Can people with heart and kidney yin deficiency drink Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?

Apr 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

When symptoms such as deficiency of essence and vital energy, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, or fatigue manifest due to yin deficiency of the heart and kidney, moderate consumption of Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) may be beneficial. Cornus officinalis nourishes the liver and kidneys and helps to consolidate and retain vital essence, thereby alleviating discomfort caused by yin deficiency. However, attention should be paid to moderate dosage to avoid excessive stickiness, which may burden the spleen and stomach or cause other adverse effects.

Individuals with heart-kidney yin deficiency, if accompanied by insufficiency of essence and qi, may moderately consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu). However, it is not recommended for those with internal accumulation of damp-heat or spleen-stomach weakness. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When heart-kidney yin deficiency manifests as symptoms of essence-qi deficiency, such as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees or fatigue, moderate consumption of Cornus officinalis may be beneficial. Cornus officinalis has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys and consolidating essence and qi, thereby helping to alleviate discomfort caused by yin deficiency. However, attention should be paid to moderate dosage to avoid overburdening the spleen and stomach or causing other discomfort due to its greasy nature.

If heart-kidney yin deficiency is accompanied by internal accumulation of damp-heat or weakened spleen-stomach function, Cornus officinalis is not suitable. Its warm and greasy nature may exacerbate damp-heat symptoms such as thick greasy tongue coating, dry mouth, bitter taste, or indigestion. Additionally, blind use of Cornus officinalis might disrupt the body's yin-yang balance and even worsen symptoms.

For individuals currently undergoing medication treatment or those with complex medical conditions, relying solely on Cornus officinalis may not achieve the desired effects and may lead to adverse reactions.

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What Chinese herbs can tonify both kidney yang deficiency and kidney yin deficiency?

Kidney yin and kidney yang are the foundation of the body's yin and yang. Kidney yin deficiency is often accompanied by tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, and sore throat, while kidney yang deficiency commonly manifests as aversion to cold, cold limbs, and soreness in the lower back and knees. Some Chinese herbs can regulate both conditions. Patients may use traditional Chinese medicines such as Rehmannia glutinosa tablets, Cornus officinalis flesh, Lycium barbarum granules, Cuscuta chinensis slices, and Polygonum multiflorum tablets under medical guidance. It is important to maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid staying up late and overexertion, and incorporate Chinese yam appropriately into the diet.