Can Aconite Root be combined with Cornus Fruit?
Apr 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Aconite (Fuzi) has the effects of warming yang and dispersing cold, and restoring yang to rescue from reversal, commonly used in treating conditions of insufficient yang qi or excessive internal cold pathogens. Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu), on the other hand, primarily functions to nourish the liver and kidneys and to consolidate and retain body essence. It is suitable for individuals with deficiency of liver and kidney or insufficiency of qi and blood. When used together, the yang-warming properties of aconite can work synergistically with the nourishing effects of cornus, achieving a better regulatory effect.
Generally speaking, Aconite Root (Fu Zi) can be combined with Cornus Fruit (Shan Zhu Yu), but the specific combination should be determined based on individual health conditions and physical constitution. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Aconite Root functions to warm yang, dispel cold, restore yang, and rescue from collapse, commonly used in treating conditions characterized by yang deficiency or excessive internal cold. In comparison, Cornus Fruit mainly nourishes the liver and kidneys and has an astringent effect, making it suitable for individuals with liver and kidney deficiency or qi and blood deficiency. When combined, the warming yang properties of Aconite Root can complement the nourishing effects of Cornus Fruit, achieving better therapeutic results.
If a patient presents with excessive internal heat or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, it is not advisable to combine Aconite Root with Cornus Fruit. Aconite Root is hot in nature and may exacerbate heat symptoms, while Cornus Fruit tends to be nourishing and may promote dampness and heat, potentially causing physical discomfort.
In addition, Aconite Root has certain toxicity and must be properly processed and strictly dosed to avoid adverse reactions.
