Can patients with fatty liver disease consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Patients with fatty liver disease may take cornus officinalis (山茱萸) in moderation following medical advice if they have conditions such as liver-kidney deficiency or qi and blood deficiency. However, it is not recommended for those with internal accumulation of damp-heat or weak digestive function. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

When patients with fatty liver disease are accompanied by liver-kidney deficiency or physical weakness, moderate consumption of cornus officinalis may be beneficial to health. Cornus officinalis has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys and consolidating vital essence, which may help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees caused by liver-kidney deficiency. However, attention should be paid to controlling the dosage to avoid burdening the spleen and stomach or affecting lipid metabolism due to its greasy nature.

Patients with fatty liver disease complicated by internal accumulation of damp-heat or weak digestive function should not consume cornus officinalis. Cornus officinalis is warm in nature and has a greasy texture, which may exacerbate symptoms of damp-heat such as thick greasy tongue coating, dry mouth, bitter taste, or abdominal distension. In addition, managing fatty liver disease itself requires regulating lipid metabolism through diet and exercise; blindly consuming cornus officinalis may complicate the condition or worsen symptoms.

While consuming cornus officinalis, patients should also adjust their dietary structure, increase intake of dietary fiber, reduce consumption of high-fat foods, and maintain moderate physical activity to promote lipid metabolism.