Can individuals with kidney essence deficiency consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu)?
Generally, individuals with kidney essence deficiency can consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), but it should be used in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a physician. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical treatment at a hospital is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Cornus officinalis can nourish kidney essence and consolidate kidney qi. It is effective in regulating conditions such as spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation caused by kidney deficiency, improving the kidney's function of containment and helping stabilize the essence and qi within the kidneys. This contributes to enhanced reproductive function and vitality. Additionally, Cornus officinalis can relieve discomfort in the waist and knees, strengthening them and improving physical mobility and stamina.
However, if symptoms of kidney essence deficiency are severe and accompanied by significant signs of either kidney yang deficiency or kidney yin deficiency, such as cold intolerance and cold limbs, frequent nighttime urination, tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, or thirst, simply consuming Cornus officinalis may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Moreover, due to its warm nature, it might be unsuitable for individuals with kidney yin deficiency. In such cases, a professional TCM practitioner should prescribe an appropriate formula based on individual constitution, rather than self-medicating with large amounts of Cornus officinalis.
In daily life, it is also important to maintain a regular作息 (routine作息 should be translated based on context; here it likely means routine作息 -> routine作息 -> routine), engage in moderate exercise, and follow a balanced diet to assist in improving kidney essence deficiency.