Cornus Fruit
Cornus Fruit (Shan Zhu Yu): A Sour Herb for Stabilizing Essence, Securing Leakage, and Tonifying the Liver and Kidneys
Introduction
Cornus fruit, known as Shan Zhu Yu (山茱萸) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sour and slightly warm. It is valued for stabilizing and binding, especially in cases of leakage such as excessive sweating, spermatorrhea, or frequent urination. Shan Zhu Yu also tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, making it a key herb for deficiency-related weakness, dizziness, and lower back pain. Its dual ability to secure and tonify makes it both protective and restorative.
What Is Cornus Fruit?
Shan Zhu Yu comes from the fruit of Cornus officinalis, a deciduous shrub native to East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as sour and slightly warm, entering the Liver and Kidney meridians. Its binding nature helps control leakage of fluids, while its tonic properties strengthen core vitality.
Health Benefits of Cornus Fruit
Stabilizes essence and secures leakage – Effective for spermatorrhea, incontinence, and excessive sweating.
Tonifies Liver and Kidneys – Helps with dizziness, sore back and knees, and fatigue due to deficiency.
Stops excessive sweating and collapse – Used for cases of shock, weakness, or exhaustion with sweating.
Supports recovery – Restores energy in chronic illness or after heavy fluid loss.
How to Use Cornus Fruit
Decoction – Commonly boiled with other herbs to stabilize essence and strengthen the Kidneys.
Pills or powders – Included in tonic formulas for Kidney and Liver deficiency.
Formulas – A major ingredient in classic formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) for nourishing yin and Kidney essence.
Where to Buy Cornus Fruit
TCM shops – Sold as dried, reddish fruits.
Herbal suppliers – Available online in whole fruit or powdered form.
Look for: plump, dark-red to purple fruits with a sour, slightly astringent taste.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Shan Zhu Yu should be used cautiously in cases of urinary difficulty or damp-heat conditions, as its binding nature can worsen retention. Excessive use may cause abdominal discomfort. Always combine with balancing herbs under professional guidance.
Conclusion
Cornus fruit (Shan Zhu Yu) is a sour, stabilizing herb that secures leakage, strengthens the Liver and Kidneys, and restores vitality. With its unique balance of binding and tonifying properties, it is indispensable in formulas for essence preservation and deficiency recovery.
FAQ
Can it help with frequent urination? – Yes, it stabilizes and secures the Kidneys to reduce leakage.
Does it strengthen the body? – Yes, it tonifies Liver and Kidney deficiency, improving energy and stability.
Is it safe for long-term use? – It is often used in long-term tonic formulas, but should be balanced with other herbs for best results.