Can patients with Yin deficiency take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?
Apr 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with yin deficiency can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but it may not be suitable for all patients with yin deficiency; its use should be guided by a physician. Cornus officinalis has functions including nourishing the liver and kidneys and astringing essence to prevent prolapse. In treating yin deficiency, Cornus officinalis can target liver and kidney yin deficiency and is effective in alleviating symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, lower back pain, tinnitus, and hearing loss caused by these conditions.
Generally speaking, patients with Yin deficiency can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but it is not suitable for all patients with Yin deficiency, and should be taken under the guidance of a physician. The specific analysis is as follows:
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Cornus officinalis has a sour and astringent taste, slightly warm in nature, and acts on the liver and kidney meridians. It has functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and consolidating essence and arresting discharge. In treating Yin deficiency, Cornus officinalis can target liver and kidney Yin deficiency, and has good therapeutic effects on symptoms such as dizziness, lumbar soreness, tinnitus, and hearing loss caused thereby.
However, Cornus officinalis is warm in nature and may promote dampness and heat production. If patients with Yin deficiency also have obvious symptoms of damp-heat, such as bitter taste in the mouth, yellow and greasy tongue coating, and short, dark urine, taking Cornus officinalis may instead exacerbate internal accumulation of damp-heat, which is not conducive to recovery. Patients with Yin deficiency should consult a TCM practitioner or qualified physician before deciding whether to take Cornus officinalis, to undergo individualized syndrome differentiation and treatment to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
While taking Cornus officinalis, patients with Yin deficiency should also pay attention to adjusting their lifestyle habits, reducing consumption of raw, cold, and irritating foods, ensuring sufficient sleep, avoiding staying up late, and appropriately increasing physical activity to improve their constitution.
