Can patients with pharyngitis eat Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Apr 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Patients with pharyngitis can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but Cornus officinalis is not a medication specifically intended for treating pharyngitis. Cornus officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has various effects, including nourishing the liver and kidneys, consolidating and astringing bodily substances, and exerting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. Although Cornus officinalis contains multiple medicinal components capable of effectively inhibiting the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria and possesses certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is primarily used for treating dizziness caused by insufficiency of the liver and kidneys.

Generally speaking, patients with pharyngitis can take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but Cornus officinalis is not a specific medication for treating pharyngitis. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Cornus officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that has multiple functions, including nourishing the liver and kidneys, consolidating and astringing essence, and possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Although Cornus officinalis contains various medicinal components that can effectively inhibit the growth of certain pathogens and has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, it is primarily used to treat symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees caused by insufficiency of the liver and kidneys, as well as improving inflammatory conditions of the tracheal mucosa.

For patients with pharyngitis, Cornus officinalis may help alleviate symptoms of pharyngitis through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, but it cannot directly cure pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is an inflammatory reaction occurring in the mucous membranes and submucosal tissues of the pharynx and requires treatment targeted at the specific underlying cause.

If you suffer from pharyngitis, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo targeted treatment under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, attention should be paid to dietary regulation in daily life, avoiding consumption of spicy or irritating foods, which may irritate the throat and worsen the condition.

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What should I do if my throat feels like it's being cut with a knife?

In general, a sore throat that feels like a knife cut may be caused by excessive use of the voice, irritation from spicy or hot foods, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute epiglottitis, or other similar conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, and other methods. In daily life, it is important to keep the throat warm and avoid cold exposure. Wearing a mask when going outdoors can also help prevent irritation from dust.