the flesh. In this case, place the cornus fruit in a casserole, add sufficient water, and simmer over low heat for 60 minutes.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
How many minutes should Cornus officinalis be boiled before drinking?
If using dried cornus fruit (Shanzhuyu), it is usually necessary to first rinse it thoroughly, then place it in a pot and add water to boil. Generally, after boiling, reduce the heat and continue simmering for 10–15 minutes. This allows the active ingredients in the cornus fruit to fully dissolve in the water, making them easier for the body to absorb. At this point, the cornus fruit water can be removed from the heat and slightly cooled before consumption.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
Is it safe to take Rehmannia glutinosa combined with Cornus officinalis?
Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to consume Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang) together with Cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu), but this should be done in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a physician. Rehmannia root has functions of enriching blood, nourishing yin, clearing heat, and promoting body fluid production. Cornus fruit has effects of benefiting the liver and kidneys, and astringing and consolidating essence. When consumed together in appropriate amounts, the therapeutic effects of these two herbs can complement each other, enhancing the effect of nourishing yin and benefiting the kidneys, and can be used to treat conditions such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and impotence.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.