Cornus Fruit - Shan Zhu Yu
Products Featuring This Herb:
Cornus Fruit Extract Powder
Ant Power
Dragon Jing
Eagle Vision
Endocrine Health
Imperial Garden
Jing
Rehmannia Six Combination
Return to Youth
Strength Builder
Super Jing
Super Yang Jing Drops
Supreme Creation
Ear Ringing Pills
Eight Flavor Rehmannia Teapills
Eight Flavor Rehmannia Teapills Economy Size
Eight Immortals Teapills
Golden Book Teapills
Golden Book Teapills Economy Size
Left Side Replenishing Teapills
Lycii Chrysanthemum Teapills
Morinda Yin Yang Pills
Six Flavor Teapills
Six Flavor Teapills Economy Size
Return to Spring Teapills
Right Side Replenishing Teapills
Other Common Names
Cornus
Page # In Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
205
Latin Name
Fructus Corni Officinalis
Pinyin
Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yu Rou
Treasures
Yin Jing
Treasure Rating
***1/2
Atmospheric Energy
Warm
Organ Meridian Systems
Kidney and Liver
Part Used and Form
Pulp of the ripe fruit. The fruit has been prepared by baking over a slow fire or scalding with boiling water, then, after removal of the stone, drying in the sun.
Primary Functions
To stabilize the Kidney and to contain Jing. Astringent, preventing or arresting excessive loss of body fluid. Nourishing the Kidney and Liver.
Qualities
This sour fruit plays an important role in many Essence tonics. It is said to be “astringent”, thereby locking energy into the system and preventing the energy from ‘leaking” out. In its own right it is a powerful Yin essence tonic with a warm energy. When combined with other tonic herbs, Cornus becomes a powerhouse and makes the other herbs much more powerful as well. Cornus is considered to be an aphrodisiac.
Cornus is a mild Yin tonic which acts upon the Kidney, most specifically upon the urogenital system. Its tonic action is highly magnified by its powerful astringent action. Being a warm Yin tonic makes it a somewhat unique herb. It’s great power does not lie in the actual amount of Yin provided by the Cornus itself — it lies in Cornus’s incredible astringent action on the urogenital organs.
Cornus is very sour and like all sour herbs, it helps control ejaculation of sperm and helps treat the problems of impotence, premature ejaculation and frequent urination due to weak bladder. Because of its warm nature and because of its direct action on the genital function, many Asian herbalists consider Cornus to have “aphrodisiac” qualities. Like all true Kidney tonics, Cornus helps strengthen the back and knees, clears the mind, improves hearing. Cornus is well known for its benefits for people experiencing dizziness. For deficient Yin Jing, combine Cornus with Yin herbs. Likewise for deficient Yang Jing, combine Cornus with Yang herbs. In either case, Cornus will strengthen both Yin or Yang Jing by conserving it.
A quinol glucoside has been isolated which acts as a urinary antiseptic. Extracts have shown antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhula and Shigella dysentarae. Extracts have also shown anti-allergenic effects. Cornus will help reduce perspiration in those who sweat due to illness, weakness or fear. Mixed with the appropriate herbs, Cornus is very useful for stabilizing excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding due to deficiency and weakness.
Primary Combinations
Combine with:
- Rehmannia (steamed), Cuscuta, Goji and Eucommia bark to tonify the Liver and Kidneys, to strengthen the lower back and legs, to strengthen sexual functions and to prevent premature ejaculation in men
- Ginseng, Prepared Aconite and Oyster shell to prevent sweating due to weakness of the body
Varieties and Grading
The fresher the better. The more sour the better.
Contraindications
Cornus is an extremely safe herb with no known side effects. However, it should be not be used by people who have difficulty urinating or who become hot but cannot sweat.
